President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday authorizing a temporary increase in lower-tariff imports of lean beef trimmings to address what the White House described as unreasonably high U.S. beef prices.
The order, effective September 1, permits the import of 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings at a reduced tariff rate for 90 days. The White House fact sheet accompanying the proclamation encouraged importers to sell the product at a 25% discount to help curb retail beef prices, which have climbed to record levels this year amid tight domestic cattle supplies.
Cattle supplies have fallen to a 75-year low due to prolonged drought and wildfires, according to the administration. The proclamation targets only trimmings intended for blending with U.S. beef to produce ground beef, exempting other beef products from the measure.
The move drew immediate opposition from U.S. farm and ranch groups. The American Farm Bureau Federation sent a letter to Trump warning that the lower tariff rate would "undermine America's ranchers," echoing similar criticism when the administration expanded lower-tariff imports of Argentinian beef in February.
Additional supply-side pressures on beef prices stem from livestock import restrictions the Trump administration imposed on Mexico to combat the spread of New World screwworm. The U.S. began a phased reopening of some southern border livestock ports the same week the proclamation was signed.
