‘Tariff on Big Mac’: Nationals Leader Says Trump’s Trade Barriers Will Hurt Farmers

Nationals leader David Littleproud has warned that President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Australian beef would be a tariff on the Big Mac.

This comes amid fears that Australian agricultural exports including beef and other farming products could be subject to a 10 percent tariff or more.

Littleproud expressed that such tariffs would hurt the U.S. more than it would benefit it.

“I don’t think it’s a wise act and, in fact, the last time President Trump did this, it hurt American farmers,” he said. 

“If he looks at Australian beef and he wants to slap it on Australian beef, he, in fact, will be slapping it on his favourite food, a Big Mac, because most of the meat that goes into a Big Mac is lean beef and it comes from Australia.”

Littleproud emphasised that American beef production is not enough to meet domestic demand, making Australian exports vital.

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“So, while it might sound good, what President Trump is doing has consequences. We should take a leadership role and be able to convince him to understand that the rules-based order of trade has served the United States well and has served Australia well,” he said. 

“Last time he did this, Australian commodity prices went up, because what the world did is they traded around the United States, particularly in agricultural products, and his farmers hurt.”

The Nationals leader said the Opposition wants to work with the United States, but expressed they will agree to disagree on many things.

“There’s been no more trusted partner than Australia and this is about relationships,” Littleproud continued. 

“We proved that last time with Joe Hockey in being able to build those relationships. You’ve got to respect the sovereignty of the United States and its democratic process. That’s the way of the world,” he added. 

The tariffs, expected to be announced on “Liberation Day” at around 7 a.m. Australian time on April 2, are expected to form a part of a Make America Wealthy Again press conference.

The proposed tariffs will come into effect immediately after the announcement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed during a press briefing on April 1.

“I don’t care whether it’s President Trump or any other world leader, my job is to stand for Australians and I have the strength and the experience to be able to do that,” Dutton said at an interview in Victoria on April 2.

Dutton, who recently negotiated the AUKUS submarine deal with President Biden, asserted that Australia’s interests must come first in dealings with the U.S.