Overview
- The administration has confirmed a plan to quadruple Argentina’s low‑tariff beef quota to increase supply and relieve prices.
- In an Oct. 30 letter, 14 House Republicans led by Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith argued the move would harm U.S. cattle producers, weaken trade leverage, and raise animal‑health risks.
- The lawmakers pressed for verified inspection equivalency and reciprocal market access before any quota or inspection changes take effect.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the department is monitoring a foot‑and‑mouth disease issue and would closely oversee any shipments, while noting the import volume would be small relative to U.S. output.
- USDA announced steps to strengthen the domestic beef industry, and farm‑state Republicans in both chambers pressed officials as some questioned whether expanded imports would meaningfully lower retail prices.