U.S. Lamb Trade Case Advances Despite Split ITC Vote

November 13, 2026 at 2:19:39 PM MST

The American Sheep Industry Association is one step closer to securing trade relief for U.S. sheep producers. Following more than a year of advocacy, the U.S. International Trade Commission has issued a split three-to-three decision in its investigation into the impact of imported lamb on American sheep producers. The decision moves the case into the remedy phase, with recommendations heading to President Donald Trump, who will ultimately decide whether to impose trade protections aimed at helping American sheep producers compete with lower-priced imports.

Statement from ASI

Following more than a year of advocacy led by the American Sheep Industry Association,
the ITC determination is an important step toward securing trade relief for U.S. sheep
producers.
DENVER, CO (November 13, 2026) – The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has
reached an evenly divided determination in its global safeguard investigation into lamb
meat.
With the split vote, the trade case will now move into the remedy phase. This transition
into the remedy phase marks a significant milestone in the American Sheep Industry
Association's (ASI) ongoing efforts to address the harmful impact of lamb imports on
the domestic sheep industry and advocate for import relief for American sheep
producers.
ASI initiated this effort in October 2025, requesting that the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative investigate the impact of lamb imports on domestic producers under
Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. Acting on behalf of its 42 state sheep
associations and the nation's sheep producers, ASI has worked to bring the industry's
concerns before federal decisionmakers, build congressional support and ensure
producers' experiences are represented throughout the investigation.
As part of those efforts, ASI presented testimony at the ITC Injury Hearing on October
16. Sheep ranchers and processors provided information regarding the serious injury
low priced imports have caused the domestic industry. The hearing provided an
important opportunity to demonstrate that low-priced imports are the primary reason
for the industry's challenges.
Among the most powerful evidence presented was the extent to which imported lamb
consistently undersells American lamb. ASI's economic experts highlighted data
showing that imports undersold domestic lamb in more than 90% of price comparisons,
while many purchasers identified lower prices as a reason for buying imported product.
The testimony also demonstrated how imports have captured an overwhelming share of
the U.S. market even as American producers have invested in modern processing
facilities and worked to improve efficiency and promote lamb consumption.
The ITC’s determination resulted in a split three-three vote. In the case of a tied vote,
each set of Commissioners will have until January 11 to send reports and
recommendations on remedy to President Trump. The President has 60 days to accept
the findings and recommendations or adopt a remedy of his choosing If the President
decides to grant relief, the measures will take effect approximately 15 days after the
President proclaims the action.
“While we would have preferred a clear affirmative decision, a tie still results in an
important step forward for American sheep producers and reflects the collective efforts
of our industry to bring this issue before federal decision-makers,” said Ben Lehfeldt, ASI
board president. “ASI has worked tirelessly alongside our members to ensure their
concerns are heard and supported by the economic evidence we’ve gathered. We are
encouraged by this determination, but our work is not finished. We will continue
advocating for meaningful relief that gives American sheep producers a fair opportunity
to compete and supports the long-term future of our industry.”
Producers and industry supporters can follow the case and contribute to ASI's ongoing
advocacy fund at www.sheepusa.org/issues/asi-trade-case.