Trump Suspends Beef Import Tariffs to Cut Record-High Prices

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed executive orders Monday suspending tariff-rate quotas on all beef imports for 200 days, clearing the way for more foreign beef to enter the U.S. at lower rates and ease record consumer prices.

The move targets the smallest U.S. cattle herd since 1951, driven by a multi-year drought, high feed costs, and the ongoing closure of the U.S.-Mexico border to livestock over the New World screwworm parasite. Ground beef averaged $6.70 per pound in March, up nearly $1 from last year and 40 percent in five years.

The administration is also directing the Small Business Administration to expand loans and capital access for U.S. ranchers to help rebuild domestic herds long-term.

The steps follow Trump’s earlier directives to investigate potential price-fixing in the meatpacking industry and increase targeted imports from countries like Argentina and Brazil. Officials say the tariff pause addresses immediate supply shortages while supporting American producers. No further details on implementation timeline were released.