ADDRESSING BEEF AFFORDABILITY WITH TARGETED ACTION: President Donald J. Trump today signed a Proclamation to temporarily boost the import of lean beef trimmings without imposing an above-quota tariff. This move aims to provide affordable beef to American consumers amid current supply issues. The measure includes essential safeguards to maximize cost savings while shielding American ranchers from foreign imports and allowing them to expand domestic cattle herds.
- The Proclamation temporarily increases the amount of lean beef trimmings subject to an in-quota tariff rate for producing ground beef, enabling eligible trading partners to benefit from lower tariff rates.
- This expanded quota is subject to several conditions:
- It is valid for 90 days, starting on September 1, 2026.
- It permits 100,000 tons per month. (The USDA forecasts over 11 million tons of U.S. beef production in 2026.)
- It pertains only to lean beef trimmings for use with U.S. beef in ground beef.
- It promotes selling beef at a 25% discount from the prevailing import price.
- The Proclamation does not alter any commitments related to beef for countries with a free trade agreement with the United States and does not apply to countries with specific beef quotas.
FURTHER RESPONDING TO REDUCED U.S. BEEF AVAILABILITY AND HIGHER DOMESTIC DEMAND: President Trump is taking strong measures to address market disruptions and natural disasters to ensure an adequate supply and affordable prices of beef products for American families.
- The previous administration’s policies led to one of the most severe beef supply crises in decades, with domestic cattle herds reaching a 75-year low. Radical climate policies and inflation-induced high input costs have put significant strain on American agriculture and ranchers.
- The Trump administration has been actively working to rebuild the American beef industry, marking an increase in the U.S. cattle numbers for the first time since 2018, with ranchers retaining more heifers.
- Following President Trump’s February Proclamation addressing high beef prices, several factors have affected the U.S. domestic herd size:
- Necessary restrictions on live animal imports from Mexico to prevent the spread of the New World Screwworm, drought in cattle-producing areas, and reduced feed availability due to wildfires have all contributed.
- The closure of southern ports due to the New World Screwworm resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of metric tons of U.S.-produced beef.
- As a result of these challenges, the USDA projects a roughly four percent decline in U.S. beef output from 2025 levels.
- As the world’s largest beef consumer by volume and second in per capita consumption, it is essential for the U.S. to ensure an ample supply of affordable beef products.
- With Americans consuming more beef, ensuring a sufficient supply at reasonable prices is crucial.
- The President’s temporary actions aim to bolster the nation’s affordable beef supply amid ongoing supply challenges.
- This temporary measure is expected to increase beef supply by about 10% over current projections, providing economic relief to consumers without significantly affecting the fed cattle market.
- This action cannot fully compensate for the beef shortfall caused by the U.S.-Mexico border closure to prevent New World Screwworm. President Trump remains committed to supporting American ranchers as they recover from the previous administration’s policies.
DELIVERING LOWER COSTS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES WHILE SUPPORTING OUR RANCHERS: Since resuming office, President Trump has taken swift actions to restore affordability, counter the previous administration’s inflation crisis, and strengthen America’s farmers, ranchers, and food supply.
- Under the previous administration, workers lost nearly $3,000 in purchasing power, as inflation outpaced wage growth. Under President Trump, real wages increased by $822 in 2025, with further savings expected from deregulation.
- From day one, President Trump halted proposed regulations from the previous administration, saving Americans over $211 billion, or $2,461 per family of four.
- In July 2025, President Trump enacted the largest tax cuts in U.S. history, putting thousands more dollars into families’ pockets each year.
- The Working Families Tax Cuts include various tax provisions and incentives for the ranching industry, enhancing its attractiveness for investment and improving profitability for ranchers.
- Since taking office, the Trump administration has implemented a comprehensive plan to protect the American herd from New World Screwworm. Southern ports remain closed to live animal imports from Mexico, with a phased reopening planned to enhance beef supply with strong safeguards.
- In October 2025, the Trump Administration introduced measures to fortify the American beef industry, emphasizing the critical role of ranchers in national security.
- In December 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to prevent price fixing, anti-competitive practices, and foreign influence that inflate grocery prices and threaten America’s food security.
- In February 2026, President Trump issued a proclamation to temporarily boost imports and lower beef prices for consumers.
- In June 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order to accelerate agricultural innovation, empowering farmers and ranchers and strengthening food security.
- Today’s actions exemplify the Trump administration’s focus on reducing costs for all Americans.
- The Trump Administration has enhanced the farm safety net, expanded crop insurance, streamlined regulations, and reduced costs for farmers.
- President Trump is committed to minimizing risks for cattle producers, supporting new ranchers nationwide, and ensuring continued prosperity for ranchers.
