WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has signed an executive order quadrupling the amount of beef imported from Argentina.
Argentina’s Foreign Ministry said this will “grant an unprecedented expansion of preferential access for Argentine beef to its market by 100,000 tons,” which is an increase of $800 million in Argentine beef exports.
“While the administration claims this move will lower grocery bills, history and economists tell us otherwise: it will push down the prices paid to American ranchers, not the grocery store prices paid by consumers,” North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue said. “That is why this plan has garnered nearly unanimous opposition from U.S. cattle producers.”
Perdue added the Trump administration should focus on supporting American ranchers and not foreign competitors. He believes it should also work on addressing consolidation in meat packing and country-of-origin labeling.
“I believe that working with our ranchers to help grow their herds and also working to reduce supply chain costs are the way to give American consumers the highest-quality beef at the best price, rather than increasing imports,” Republican North Dakota Senator John Hoeven said. “I have spoken to President Trump about the issue and will be speaking with U.S. Trade Representative Greer to discuss this issue and others impacting our agriculture industry.”
“President Trump’s decision to import more beef from Argentina won’t significantly lower prices at the grocery store,” Democratic Minnesota Senator Tina Smith said. “This move is just going to hurt American farmers and ranchers.”
Flag Family News has reached out to Republican North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer, Democratic Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, Republican North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak and Republican Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach for comment, but we haven’t heard back.
