President Donald Trump has announced plans to significantly increase beef imports from Argentina as part of a comprehensive trade agreement. This decision is set to formalize through an Executive Order on Friday, according to a White House official and sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The new trade deal will more than quadruple the existing import quota, allowing the United States to purchase an additional 20,000 metric tons of beef each quarter from Argentina. This adjustment follows reports from POLITICO that indicated the White House was exploring such a proposal as early as October.
While the agreement aims to bolster trade relations, it has sparked considerable criticism from some factions within the U.S. agriculture industry. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on local ranchers, who may find themselves competing against an influx of foreign beef.
In an effort to mitigate backlash, the administration has included provisions to support U.S. ranchers. These include new market access for American producers in Argentina and restrictions on the types of beef that can be imported. Additionally, the deal stipulates an end date for the increased imports, a move designed to address concerns from farm-state Republicans and agricultural groups that have previously opposed such measures.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized the administration’s commitment to fair trade practices, stating, “President Trump pledged to ink fairer trade deals while supporting our nation’s agriculture industry. Promises made, promises kept!”
As the Executive Order nears finalization, the reaction from agricultural stakeholders continues to unfold. Many are watching closely to see how this deal will affect both domestic beef prices and the competitive landscape for U.S. ranchers moving forward.
