Overview
- Trump told reporters the U.S. could buy “some” beef from Argentina to help bring down domestic prices, but no purchase has been finalized.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the administration is in talks with Argentina and indicated any imports would be small due to foot-and-mouth disease concerns.
- Major farm groups, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and Farm Action, warned imports would harm producers and likely not lower grocery prices, citing a $801 million to $7 million trade imbalance since 2020.
- Republican criticism intensified as Sen. Deb Fischer opposed the idea and eight House Republicans asked the White House for details on safety, inspection standards and the decision process.
- The import discussions follow Treasury’s $20 billion swap framework for Argentina and plans for broader financing, as U.S. beef prices sit at record highs after herd reductions and other supply strains.