Trump Expands Tariff-Free Argentine Beef Quota By 80,000 Tons
Proclamation allocates 80,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings to Argentina to be released in four quarterly tranches beginning Feb. 13, 2026.
Overview
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Feb. 6 allocating an additional 80,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings to Argentina under the U.S. tariff-rate quota, to be released in four quarterly tranches beginning Feb. 13, 2026, according to a White House fact sheet.
The move aims to increase supply of ground beef amid record-high prices, with ground beef averaging $6.69 per pound in December 2025, and comes as the U.S. cattle herd stood at its lowest level in 75 years as of Jan. 1, 2026, government data show.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association criticized the proclamation and warned of risks from Argentina's history with foreign animal diseases, according to a statement by Kent Bacus, who also questioned whether imports will lower consumer prices.
U.S. imports of Argentinian beef totaled about 33,000 metric tons in 2024, representing roughly 2% of total U.S. imports, and the White House said the $800 million increase in market access would be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The proclamation is temporary and tied to supply conditions, and the administration said the first tranche will open Feb. 13 and close March 31 as officials monitor impacts on retail prices and domestic producers.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the move as consumer-focused relief, emphasizing price spikes and White House justifications while including industry pushback and Argentina's export gains. Editorial choices — leading with ‘bid to lower grocery costs,’ selective statistics (80,000 tons, $800M) and Trump’s proclamation quote — shape a pragmatic-but-politically tinged narrative.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The proclamation temporarily increases the U.S. tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings by 80,000 metric tons allocated to Argentina to boost ground beef supply and lower prices amid high costs and low domestic cattle herds.
The 80,000 metric tons will be released in four quarterly tranches of 20,000 tons each, starting with the first tranche opening on February 13, 2026, and closing March 31, 2026.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association warns of risks from Argentina's history with foreign animal diseases and doubts that the imports will lower consumer prices for U.S. producers.
The increase implements commitments from a November 2025 U.S.-Argentina trade framework agreement that reduces tariffs and enhances market access for U.S. exports while allowing more Argentine beef.
Argentina had an annual restriction of 20,000 metric tons of beef to the U.S., which this proclamation adds to with the extra 80,000 tons.
History
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