NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — President Donald Trump says the United States will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported without an out-of-quota tariff for the next 90 days.
Trump announced the move Friday on Truth Social, saying the deal is intended to substantially lower ground beef prices for working American families while giving the U.S. cattle herd time to rebuild.
Trump said the imported beef will be sold at 25 percent below current market prices.
The president also pointed to rising beef prices and the decline in the U.S. cattle herd, saying the temporary import measure will help reduce prices while allowing the domestic herd to grow.
“This deal will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again,” Trump said.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s post regarding beef imports:
The president’s announcement did not specify where the imported beef will come from or provide additional details about the agreement.
Ground Beef Prices Outpace Cattle Gains At Retail
Ground beef prices are rising faster than cattle values, widening the disconnect between what consumers pay and what producers receive. The national average for regular ground beef reached about $6.89 per pound in July, roughly 10 percent above a year earlier.
Over the same period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, choice retail beef increased about 8 percent, while five-market fed steer prices rose roughly 5 percent. Wholesale Choice beef prices were slightly lower than last year.
Ground beef has its own supply pressures. It depends heavily on lean beef and trim from cows, fed cattle, and imports. Historically low beef cow slaughter means less domestic cow beef is available for grinding.
Consumer demand may also be contributing. As steak and roast prices remain elevated, shoppers seeking lower-cost beef options can shift toward hamburger, adding pressure to already-tight supplies.
The comparison does not measure retailers’ profits because processing, labor, transportation, and merchandising costs vary across products. But the faster rise in ground beef shows retail price pressure is reaching even basic beef purchases.
