Trump opens 300,000 metric tons of beef imports to ease high prices
Why it matters: Economists expect only modest, short-lived relief, with ground beef prices likely falling about 25 to 35 cents a pound.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation temporarily allowing 300,000 metric tons of imported lean beef trimmings to enter the U.S. without above-quota tariffs, aiming to curb record-high beef prices. The White House said the move responds to consumer costs that have climbed sharply as drought and wildfires cut cattle supplies to a 75-year low. NPR reported U.S. shoppers paid an average of $6.89 a pound for ground beef last month, up nearly 57% over five years. Agricultural economists said the added supply equals roughly a 2% increase, limiting the effect. Some estimate prices could dip 25 to 35 cents a pound, and only briefly. Farm and ranch groups criticized the step, saying it would hurt U.S. producers.