More than a dozen Republican House members expressed concern over the Trump administration’s plan to boost imports of Argentine beef in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
“We encourage the administration to ensure that any adjustments to Argentina’s tariff-rate quota or inspection regime are contingent on verified equivalence and reciprocal market access for U.S. beef,” it said. LetterSigned by House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and 13 others.
Last week, the administration firm plans Days after President Trump cited rising beef prices in support of the plan, the tariff rate quota for beef from Argentina was quadrupled.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average per pound price of ground beef in September was about $6.32, $0.77 higher than January and $0.65 higher than September 2024. data Compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a plan Strengthening the domestic beef industry, including grazing access, disaster assistance, market options, and stimulating domestic and international demand.
However, the proposal regarding Argentinian beef is sprinkled response from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and MPs on both sides of the aisle, especially in states with high cattle inventories.
Signers of the letter include lawmakers from Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, all trust too much On the beef industry.
The letter said that while lawmakers “share the administration’s goal of reducing costs for consumers,” they are concerned that increased beef imports from Argentina would hurt U.S. cattle producers, weaken the country’s position in trade negotiations and “reintroduce avoidable animal-health risks.”
Last week, Rollins told cnbc Authorities are monitoring “foot-and-mouth disease” affecting cattle in Argentina. according to World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth DiseaseArgentina has not had a similar outbreak since 2006.
Lawmakers also noted the beef trade imbalance between the US and Argentina. on 20th October release Criticizing the president’s initial proposal, the NCBA said that over the past five years, Argentina has sold $801 million worth of beef to American businesses, while importing only $7 million from the US.
“While we recognize the value of diverse global supply chains, it is important that trade decisions reflect science-based animal-health standards and the principle of fair and reciprocal treatment,” the letter said.
The Hill has contacted the White House, USDA and Greer’s office for comment on the letter.
