Beef Producers Say Trump’s Tariff Relief on Imports ‘Sacrifices Long-Term Stability’ for American Cattlemen

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says it is “disappointed” that President Trump is dropping tariffs on tons of ground beef imports in an effort to lower beef prices ahead of midterm elections.Mr. Trump announced the tariff relief in a Friday morning Truth Social post. The president said he reached a deal with unnamed countries to “substantially lower” the price of ground beef. The move comes after government data showed ground beef prices were $6.89 a pound last month, just under April’s record high of $6.90 a pound.“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,” Mr. Trump wrote. The government currently allows a certain amount of beef to be imported tariff-free each year.The president said his administration has a commitment that the beef will be sold at 25 percent below current market prices although it was unclear how any deal would restrain prices at the retail level.“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,” the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s chief executive officer, Colin Woodall said in a statement.Mr. Trump didn’t provide any more details on any countries involved in the deal but said it is “giving space” for American herders to grow their herds again. The president didn’t explain how increasing beef imports would help American cattlemen.Mr. Woodall said cattle markets turned sharply lower after the announcement, to the detriment of American 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,” Mr. Woodall said. “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,” Mr. Woodall added.The Trump administration has blamed President Biden for elevated beef prices. The agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins says the Biden administration waged a “war on cattle” and blamed cows for climate change.America’s cattle herd, however, reached a 75-year low last year after a drought and a ban on importation of Mexican feeder cattle due to a spread of the potentially deadly New World Screwworm. Thousands of cows in Mexico have tested positive for the flesh-eating screwworm. The United States Department of Agriculture will allow the resumption of live cattle imports from Mexico starting on August 24. The imports will exclusively take place at the Douglas Arizona Port of Entry.In addition to the parasite, the United States Cattlemen’s Association says ranchers are facing historically high costs for feed, fuel, labor, and land.The association says — relative to earnings — beef prices haven’t changed since the 1980s. The group cites figures that show the average American can purchase a pound of ground beef for about 12 minutes of work. That figure hasn’t changed in about 40 years.Last October, Mr. Trump turned to Argentina to help lower beef prices. The president boosted the amount of beef the South American country could export to America under lower tariffs.The cattle industry also came out against that decision, noting that most American cattle producers operate with little or no direct government subsidy. “When policymakers hint at intervention or suggest quick fixes, they can shake the market’s foundation and directly impact the livelihoods of ranchers who depend on stable, transparent pricing,” the United States Cattlemen’s Association president, Justin Tupper, said. “Sudden price moves make it harder for independent producers to plan, invest, and keep their operations running.”“Efforts to support consumers must consider the economic realities on the ground and ensure the voices of independent ranchers lead the discussion,” Mr. Tupper added.Beef imports are expected to continue to increase. The Agriculture Department, this month, raised estimates for beef imports through the end of 2026 and they are predicted to increase again in 2027. The top beef importers are Australia, Brazil, and Canada. The government cites record beef demand for the increased imports.Beef prices have grown much faster than other food costs and Democrats have tried to use inflation as an election issue as they attempt to take back control of Congress in November.

Beef Producers Say Trump’s Tariff Relief on Imports ‘Sacrifices Long-Term Stability’ for American Cattlemen

Beef Producers Say Trump’s Tariff Relief on Imports ‘Sacrifices Long-Term Stability’ for American Cattlemen

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