ENSURING AFFORDABLE BEEF FOR THE AMERICAN CONSUMER

President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on February 6, 2026, aimed at lowering ground beef prices by temporarily increasing the amount of lean beef trimmings that can be imported into the United States at lower tariff rates.The summary of the proclamation's findings and actions is as follows:The administration identified a "major national market disruption" driven by several factors:Record Low Inventory: The U.S. cattle herd has contracted to historic lows due to persistent droughts and wildfires in key producing states like Texas and Kansas.Import Restrictions: Detections of the "New World screwworm" in Mexico in May 2025 led to federal restrictions on Mexican cattle imports, further tightening the domestic supply of calves for feedlots.Record High Prices: These supply chain issues caused ground beef prices to hit an all-time high of $6.69 per pound in December 2025.To increase the supply of ground beef (which requires blending domestic fatty trimmings with imported lean trimmings), the President exercised his authority under the Uruguay Round Agreements Act to modify Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs):Quota Increase: For the calendar year 2026, the aggregate "in-quota" quantity for lean beef trimmings will be increased by 80,000 metric tons (mt).Allocation to Argentina: The entire 80,000 mt increase is allocated exclusively to Argentina.Quarterly Tranches: The additional imports will be managed in four quarterly installments of 20,000 mt each to ensure a steady supply throughout the year. The first tranche opens on February 13, 2026.The President framed the move as a fulfillment of his responsibility to ensure "hard-working Americans can afford to feed themselves and their families." By increasing the availability of affordable lean beef from Argentina, the administration intends to stabilize the market and provide immediate price relief at the grocery store.The Beef CrisisStrategic Action: Increasing ImportsConclusion