Trump to Allow 300,000 Metric Tons of Ground Beef Imports in 90-Day Deal to Cut Prices
An August 21 plan would pause out-of-quota tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef for 90 days, targeting relief from prices near $7.12 a pound amid rancher opposition.
President Trump announced a temporary 90-day suspension of out-of-quota tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of imported ground beef, with a commitment to sell the product 25 percent below current market prices. The move aims to provide consumer relief after beef prices surged faster than other foods during the second Trump term. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from cattle ranchers and Republican lawmakers in major beef-producing states, who argue it harms domestic producers. Separately, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is intervening in the bond market to support U.S. yields amid market anxiety, though yields rose despite his efforts.
- Out-of-quota tariff: A higher duty applied to imports after shipments exceed a preset tariff-rate quota volume.
- Tariff-rate quota: A trade tool that lets a set volume of a good enter at a lower tariff, with steeper duties once that volume is surpassed.
- Herd liquidation: A cut in cattle inventories when producers sell animals faster than they replace them, often under drought or high feed-cost pressure.