COLLEGE STATION, TX -The U.S. lamb market is experiencing new profession pressures as tariffs and progressing supply aspects improve imports. According to Dr. David Anderson, Teacher and Extension Economist at Texas A&M, lamb imports have actually long been questionable. In 2024, imports from Australia and New Zealand represented about 70 percent of U.S. supply, with Australia giving three-quarters of that total amount. Imports peaked in April 2025 to meet Easter need, yet dropped in May and June after the intro of a 10 percent toll on Australian and New Zealand lamb.
While the toll has played a role, Anderson notes that wider market pressures may be equally significant. Climbing Australian lamb costs, a stronger Australian dollar, and seasonal declines after Easter have all combined to decrease shipments. Domestically, U.S. lamb manufacturing is locating moderate development via non-traditional channels, including grazing on solar residential properties where returns come from land administration as opposed to meat sales.
Looking ahead, questions remain concerning whether tolls can offer lasting benefits to domestic manufacturers or whether price modifications and supply feedbacks can offset any kind of gains. The lamb market will certainly be very closely enjoyed as profession and market forces continue to interact.