A new presidential proclamation increases the in-quota tariff amount for Argentine lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons, following a February proclamation that added 80,000 metric tons for the same stated purpose of lowering beef prices.
The document attributes elevated prices to a shrunken domestic cattle herd, now at its lowest level in 75 years, alongside restricted Mexican cattle imports due to New World Screwworm concerns and drought and wildfire conditions across ranching regions.
The proclamation also blames the 'prior Administration's War on Cattle' for herd declines, while noting the Department of Agriculture forecasts a roughly 4 percent drop in beef output this year and a rise in domestic consumption.
The action anticipates that additional imported ground beef will sell at a discounted price, though the text acknowledges the first round of quota increases has not yet resolved the price problem it was meant to solve.
The full dispatch is available from the source below.