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
The FAA’s proposed rule to allow drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) could soon revolutionize how farmers and ranchers manage their land.
“Good flies? Is that like a good fire ant?” Miller said. “I don’t know what a good fly is. I don’t know if they’re afraid to kill house flies or stable flies, but I’m ready to kill the screwworm fly.”
Tidal Grow Agri-Science joins us to celebrate Global Fertilizer Day, sharing how innovation continues to drive American agriculture forward.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging Congress and the Trump Administration to act quickly on behalf of American agriculture.
Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.
ock NH3 early, track China’s Oct. 15 call and any U.S. Russia-UAN action, stay nimble on urea, and budget cautiously for high-priced phosphate.
CoBank Lead Grains Economist Tanner Ehmke joins us to share insight and concerns over current grain storage capacity as export demand lags.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares his perspective on the uncertain outlook of federal farm relief and the Farm Bill, which may not materialize until the government shutdown ends.
Large animal veterinarian Dr. Rosalyn Biggs with Oklahoma State University warns producers may not be prepared for the real threat of New World Screwworm.

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:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.
Singer-songwriter Shea Fisher joined the program to discuss her latest projects and her appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast.
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Heavy rains are wreaking havoc on Argentina’s farmland, leaving nearly 4 million acres at risk and delaying corn and soybean plantings in one of the world’s top grain export regions.
Farmland values remain stable, but weakened credit conditions and lower expected farm income signal tighter financial margins heading into 2026.
Bangladesh recently pledged to purchase 700,000 tons of U.S. wheat and has also become a new buyer of American soybeans.