President Trump announced earlier this month that the federal government will be looking into importing more beef from Argentina. Administration officials have told agriculture industry representatives that they’re looking at a purchase of a possible 80,000 metric tons of beef. The current U.S. beef import quota on Argentina is 20,000 metric tons. 

Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO Bryan Whaley recently commented on the matter, “What we know is that consumer demand for the high-quality beef raised by U.S. producers has remained strong, despite the increased costs caused by drought, border closures, and high input costs to producers. Simply put, it is supply and demand economics. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will continue to work with our partners to communicate the message to President Trump, the USDA, and other leaders to avoid intervention and let the market work.” Iowa has 3.1% of the nation’s beef cows.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, during the past five years, Argentina has shipped beef valued at more than $800 million to the U.S., while purchasing only $7 million of U.S. beef.