WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — American Farm Bureau Federation economists say expanded beef imports have not produced meaningful ground beef price relief so far. Their review of 41 grocery stores in 22 states found the average price fell from $7.29 per pound on September 2 to $7.13 on September 23.
Prices were unchanged at 30 stores, while seven finished lower and three reached the 25% discount encouraged by the August presidential proclamation. Four stores ended the period with higher prices.
The proclamation temporarily increased the tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons, or about 661 million pounds. The additional quota opened September 1 in three monthly tranches.
The White House directs USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative to monitor whether qualifying imports are sold 25% below the market price. The president may end the remaining quota expansion if that discount does not materialize.
Farm Bureau says tight cattle supplies and strong demand continue supporting beef prices. The group argues rebuilding the domestic cattle herd offers a more durable path toward increasing beef supplies.
