Sheep Industry Pushes for Action as USTR Probes Surge in Imported Lamb

The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is currently investigating the lamb import market and is now requesting information from the country’s sheep industry on how imported lamb is affecting domestic producers.

The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether trade measures are needed. The group says imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.

If USTR does not take further action, industry leaders say, they may petition the International Trade Commission (USITC) for a Section 201 Safeguard Investigation.

Under Section 201, domestic industries that are seriously injured or at risk of serious injury due to increased imports can petition the USITC for import relief. The USITC assesses whether an imported article is brought into the U.S. in such increased quantities that it significantly causes, or threatens to cause, serious harm to the U.S. industry producing a similar or directly competing product.

If the Commission makes a positive finding, it recommends relief measures to the President to prevent or address the injury and help the industry adjust to import competition. The President then makes the final decision on whether to grant relief and determines the amount.

However, the Association’s executive director said a direct request from the USTR would carry greater significance than this alternative approach.

Related Stories
Laramie Sandquist discusses Nationwide Agribusiness’s commitment to grain bin safety initiatives, including providing life-saving equipment and training to fire departments across the country.
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
China’s grain expansion model may be hitting its limit. Lower prices, high rents, and policy fatigue threaten future output — with ripple effects across global feed and oilseed markets.
America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.
The Livestock Conservancy joins us in the RFD-TV Studio to discuss how protecting heritage-breed poultry is essential to resilient food systems and the preservation of agricultural traditions.
Arizona producers are proving that desert farming and water conservation can coexist through technology, reuse, and efficiency — reinforcing both food security and environmental stewardship.
Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

National FFA President Trey Myers joins Monday’s FFA Today to share his hopes and goals for the 2025-2026 year as he steps into this opportunity to lead and serve the next generation of agriculture.
Watch the special this Saturday at 6:00 PM Eastern on RFD-TV
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.
One of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season is the Christmas tree. This year at RFD-TV! We are celebrating the tree farmers across Rural America that grow these iconic treasures. Here’s a soundtrack for you to enjoy this year as you gather to decorate yours — it’s a few of our favorite songs about Christmas trees!
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.