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A group of over a dozen Republican members of the House of Representatives has voiced its apprehension about the Trump administration’s decision to increase Argentine beef imports. In a letter addressed to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, these lawmakers outlined their concerns.
The letter, endorsed by House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith from Missouri along with 13 other members, urged the administration to ensure that any amendments to Argentina’s tariff-rate quota or inspection protocols are dependent on verified equivalency and reciprocal market access for U.S. beef. Representatives emphasized the importance of a balanced trade relationship with Argentina.
Last week, the administration announced its intention to significantly raise the tariff rate quota for beef imports from Argentina. This decision came shortly after President Trump pointed to rising beef prices as a justification for the move.
According to data from the Department of Agriculture, compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the average price of ground beef per pound was approximately $6.32 in September. This figure marks an increase of 77 cents since January and 65 cents compared to the same month in 2024.
Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a comprehensive plan to fortify the domestic beef industry. This strategy includes enhancing grazing access, offering disaster support, expanding market opportunities, and stimulating both domestic and international demand for American beef.
The proposal regarding Argentine beef, though, has sparked backlash from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, particularly in states with high cattle inventory.
The letter’s signatories include lawmakers from Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, all of which rely heavily on the beef industry.
The letter notes that while the lawmakers “share the Administration’s goal of lowering costs for consumers,” they are concerned that increasing beef imports from Argentina will hurt U.S. cattle producers, weaken the country’s position in trade negotiations and “reintroduce avoidable animal-health risks.”
Last week, Rollins told CNBC that the administration is monitoring a “foot-and-mouth disease issue” impacting cattle in Argentina. According to the World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Argentina has not such an outbreak since 2006.
The lawmakers also noted a beef trade imbalance between the U.S. and Argentina. In an Oct. 20 release criticizing the president’s initial proposal, the NCBA said that over the last five years, Argentina has sold $801 million worth of beef to American businesses, while importing only $7 million from the U.S.
“While we recognize the value of diversified global supply chains, it is critical that trade decisions reflect science-based animal-health standards and the principle of fair and reciprocal treatment,” the letter added.
The Hill has reached out to the White House, USDA and Greer’s office for comment on the letter.