Trump makes deal to bring 300,000 tons of imported beef to US to lower consumer costs

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has struck a deal to allow up to 300,000 tons of product for ground beef to be imported into the US, which will be sold below market prices, in an effort to lower grocery prices and allow the American beef herd to replenish itself.

“Today, I concluded a deal to substantially lower the price of ground beef for working American families. As everyone knows, under President Biden, beef prices soared at their fastest rate and the American beef herd fell to its smallest size in modern history.

"As we work to rebuild this herd and help our ranchers, for the next 90 days, the United States will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of product for ground beef to be imported with no out of quota tariff. We have a commitment that this beef will be sold at 25 percent below current market prices. This deal will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again.”

The move was met with backlash from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, with the group’s CEO, Colin Woodall, saying the move throws “cold water on the prospect of herd expansion and sacrifices long-term stability for short term messaging.”

He said, “NCBA is disappointed by the President’s statement. While America’s cattle producers share the goal of keeping groceries affordable for consumers, flooding the market with government-subsidized, below-market beef is not the way to rebuild the American cattle herd.”

“Cattle markets have already turned sharply lower this morning, to the detriment of farmers and ranchers. This is a critical time of year for cattle producers, as we approach the season where they are making decisions regarding their herds. Cattle farmers and ranchers are responding to strong market signals and historically high demand, and we are already working to rebuild after years of ongoing drought, high input costs and other challenges that have reduced U.S. cattle numbers.

"Today's announcement and other market interventions throw cold water on the prospect of herd expansion and sacrifices long-term stability for short term messaging,” he added. 

The move was also met with backlash from GOP lawmakers, with Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana writing, “I’ve advised President Trump against this course of action for a year because American ranchers have been struggling against the packer monopoly for decades, and this will further harm them—most of whom are MAGA Republicans.

“The President’s heart is in the right place on wanting lower prices for the American people, and beef prices have been impacted by the Mexican screwworm,” he added. “But the reality is this action will make it more difficult for American ranchers to rebuild our herd and bring prices down for the American people. And most importantly, this will harm our ranching families who feed the nation.”

Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida wrote, “President Trump is right to make lowering grocery costs for American families a priority. I share his commitment to bringing those costs down. At the same time, short-term relief can’t come at the expense of American ranchers, free markets and long-term solutions. American ranchers have battled drought, rising input costs, and a out-of-control regulatory system that makes it harder and more expensive to produce here at home.”

“Florida ranchers, in particular, will feel this squeeze, and they deserve a long-term plan that doesn’t leave them in limbo. Increasing our dependence on foreign imports is not the answer.”