Due to Trump’s tariffs, beef shortages are starting in the US

While in 2022 America was a net exporter of beef, the situation has changed. Last year, imports amounted to 2 million live cattle and 4.6 billion pounds (2.1 billion kg) of meat, a record high.

On March 3, President Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he would impose new tariffs on agricultural imports, including beef, on April 2. He urged farmers to prepare to grow food for Americans.

According to The Economist, although livestock producers could benefit from import restrictions, the situation is more complicated. A sharp jump in prices could encourage farmers to sell their stock rather than invest in new herds. At the same time, consumers will look for alternatives to beef.

Even if the proposed agricultural tariffs do not go into effect, Trump may reinstate the partially suspended 25 percent duty on Canadian and Mexican products. A significant portion of the cows imported into the United States are calves raised in Mexico and brought to the United States for fattening. After fattening, many of them are sent to Canadian slaughterhouses, and the products are subsequently reimported.

Tags: Beef cattle, USA