United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) issues the following statement in response to a recent wave of policy announcements and trade decisions that have continued a trend of uncertainty within the U.S. cattle industry and livestock marketplace, including the cancellation of tariffs on Brazilian beef.
With the national herd at a 75-year low, the domestic cattle industry is facing historic challenges. American ranchers are only now seeing prices that make their businesses sustainable; yet new signals from Washington risk undermining this critical progress.
USCA recognizes that trade and tariff policies are complex tools that can be beneficial when wielded with long-term strategy and consistency. When used correctly, tariffs bolster the competitive viability of U.S. ranchers in their own market, protect the American consumers from inferior foreign product, and demonstrate national priority for U.S.-grown beef. However, recent actions, including a new agreement to clear the way for additional beef imports from Argentina and an executive order exempting beef from reciprocal tariffs, have created confusion and concern among U.S. ranchers. The most recent announcement on the cancellation of 40% tariff, following the earlier removal of the 10% reciprocal tariff, marks an inconsistent and unsafe trade strategy. Easing restrictions with Brazil, a country with a documented history of forced labor, deforestation, and product integrity issues in the beef sector, is alarming. These actions signal an increasing administrative focus on sourcing foreign beef precisely when domestic producers need clear signals for reinvestment.
“When Washington pushes policies that flood the market with imported beef, it sends a crystal-clear message to every American rancher: ‘Don’t invest.’ We cannot rebuild our domestic herd if every signal we receive tells us we’ll be undercut by foreign supply,” said USCA President Justin Tupper. “Our members believe in fair market competition, but they also believe in long-term survival. That survival depends on a national focus that zeroes in on building up an industry here at home that feeds families and strengthens our food security. Now is the time to invest in U.S. cattlemen—not to increase dependence on outside sources.”
USCA supports all efforts to restore fair competition and transparency in the beef packing sector including the recently announced DOJ investigation of the country’s largest packers. “We appreciate the Administration once again picking up the torch of investigating the ‘Big 4’ meatpackers,” President Tupper noted. “However, an investigation is only as good as its enforcement and pursuit. Past inquiries left producers without answers; we expect this time will be different in outcome, not just in intent. We urge the Administration to ensure this investigation leads to substantive action and real reforms.”
USCA stands ready to work with the Administration and Congress on policies that build, not bypass, U.S. cattle producers. Our ranchers produce the world’s highest quality beef. Let’s set the example—and set the table—with American-grown.
