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.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
·
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
January 06, 2026 03:09 PM
·
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
January 06, 2026 12:21 PM
·
Preserving equity through active risk management remains critical in a volatile, supply-driven market.
January 06, 2026 06:00 AM
·
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
January 05, 2026 03:58 PM
·
As markets anticipate a return to normal trading following the New Year’s holiday, the possibility of the southern border re-opening to cattle is capturing much attention.
December 30, 2025 11:28 AM
Strong global demand and falling stocks suggest continued price volatility for U.S. coffee buyers despite record world production.
December 26, 2025 03:00 PM
·
U.S. dairy producers remain the primary growth engine globally, while tightening supplies in Europe and New Zealand could support export demand for American dairy products.
December 26, 2025 12:00 PM
·
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
December 23, 2025 02:01 PM
·
