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President Trump is set to sign two executive orders aimed at lowering beef prices, according to a White House official speaking to The Post. The move is the latest affordability effort as inflation concerns build ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
The first executive order would temporarily suspend an annual tariff-rate quota on beef imports. Under the quota, a higher tariff applies after a certain volume of beef enters the country, a structure that limits how much product can be imported at the lower rate, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The second executive order would direct the Small Business Administration to increase loans and expand access to capital for U.S. cattle ranchers. It would also roll back endangered species protections for cattle-craving gray and Mexican wolves, and reduce certain ranching requirements, including rules that force ranchers to use electronic ear tags on livestock.
Beef prices remain high, up 40% over the past five years. The article cites several factors contributing to tighter supply, including record drought conditions that have reduced grass available for grazing and increased reliance on feed, raising production costs.
It also points to a flesh-eating pest, the New World Screwworm, discovered in Mexican cattle herds. The issue led the U.S. to temporarily halt imports.
Demand for beef and veal products has remained steady, which the article says has helped keep prices elevated. It also describes beef as a major driver of food inflation under the Trump administration.
While some grocery categories have shown relief—such as egg prices easing as flocks recovered from bird flu outbreaks—beef prices have not followed the same pattern.
The article notes that Trump’s efforts could anger cattle ranchers, who were already upset after the government quadrupled beef imports from Argentina in February.
It also says the Trump administration has largely blamed meatpackers—particularly foreign-owned companies—for higher prices. The Department of Justice confirmed last week that it has launched an antitrust investigation into the “Big Four” meatpackers, which the article says control more than 85% of the U.S. processing market.
The article frames the executive orders as part of a broader push to address affordability ahead of the midterm elections. It cites that consumer sentiment in May fell to a fresh record low on inflation concerns amid the Iran war.
It also says the president has exempted several food items from tariffs, delayed planned increases on lumber and furniture imports, and appears to have dropped a threat to raise the baseline tariff on all imports from 10% to 15%.
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