By Ryan Hanrahan
Fox Business’ Jasmine Baehr reported that “President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order temporarily expanding the amount of beef the U.S. can import from Argentina, a move the White House says is aimed at lowering prices but that the nation’s largest cattle industry group disputes.”
“The proclamation increases the in-quota tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings by 80,000 metric tons for calendar year 2026. The additional imports will be allocated entirely to Argentina and released in four quarterly tranches beginning Feb. 13,” Baehr reported. “The White House said the action is intended to boost supply and make ground beef more affordable for American consumers in a fact sheet on the order. According to the proclamation, the Trump administration is acting in response to historically high beef prices and a prolonged decrease in the U.S. cattle herd.”
However, “the announcement drew pushback from the nation’s largest cattle industry group, which questioned whether increased imports would deliver the price relief the administration is promising,” Baehr reported. “‘While we fundamentally disagree with the premise that increased imports can lower beef prices, NCBA is encouraged to see the Trump administration take necessary steps to address longstanding market-access challenges for U.S. beef in Argentina,’ said Kent Bacus, executive director of international trade and market access at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).”
“Bacus warned that Argentina’s history with foreign animal diseases raises concerns about expanding imports without stronger safeguards,” Baehr reported. “‘Given Argentina’s issues with foreign animal diseases, NCBA remains concerned that expanding imports from Argentina without increased inspection protocols and up-to-date audits could place American consumers and our cattle herd at unnecessary risk,’ Bacus said.”
Reuters’ Tom Polansek reported that “economists have said increased U.S. imports of Argentine beef will likely be too small to significantly lower costs for grocery store shoppers, but the shipments could help improve margins for food companies.”
Source : illinois.edu