President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation allowing 300,000 metric tons of beef to enter the United States duty-free for 90 days from Sept. 1, with imports required to be sold at 25% below the market price. The measure targets beef trimmings used in ground beef, which averages $6.89 per pound and has risen 27% in three years and about 9% over the past year. Agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said the imports could add supply but cautioned that the volume equals only about 2% of domestic beef consumption and may partly replace purchases from U.S. suppliers. The plan comes as the domestic cattle herd remains at a multi-decade low and as Argentina's U.S. shipments have tripled this year. Argentina has used 61% of its 100,000-metric-ton preferential allocation but would not qualify for the additional quota, potentially benefiting Brazil. Ranchers and agricultural groups say cheaper imports could pressure cattle prices and complicate herd rebuilding, while the White House says the action addresses short-term supply constraints as the administration works to expand domestic production. Tonsor said rising demand, including willingness to pay $10.09 per pound for ground beef last month versus $8.67 three years earlier, is also driving prices higher.