Total U.S. beef exports came in a little more than $19 billion last year, with more than half going to the three countries facing the most tariffs: Mexico, China, and Canada.
The meat industry says they are just waiting to see how the situation pans out.
“Obviously very concerning at a very high level, but we’ll have to just see how this all plays out because there’s a lot of moving parts and remains to be seen exactly what the potential impact is short term,” said Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Halstrom says for the long term, they are hoping to get through these tariff issues with minimal impact.
The Meat Institute also wants action, calling for the removal of non-tariff trade barriers, in hopes of opening new markets for meat producers. They warn that retaliatory tariffs from China will stunt growth, and say that UK policies unfairly restrict meat and poultry exports. The group tells U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer they want to work with the Administration, saying they need support to open new markets for producers.
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
February 12, 2026 06:00 AM
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While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
February 11, 2026 02:41 PM
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Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
February 11, 2026 12:37 PM
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Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
February 10, 2026 04:11 PM
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Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
February 10, 2026 02:27 PM
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Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
February 10, 2026 01:35 PM
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