Trump expands beef import quota by 300,000 metric tons to curb ground-beef prices
The White House announced a temporary increase in the U.S. tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings, adding 300,000 metric tons in three phases starting Sept. 1, aiming to boost supply and lower consumer prices amid declining domestic production.
President Donald Trump formally raised the U.S. tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons, a move intended to increase ground-beef supply and ease price pressure for shoppers. The increase will be released in three 100,000-metric-ton tranches, with the first tranche available Sept. 1-30, the second Oct. 1-30 and the final tranche from Oct. 31 until the quota is filled or Nov. 30, whichever comes first, according to a White House proclamation.
The administration cited a projected 4% decline in U.S. beef production this year, linked to a historically low cattle herd, drought, wildfire impacts and restrictions on live cattle imports from Mexico aimed at preventing a screwworm outbreak. USDA forecasts also predict rising domestic beef consumption through 2026, adding further demand pressure.
Republican lawmakers from cattle-producing states have voiced concerns that higher foreign beef imports could undercut domestic ranchers, but officials argue that current supplies are insufficient to meet demand at reasonable prices.
"The expanded quota is tied to price performance; if beef entering under the additional quota is not sold at prices at least 25% below the market price for lean beef trimmings, the agriculture secretary and U.S. trade representative must notify the president, who could revoke the remaining increase," the proclamation states.
The action follows a February increase that added 80,000 metric tons to the 2026 quota for Argentine lean beef trimmings, which remains separate from the new allocation that applies to other countries.