A tariff‑rate quota (TRQ) is a two‑tier trade tool that lets a fixed quantity of an imported product enter at a lower (here, tariff‑free) rate while imports above that quantity face a higher tariff. By raising the in‑quota quantity (to an extra 80,000 metric tons of Argentine lean trimmings), the Proclamation lets more product enter without duties, reducing import costs for processors and—potentially—lowering wholesale/retail beef prices; imports above the TRQ still pay higher duties.
Lean beef trimmings are the leftover pieces of meat removed when larger cuts are trimmed; “lean” trimmings have relatively low fat (used in product labels like 90/10). They’re the primary ingredient blended to make ground beef of different fat contents and are also processed into products such as boneless lean beef trimmings (BLBT) or used in processed meats to lower overall fat content.
The White House fact sheet calls the change “temporary” and specifies the extra 80,000 metric tons will be delivered in four quarterly tranches of 20,000 metric tons; it does not state a fixed end date. Extending or ending the tariff‑free treatment would require a further presidential action or proclamation (or administrative action by agencies that administer TRQs) consistent with U.S. trade law and any applicable trade commitments.
Argentina is a major global supplier of beef trimmings and can supply lean trimmings quickly; the Administration’s fact sheet says the Proclamation permits an additional 80,000 metric tons (four quarterly tranches of 20,000 tons) but does not explain the internal calculation. Such quantities are typically set based on industry supply shortfalls, available export capacity of the supplier country, and near‑term U.S. demand as assessed by USDA/USTR.
New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae eat living tissue of warm‑blooded animals; it’s a serious animal health threat. Detections trigger animal‑health controls because infected animals can spread the pest; U.S. and trading partners restrict cattle movements and imports from affected areas until eradication/control measures are verified. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and other international animal‑health authorities document such restrictions.
Short term, higher imports of lean trimmings can reduce input costs for packers/processors and moderate retail ground‑beef prices without immediately changing cow‑calf or feeder decisions; they relieve immediate supply bottlenecks. Medium term, sustained cheap imports can weaken domestic trimmings prices and may reduce incentives to expand U.S. herd size or increase processing of cull cows (affecting producers’ returns), though much depends on duration, scale and spread of imports and domestic market responses.
Imports can affect retail ground‑beef prices quickly once the product clears ports and reaches processors—often within weeks to a few months—because trimmings are blended into ground beef; the timing depends on shipping, customs clearance and processing lead times. USDA (AMS and ERS), the U.S. International Trade Commission and private market analysts track and estimate such impacts; retailers and packers can also report near‑term price effects.
The Secretary of Agriculture (through USDA/APHIS, AMS, ERS and others) monitors domestic supplies, animal‑health risks and market impacts; the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) handles trade terms, tariff administration and international commitments. Together they review import data, consult industry and recommend whether to extend, adjust or end quota changes or take other measures. The fact sheet says the Secretary, in consultation with USTR, will monitor supplies and advise on additional actions.