Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer

Key Points

• President Trump signed a proclamation to allow an extra 80,000 metric tons of lean beef into the United States from Argentina during 2026. This move is designed to increase the supply of meat used to make ground beef and hamburgers.
• Beef prices have hit record highs, with ground beef averaging $6.69 per pound in late 2025. This happened because American cattle herds have shrunk to their lowest levels in years due to severe droughts, wildfires, and disease-related trade restrictions with Mexico.
• This policy specifically targets "lean beef trimmings," which are mixed with fattier American beef to create the ground beef sold in grocery stores and restaurants. By bringing in more lean meat, the government hopes to make everyday food more affordable for American families.
• The extra imports will be allowed in four stages throughout 2026, starting on February 13. All of this additional beef will come from Argentina, a major producer that can help fill the gap left by the shrinking U.S. cattle supply.

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