President Trump authorized an additional 80,000 metric tons of imported beef
The U.S. is allowing more imports of beef from Argentina to address domestic supply challenges.
President Trump signed a proclamation on Feb. 6 authorizing an additional 80,000 metric tons of Argentine beef imports in 2026.
The president “is responding to market challenges and ensuring a plentiful ground beef supply for American families at affordable prices by taking action on multiple fronts,” a fact sheet says.
The beef supply chain in the U.S. is under stress.
The cattle herd was at 86.2 million head as of this January, a USDA report says.
But high demand, high input costs, policy and weather uncertainty, and import restrictions from Mexico because of New World Screwworm, are contributing to higher consumer prices.
In December 2025, for example, ground beef prices reached an average of $6.69 per pound.
Producers disapprove of the president’s decision.
The U.S. needs fewer beef imports, said Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA.
“Our industry is in a state of crisis and needs protection against price-depressing imports so it can rebuild to meet our national security objective of achieving self-sufficiency in beef production,” he said in a statement. “While the intent of this agreement is to lower retail ground beef prices, it’s unlikely to achieve the intended result. It’s more likely to cause a reduction in cattle prices for U.S. farmers and ranchers – particularly prices for their cull animals that produce the same lean beef product that will be imported.”
Some of the president’s Republican colleagues also question this decision.
Domestic solutions are what farmers need, said Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE).
"Nebraska produces the world's best beef,” she said in a statement. “Instead of imports that sideline American ranchers, we should be focused on solutions that cut red tape, lower production costs, and support growing our cattle herd.”
Argentine officials support the increased market access.
This additional access represents almost $1 billion for Argentina.
“This will secure an additional 80,000 tons by 2026, on top of the 20,000 tons already allocated to Argentina, allowing for an increase of approximately $800 million in Argentine beef exports,” Argentina’s foreign ministry said in a statement.