Trump Pushes Argentine Beef Deal, Ranchers Call it a “Betrayal”
President Donald Trump’s decision to increase beef imports from Argentina has sparked sharp backlash from U.S. cattle ranchers, many of whom are only now recovering after years of economic hardship.
The White House confirmed this week that the administration will quadruple the tariff-rate quota for Argentine beef, part of a broader strategy to lower domestic meat prices. This follows Trump’s recent approval of a $20 billion currency swap to support Argentina’s economy, signaling a shift toward tighter alignment with the South American country.
Rural Pushback: “A Slap in the Face”
Destinee Weeks, who helps run a 250-head cattle operation in northern Oklahoma, called the policy “a slap in the face to rural America.” Her family’s farm has only recently returned to profitability after a decade of drought, rising costs, and shrinking cattle supply.
“We’re not getting rich,” she said. “We’re just finally healing up.”
Market Context: Prices Up, Herds Down
The U.S. cattle inventory has fallen to its lowest levels in decades, largely due to drought and high feed costs. Beef prices have climbed more than 50% since 2020, reaching $6.63 per pound in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But ranchers argue they are not to blame for high prices. They point to four multinational meatpacking firms—including Tyson and Cargill—that control over 80% of U.S. beef processing. Several of these companies recently settled lawsuits over price-fixing allegations.
Trump Defends Move, Cites Tariff Impact
Trump responded to the criticism by claiming his global tariffs are the reason cattle ranchers are doing well, posting on Truth Social:
“The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well … is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States.”
Critics argue that increasing foreign supply now undercuts that very policy.
USDA Offers Domestic Relief Package
To calm industry tensions, the USDA released a support package the same day the Argentine import expansion was announced. The plan includes:
- Increased disaster relief
- Expanded grazing access
- Support for herd recovery and processing reform
Still, the United States Cattlemen’s Association said it remains “deeply concerned”, warning that Argentine imports could “undercut the very foundation of our cattle industry.”
Skepticism Over Price Impact
David Anderson, a livestock economist at Texas A&M, cast doubt on whether Argentine imports will reduce U.S. beef prices. The U.S. is the world’s largest beef consumer, and Argentina doesn’t have the export volume to make a substantial difference in supply or pricing.
“There’s no quick fix here,” Anderson said.
Farmers Feel the Pressure Mount
John Boyd Jr., a Virginia farmer and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, expressed frustration, pointing to how Trump’s prior trade war with China already hurt U.S. soybean sales.
“Everything the president is interfering with affects my operation,” he said. He opposes further concessions to Argentina and called for more consistent support of American farmers.
Related Coverage
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
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