Key facts
- President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to increase beef imports.
- The plan involves suspending tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported lean beef trimmings for 90 days.
- The goal is to lower ground beef prices by sourcing imports at a 25 percent discount.
- The decision faces strong opposition from Republican lawmakers and the U.S. beef industry.
- The measure could be rescinded if prices do not decrease or the discount is not met.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to temporarily increase the quantity of lean beef trimmings imported into the U.S., aiming to lower prices for consumers. The White House stated the move was to address beef prices that have "increased unreasonably." The proclamation will suspend tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported lean beef trimmings for 90 days, with supplying countries expected to sell the beef at a 25 percent discount compared to current market rates. This decision has drawn significant opposition from Republican lawmakers and U.S. farm and ranch groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, which warned it would "undermine America's ranchers." U.S. consumers have faced record-high beef prices this year due to drought and wildfires reducing cattle supplies to a 75-year low. President Trump indicated that the increased import measure could be rescinded if beef prices do not decrease or if the agreed-upon discount is not met by the supplying nations.