President Donald Trump plans to sign two executive orders on Monday, May 11, aimed at lowering beef prices by increasing imports and supporting the domestic cattle herd. This initiative comes as beef prices in March 2026 were approximately 16% higher than the previous year and over 20% higher compared to three years ago, according to the USDA's Economic Research Service. The administration is addressing short-term supply issues by expanding imports and tackling the multi-decade low in the U.S. cattle herd.
The executive orders are expected to suspend certain tariff-rate quotas on beef imports for approximately 200 days. This suspension would allow a larger volume of beef to enter the U.S. at reduced tariff rates from various exporting nations. Countries like Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Uruguay, and New Zealand are likely to see increased export volumes to the U.S. Brazil, in particular, as the world's largest beef exporter, is poised to ship more to the U.S., especially given China's imposed quotas on its exports. The U.S. has already expanded market access for Argentinian exporters and implemented measures to rebuild cattle herds, such as reducing overtime fees for USDA inspectors for small-scale operators and opening up more land for grazing.
While the administration seeks to alleviate consumer prices, the move has faced opposition from U.S. cattle industry groups, who argue that expanding imports could further harm the domestic cattle herd. R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard stated that tariff-rate quotas contributed to the decline of the U.S. cattle herd and that easing tariffs would send the wrong signals for rebuilding the industry. Senate Majority Leader John Thune also voiced opposition to higher beef import volumes, though he acknowledged the president's intent to address high beef costs. Despite the planned suspension, beef imports were already up in the first three months of 2026 from countries like Brazil (9%), Australia (12%), Mexico and Uruguay (over 20%), and Nicaragua, Paraguay, and Argentina (76%, 117%, and 90% respectively).
Previous reports indicated the administration was considering temporarily reducing tariffs on beef imports as early as May 11, suspending the annual tariff-rate quota for all beef-exporting nations. This measure is intended to enable more product to enter the U.S. at lower rates. The U.S. cattle herd has reportedly shrunk to a 75-year low, contributing to record-high consumer prices and tightening margins for meat processors. Beef cost has been a significant driver of food inflation, making it a political issue for the Trump administration ahead of congressional elections.
