Trump Moves to Quadruple Argentine Beef Quota

October 23, 2025

On Thursday, October 23, Reuters reported that Trump administration announced plans to quadruple the tariff-rate quota for Argentine beef to 80,000 metric tons, allowing more imports at lower tariffs. The move, according to the White House, is intended to help ease record-high U.S. beef prices caused by tight cattle supplies and strong consumer demand.

However, the decision is drawing sharp criticism from U.S. cattle producers, who say the policy threatens domestic ranchers and will do little to reduce prices at the grocery store.

However, the decision is drawing sharp criticism from U.S. cattle producers, who say the policy threatens domestic ranchers and will do little to reduce prices at the grocery store.

In an interview with the Western Ag Network, Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), questioned the effectiveness of the plan.

“There were some great statistics out today showing that even if Argentina sent 100% of its global beef exports to the United States, it would only increase our beef supply by about 2.5%. That’s not enough to bring consumer prices down,” Woodall said. “And more importantly, it’s not the same quality as our product.”

Woodall added that the move places additional financial pressure on American ranchers.

“Here we are as producers taking the financial hit on a plan that’s not going to bring down prices. As a result, we’re being told to simply take lower prices.”

The administration’s decision comes alongside a USDA plan to expand the domestic cattle herd and support ranchers impacted by drought and high feed costs. Economists, however, say such measures will take time to have an effect.