Trump's plan to import Argentine beef as a way to lower consumer prices is a dangerous diversion from real solutions

By suggesting we import beef from Argentina to solve high domestic prices, President Donald Trump is once again proving that his economic instincts are misguided and potentially dangerous.

Let’s start with the facts: Argentina has a documented history of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious livestock illness that could devastate already depleted herds if introduced in the U.S. Importing beef from a country with this track record is reckless, especially when ranchers have spent decades safeguarding against such outbreaks.

But even if safety weren’t a concern, the economics don’t add up. Data from the USDA shows that even a substantial increase in beef imports would only have a marginal effect on consumer prices. In a market where Americans consume over 27 billion pounds of beef annually, an additional 100–200 million pounds from Argentina would barely register.

The real drivers of high beef prices aren’t shortages that can be solved by imports - they’re structural issues made worse by Trump’s own policies. His trade war with China triggered retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports, shrinking overseas markets. Tariffs on steel and aluminum raised the price of ag equipment. Broader trade volatility also contributed to higher fuel, seed, and fertilizer costs.

Now, with Brazilian beef subject to tariffs and imports from Mexico halted due to a screwworm outbreak, the supply of foreign beef is tight. But instead of supporting American producers, Trump’s quick fix is to open the door to risky imports.

What ranchers actually need is stability, not short-sighted panic policies. Yes, tighter supply can mean higher prices for beef in the short term, but those price spikes are symptoms of a broken system that discourages investment and sustainability.

There are smarter, safer solutions. Rebuilding domestic herds would increase supply sustainably. Lowering tariffs on traditional, safe suppliers and addressing the soaring costs of animal feed would help stabilize both supply and prices.

Ranchers and farmers are a tough breed. They've had to make hard decisions during droughts and lost thousands of cattle in the 2013 Cattlemen’s Blizzard. While I know ranchers will weather these bad policies, this isn’t how they should be treated. Ranchers and consumers deserve better.

 Steve McCleerey is a former state lawmaker from District 1. He is a grain farmer and cow/calf operator in Roberts County.

Photo: public domain, wikimedia commons

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