President Donald Trump’s effort to bring down grocery prices by increasing foreign beef imports is sparking resistance from Republicans in ranching states, who warn American producers could pay the price.
Trump announced Friday on Truth Social that the U.S. will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to enter tariff-free over the next 90 days, a move he said would lower consumer prices while giving American ranchers time to rebuild the national herd.
The move comes as affordability and high grocery prices are top of mind for voters just months away from the midterm general election, when Trump and the GOP will seek to hold their congressional majority. Since the pandemic, beef prices have steadily increased, with the average price of beef per pound last month priced at $6.89, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
But Republican lawmakers are arguing that Trump’s plan to allow the import of foreign beef tariff-free only acts as a “quick fix” for consumer prices and will undermine ranchers’ efforts to rebuild the herd.
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“This hurts!” Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., wrote on X. “American cattle producers have been disadvantaged for far too long. What our market really needs is a stable, America-First national policy that promotes American beef rather than continuing to import foreign beef as a quick ‘fix.’”
South Dakota is home to roughly 5% of the nation’s beef cows, according to a USDA report.
“This instability harms hardworking American ranchers and consumers who want American-made beef,” Rounds continued. “This is the exact opposite approach we take compared to manufacturing, and it doesn’t make sense.”
He added that Trump’s latest maneuver makes the push to mandate that beef labels include country of origin — a crucial step in ensuring American ranchers and farmers have a chance.
“Opening the market to even more foreign beef, which American consumers cannot differentiate because of current labeling rules, will only exacerbate the problem and hurt domestic producers,” Rounds wrote. “Our producers will compete all day long, but only if there is a level playing field. Beef prices will come down when American ranchers have a greater ability to supply more product.”
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Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., echoed those concerns, warning that lower grocery prices should not come “on the backs of North Dakota ranchers and producers.”
“Importing foreign beef tariff-free — and selling it below market price — undercuts producers who are investing millions of dollars in an already risky business to rebuild their herds,” Fedorchak said in a statement. “At a time when ranchers need certainty to increase domestic production, this sends the wrong signal.”
Fedorchak said the timing is particularly harmful because many producers are bringing feeder cattle — young animals not yet ready for slaughter — to market, making the prices they receive especially consequential.
She also called for imported beef to meet the same inspection and safety standards as American-raised meat and said she had asked the USDA for details on how it will address those concerns.
“Short-term market intervention will not lower prices over the long term,” Fedorchak said. “The lasting solution is to strengthen American cattle production and address the problems in the packing industry that are driving up prices.”
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The USDA estimates that four major companies buy about 85% of U.S. steers and heifers, and its research suggests their market power, combined with limited processing capacity, may be driving down the prices ranchers receive for cattle.
Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., backed Trump’s push to lower grocery bills, but warned that short-term relief cannot come at the expense of American producers.
“President Trump is right to make lowering grocery costs for American families a priority,” Cammack wrote on X. “I share his commitment to bringing those costs down. At the same time, short-term relief can’t come at the expense of American ranchers, free markets and long-term solutions.”
Cammack said Florida ranchers, already grappling with drought, rising input costs, and an “out-of-control regulatory system,” could feel the squeeze from increased imports.
Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink said in a statement to Fox News Digital that ranchers and farmers understand the need to ease grocery costs, but warned that greater reliance on imports would not solve the supply pressures behind higher beef prices.
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“Rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd takes time — it cannot happen overnight,” Sink said. “Increasing reliance on foreign beef may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the supply challenges contributing to higher prices or strengthen our domestic cattle industry.”
Sink urged the administration to instead reduce costs for fuel, feed, equipment and financing, while creating conditions that allow ranchers to retain heifers and rebuild the national herd.
“Virginia’s farmers and ranchers stand ready to work with the administration on solutions that support consumers while strengthening the American cattle industry,” Sink said. “A strong domestic food supply benefits everyone.”
The White House did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
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