Austin News

On April 8, 2025, U.S. Senator John Cornyn engaged in discussions with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a Senate Finance Committee session. The conversation revolved around the challenges of achieving equal trade conditions, specifically focusing on the barriers affecting U.S. beef exports to Australia.

Senator Cornyn raised concerns about non-tariff trade barriers imposed by Australia, which affect the export of beef from Texas, a state heavily involved in cattle production. He stated, “Our friends in Australia basically have put up barriers to the export of beef from the United States." Greer acknowledged the issue, responding to these concerns by pointing out the lack of reciprocal trade, despite existing free trade agreements. “Last year, I think we imported about $3 billion worth of Australian beef, and we exported zero dollars of American beef to Australia—and it’s not just beef,” he stated. Greer further highlighted the lack of U.S. pork exports to Australia: “It’s incredible that they do this. We have zero exports of the fresh and frozen U.S. pork to Australia."

Cornyn commented on the reactions to President Trump's trade policies, noting, “I find it interesting that people express surprise at President Trump’s policies, when he’s been talking about these policies for—best I can tell—for decades and how unfair trading arrangements are between various countries.” He linked these practices to the shift of manufacturing jobs to Asia, notably China, and expressed concerns over supply chain dependencies.

Discussing the heavy reliance on China for critical mineral processing, Cornyn said, “Would you speak to the vulnerabilities that exist as a result of China basically processing 90 percent of the critical minerals in the world that are essential for our daily lives?" Greer expressed concern, stating, “That figure is always one that gives me great concern,” and described it as “a very dangerous situation to be in.” He emphasized the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities through trade actions, regulatory adjustments, and fostering domestic production or facilitated production with trade partners.