Overview
- Trump defended steep beef tariffs, highlighting a 50% levy on Brazil, and said ranchers are doing well because of his trade policies while urging them to lower prices.
- Administration officials are considering expanded access for Argentine beef, with media reports pointing to a possible low‑tariff quota of about 80,000 metric tons that has not been finalized.
- Major cattle groups including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association publicly opposed the plan, and farm‑state Republicans such as Sen. Deb Fischer warned it would harm domestic producers.
- USDA announced roughly $3 billion in assistance and new steps such as voluntary Country of Origin Labeling as the White House seeks to aid ranchers alongside efforts to ease grocery costs.
- Agricultural economists note Argentina supplies roughly 2% of U.S. beef imports, suggesting any increase would have limited short‑term impact on record retail prices driven by a smaller U.S. herd and constrained imports.