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Trump Delays Beef Tariff Suspension Amid Rancher Backlash

5/12/2026

Summary

Trump Delays Beef

U.S. President Donald Trump delayed signing executive orders suspending beef import tariffs after rancher and Republican backlash.
The orders would suspend the tariff-rate quota for 200 days and address $6.70-per-pound ground-beef price, 21% higher after Trump took office.
USDA data shows U.S. beef imports year will come from Brazil, Australia and Canada.
The plan directs the Small Business Administration to increase rancher loans, easing grazing, wolf and ear-tag rules.

Summary

Economists Warn

Economists David Anderson and Bill Bullard say new import measures will not lower consumer beef prices and may shrink U.S. rancher herds.
Derrell Peel notes U.S. beef imports rose 18% in 2025 and 61.4% since 2022, while total production fell 3.6% and non-fed beef fell 8%.
The USDA projects a record 5.8 billion pounds of beef imports for 2026, 6% above 2025 and 25% above 2024, mainly lean trimmings.

Summary

Justice Dept Investigates

The Justice Department launched an antitrust investigation into Tyson, Cargill, JBS and National Beef, which control over 85% of U.S. meat processing.
Shake Shack shares fell 30% after a Q1 loss and citing soaring beef prices.
Chipotle said higher beef costs, wage inflation and taxes hurt April earnings.
Restaurant Brands International warned all-time high beef costs will pressure Burger King through 2027.

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Trump Delays Beef

U.S. President Donald Trump delayed signing executive orders suspending beef import tariffs after rancher and Republican backlash.
The orders would suspend the tariff-rate quota for 200 days and address $6.70-per-pound ground-beef price, 21% higher after Trump took office.
USDA data shows U.S. beef imports year will come from Brazil, Australia and Canada.
The plan directs the Small Business Administration to increase rancher loans, easing grazing, wolf and ear-tag rules.

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