WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Friday that he would allow the import of up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef for 90 days without tariffs, provided foreign exporters sell the beef at 25 percent below current market prices.
The move aims to address soaring grocery costs before the midterm elections, when rising food prices have become a significant political liability for Republicans. The administration framed the deal as temporary, intended to bridge a supply gap while domestic cattle herds recover.
"This will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again," Trump wrote on social media.
The White House did not disclose which foreign exporters negotiated the terms or confirm their commitment to the price discount. A White House official said the agreement would be formalized through an executive order within two weeks.
Beef prices are under acute pressure. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that beef and veal prices climbed 9.4 percent last month compared with a year earlier. The U.S. Department of Agriculture noted last year that the nation's cattle supply had reached a 75-year low even as demand continued to increase.
Domestic ranchers face additional headwinds. High fertilizer and diesel prices, stemming from the Iran conflict, have squeezed margins. Feed costs have surged, making cattle production more expensive.
Yet the tariff relief has drawn sharp criticism from Republican senators representing cattle states. Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy said he advised Trump on the matter and indicated his resistance to the policy. Other Republicans in Congress have previously opposed increased foreign beef imports, arguing the administration should address high prices through domestic solutions rather than opening the market to foreign competition.
The administration said it is simultaneously working with ranchers to expand domestic beef production. Trump's approach mirrors an earlier move: In February, he signed a proclamation that temporarily increased the U.S. tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings, allowing some to enter duty-free to lower ground beef costs.
The 90-day window extends beyond the midterm elections, giving the administration time to claim credit for lower prices if the deal holds.
