Trump promised 300,000 tons of beef imports at lower tariff rates to reduce grocery costs. Instead, shipments have lagged and prices haven’t budged

In August, Donald Trump signed a proclamation aiming to import 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings into the United States at a reduced tariff rate between September and November. By October 19, only 59,423 metric tons, or 20% of the target, had been imported, while ground beef averaged $6.79 per pound in September, compared with $6.32 a year earlier. The imports are mainly used in fast-food restaurants rather than grocery stores, and both Brazil and Argentina are facing limited inventories. Farmers oppose the policy, which could cost ranchers $300 to $400 per head, while economists argue that demand and market structure limit its expected effect on prices.

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