US panel deadlock leaves Australian lamb tariff decision to Trump
A public hearing on possible trade restrictions is set for 1 December, while Australian lamb already attracts a 12.5% US tariff.
A divided US trade panel has left President Donald Trump to determine whether Australian lamb should face additional tariffs or other restrictions, after commissioners could not agree that imports had damaged American producers.
Jennifer Hillman, a Georgetown University academic and former US International Trade Commission (USITC) commissioner, said the tied result allowed the president to select which finding would stand.
Possible measures will be considered at a public hearing scheduled for 1 December. The commission's recommendations must reach the White House by 11 January.
Australian lamb currently attracts a US tariff of 12.5 per cent. Australia opposes that charge, saying it conflicts with the two countries' free trade agreement, and has argued against further duties.
Greg Moriarty, Australia's ambassador in Washington, warned the commission that import restrictions would make lamb more expensive for American consumers and reduce supply. He also said they could reverse demand growth, harming the US industry.
US trade ambassador Jamieson Greer requested the investigation, which began in July. It followed a campaign by US meat producer lobbyists alleging that cheaper imports from Australia and New Zealand were hurting local producers. Dozens of congressional Republicans supported that campaign.
