ENHANCING OUR BEEF SUPPLY:
In a bid to tackle supply issues and make ground beef more affordable for American families, President Donald J. Trump has enacted a Proclamation that temporarily raises the U.S. tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings.
- This Proclamation allows for the importation of an additional 80,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings per year from Argentina without tariffs, divided into four quarterly shipments of 20,000 metric tons each.
- The Secretary of Agriculture, alongside the United States Trade Representative, will continuously assess domestic lean beef supplies and imports, providing guidance on any necessary actions to maintain an adequate supply.
ADDRESSING THE SCARCITY OF GROUND BEEF:
Faced with market challenges, President Trump is proactively working to ensure a steady supply of ground beef at reasonable prices for American households.
- The U.S. cattle herd has dwindled to a historic low of 86.2 million head as of January 2026, with beef cow numbers down by 8.6% since 2020.
- Years of drought and extensive wildfires have devastated grazing lands, cut feed supplies, and forced ranchers into a difficult position, leading to a notable drop in domestic beef production.
- Import restrictions on cattle from Mexico, implemented due to concerns over the New World Screwworm, were crucial in preventing disease spread but have also limited feedlot supplies, further exacerbating shortages.
- This combination of factors has driven ground beef prices to an average high of $6.69 per pound in December 2025, the most expensive since record-keeping began in the 1980s.
- As the largest global consumer of beef by volume and second in per capita consumption, the significance of beef in the American diet cannot be overstated.
- The President’s measures aim to bolster the availability of affordable beef for American consumers amidst these ongoing challenges.
LOWERING COSTS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES WHILE SUPPORTING RANCHERS:
President Trump is tirelessly working to combat the inflation crisis attributed to the Biden administration, striving to reinforce the foundation of America’s food supply.
- In July 2025, President Trump enacted the largest tax cuts in U.S. history, allowing families to keep thousands more in their budgets each year.
- The tax provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill are designed to enhance investment in the ranching sector, ultimately improving profitability for ranchers both now and in the future.
- In October 2025, the Trump Administration introduced a series of initiatives aimed at fortifying the American beef industry, emphasizing the essential role of ranchers in national security.
- By December 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order targeting price fixing, anti-competitive practices, and foreign influences that inflate grocery prices and jeopardize the security of America’s food supply.
- By rolling back proposed regulations from the Biden era, President Trump has already saved American families over $180 billion, translating to approximately $2,100 per family of four.
- During Biden’s four years in office, workers saw their purchasing power diminish by nearly $3,000 as inflation outpaced wage growth. In contrast, under President Trump, real wages are projected to rise by $1,100 in his first full year, even after accounting for rising prices.
- The Administration remains dedicated to minimizing risks for cattle producers, fostering new ranchers nationwide, and ensuring their continued prosperity.
