Seniors who have travelled overseas know the thrill of spotting a familiar Aussie product on a foreign shelf.

For one expat living in Asia, a recent discovery was more than just a taste of home; it was a sign of something significant happening on the world stage.


While shopping for ingredients for a classic beef ragu, Garrett found a package of Australian minced wagyu beef in a high-end supermarket in Shanghai, China.

'It caught my attention,' he shared.

Garrett added that Australian beef was not something commonly available in China before.


The price tag for a pack of Australian mince was about 46 Chinese yuan, or about $9.90.

However, this is not just a story about a homesick expat finding a familiar product.

It's a snapshot of a major global shift in the way countries trade and who's coming out on top.

Recent shake-ups in trading took the world by storm over the past weeks.

The United States (US) Government's decision to slap hefty tariffs on imports from China and other countries has affected trading across the world, including Australia.


In retaliation, China imposed its own steep tariffs of up to 145 per cent on American beef.

This move effectively shut the door on what was once a US$2.5 billion (A$3.9 billion) export market.
'The whole idea that China is hurting because of the tariffs,' Garrett explained.

'They're not because they're buying it from other places. They'll just go elsewhere.'

With American beef off the menu, Chinese supermarkets and restaurants have turned to other suppliers.

Australia's beef industry has since stepped up to fill the gap.

Experts predicted that Aussie beef sales to China would hit a record-breaking US$13.9 billion (A$21.7 billion) in 2024–2025, marking a 12 per cent increase from the previous year.


For many consumers, Australian beef has been a safer, higher-quality option.

Garrett himself said he 'trusts Australia more than America' when it comes to food safety and quality.

'From what I understand, food quality standards and regulations in the US are comparatively lower, and the use of chemicals and additives in cattle feed and meat processing is a concern for me,' Garrett explained.

'Overall, I trust Australia's regulatory approach, which seems to prioritise quality and safety over profit,' he said.

Watch Garrett's story here:

Last month, the US government announced sweeping tariffs on imports from China and other countries, including Australia.

Australia was subjected to a 'baseline' of 10 per cent tariff on all exports, including beef.

Despite the tariffs, Australia fared better off than most, as the country became China's go-to supplier for premium beef.

For beef producers Down Under, this shift could be a golden opportunity.

With US competitors sidelined, demand for Aussie beef in China has exploded.

However, increased exports could mean higher prices or tighter local supply, as producers prioritise overseas markets.

As global trade continues to shift, Australia's reputation for quality and safety has been a major asset.

The country's beef industry continues to thrive, and Aussie products won new fans around the world.
Have you ever spotted an Aussie product overseas? Do you have thoughts on how Australian beef has been taking the world by storm? Share your stories and insights with us in the comments section!