Georgetown, Texas — President Donald Trump’s plan to temporarily allow 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free beef imports is drawing unusually sharp criticism from ranchers and Republican lawmakers who say cheaper foreign supply could further squeeze struggling American cattle producers.
Trump says the 90-day policy will lower grocery costs while giving the depleted U.S. cattle herd time to recover. Ground beef averages about $6.89 per pound nationally, while cattle inventories have fallen to their lowest level in roughly 75 years.
Texas rancher Jim Richardson, who voted for Trump in 2024, told NOTUS he is “disappointed” by the decision after already doubling some prices to cover higher processing, fuel, labor and electricity costs. He said ranchers need “more stability, less erratic swings.”
Agricultural groups argue imports could depress cattle prices without addressing the drought, feed costs and herd shortages driving high beef prices. The Missouri Farm Bureau said the proposal would “further erode confidence in the market.”
The backlash is also political. Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson criticized the plan in Iowa, while North Dakota Republican state Rep. Dawson Holle said supporting Trump does not require remaining silent when a policy harms ranchers.
Economists cited by Reuters questioned whether imports equal to roughly 3% of annual U.S. beef consumption would meaningfully reduce retail prices.
Trump has defended the move as temporary relief for consumers while insisting his administration remains committed to rebuilding domestic cattle production.
Sources
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