Protect American Beef Act.

This bill, the Protect American Beef Act, focuses on trade with Australia for Wagyu beef. It lets the President either negotiate better access for U.S. Wagyu or add import taxes on Australian Wagyu if Australia taxes or restricts U.S. Wagyu more than the United States does theirs. If Australia stops using higher taxes or other trade restrictions—or if keeping the higher U.S. import tax is no longer in the public interest—the President must end the extra tax. The U.S. Trade Representative would advise on how heavy Australia’s non-tariff rules are, and several factors must be considered before any action is taken .

The bill’s findings say the U.S. Wagyu industry is growing, that Australia has a pricing and trade edge, and that a 70% import tax on Australian Wagyu meat, semen, and conventional embryos would help level the playing field. It also notes Australia’s large share of the U.S. Wagyu market, including restaurants.

• Who is affected: U.S. Wagyu ranchers and their industry, importers, sellers like restaurants, and Australian Wagyu exporters.
• What changes: The President could negotiate lower barriers with Australia or add import taxes on Australian Wagyu to match Australia’s own taxes or other trade limits; these actions must be weighed against specific factors and can later be ended .
• When: Only after this becomes law and if the President finds Australia’s taxes or other trade rules are higher than the United States’ for Wagyu beef.