Meat Producers Criticise Australia–EU Trade Deal Despite Minister’s Call for Support

Australian farmers called the Australia-EU free trade agreement the “worst ever,” saying it is no better than an earlier, rejected version.

A shopper reaches for Australian beef products at a supermarket in Sydney, Australia, on April 6, 2025. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Meat farmers are being urged to support the free trade agreement (FTA) Australia signed with the EU on March 24, but they say it is the “worst ever” deal.

The two sides struck an agreement to expand trade across a range of areas after 8 years of negotiations. Australia has agreed to remove a 5 percent tariff on imports of EU products, which affects everything from cars to fashion products, food, and drinks.