Trump excluded Argentina from the new mega-quota allowing for the duty-free import of 300,000 metric tons of meat – La Nación | 27/08/26

Donald Trump officially announced a temporary increase of 300,000 metric tons in duty-free imports of lean beef into the United States, with the aim of increasing the supply of ground beef and stabilizing domestic prices in light of the decline in cattle herds. The measure will be in effect for 90 days starting September 1, 2026, with a monthly cap of 100,000 metric tons, but it will not benefit Argentina, as countries that already have specific tariff quotas—such as Uruguay, Australia, and New Zealand—are excluded. Argentina, which historically had a quota of 20,000 metric tons, received an increase to 100,000 metric tons this year. Among the main beneficiaries of the new scheme is Brazil, which does not have a specific preferential quota. The imported meat must consist exclusively of lean trimmings to be blended with U.S. production, and it is expected to be sold at a discount of approximately 25% compared to standard import prices. The White House justified the decision by citing supply problems resulting from a small cattle herd, higher production costs, droughts, wildfires, and restrictions on cattle imports from Mexico due to the cattle borer. The USDA projects a decline of about 4% in U.S. beef production compared with 2025, while the government estimates that the new quota will increase supply by approximately 10% compared with current projections. Link to Article