Overview
- A White House official said the plan would raise Argentina’s low-tariff beef quota from 20,000 to about 80,000 metric tons, with the proposal still being developed.
- President Trump publicly defended the move, telling ranchers to lower prices and crediting his tariffs—including a roughly 50% levy on Brazilian beef—for their recent profits.
- USDA announced support steps such as promoting voluntary Country of Origin Labeling and initiatives to bolster herd rebuilding and processing capacity.
- Major cattle groups and many ranchers oppose the proposal, and Republican lawmakers pressed concerns in letters and meetings, citing market harm and food-safety standards.
- Analysts note Argentina supplies roughly 2% of U.S. beef imports and lacks the capacity to materially cut retail prices, as critics also point to a recent U.S. $20 billion financial lifeline to Argentina.