Davids, Vasquez Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Plan to Increase Argentinian Beef Imports
Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) called on the Trump Administration to reverse a new policy that would significantly increase imports of Argentinian beef, warning it would harm American ranchers and fail to lower costs for consumers. The administration received bipartisan backlash over its original beef trade deal last year.
“Your prior policies, including the original bailout and now this expansion of Argentinian beef imports, continue to undermine domestic producers and fail to lower grocery costs for Americans,” the lawmakerswrote.
In a letter to President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Davids and Vasquez raised concerns about a recent executive action allowing up to four times more Argentinian beef imports this year. Argentina made up just two percent of U.S. beef imports in 2024, and economists say increasing imports is unlikely to lower consumer prices — while potentially increasing market volatility and benefiting large corporations over family ranchers.
Farm bankruptcies are also rising, and more imports risk further squeezing struggling operations without delivering meaningful relief at the grocery store. The lawmakers urged the administration to reverse the decision and instead prioritize policies that support American cattle producers and stabilize prices.
“This new Argentinian beef announcement threatens this by increasing market volatility at a time when American producers need support, not sabotage,” the lawmakers continued. “We urge you to reverse the Executive Order on Argentinian beef imports and instead invest in the domestic cattle industry, including smaller, family-owned operations that feed our country.”
Davids and Vasquez have consistently worked to protect American agriculture from harmful trade decisions. Davids previously led efforts urging the administration to reverse its original Argentina bailout and has pushed back against expanded beef imports that undercut Kansas ranchers. She has also supported bipartisan efforts, including an amendment led by Vasquez during Farm Bill negotiations, to strengthen protections for U.S. producers and promote a more resilient domestic food system.
Read the full letter here or below
Dear President Trump and Secretary Rollins,
Following strong bipartisan pushback on last year’s Argentina bailout, we are deeply concerned by your administration’s new announcement to let more foreign beef into the United States. Your recent Executive Order would allow four times as much Argentinian beef to enter the U.S. this year. As members of the House Agriculture Committee representing states with significant cattle sectors, we write to urge you to reverse this decision and prioritize American ranchers and consumers.
Your prior policies, including the original bailout and now this expansion of Argentinian beef imports, continue to undermine domestic producers and fail to lower grocery costs for Americans. Only two percent of imported beef came from Argentina in 2024, and economists indicate higher imports are unlikely to reduce prices meaningfully, though they may boost margins for major food companies.
We understand that factors like the cattle cycle, drought, and other challenges affect beef prices. But instead of supporting American ranchers and helping lower grocery costs, your administration’s policies have created more uncertainty and prioritized bailouts for Argentina and deals with your political allies. Last year, farm bankruptcies rose 46 percent compared with 2024, amid low commodity prices and high input costs, largely driven by your self-inflicted trade war. Ranchers and other producers with diversified operations are one of the few positives in the farm economy.
This new Argentinian beef announcement threatens this by increasing market volatility at a time when American producers need support, not sabotage. Moreover, while your administration has expressed concern about consolidation in meatpacking, no concrete policies have been provided to protect American ranchers and consumers who are paying the price.
We urge you to reverse the Executive Order on Argentinian beef imports and instead invest in the domestic cattle industry, including smaller, family-owned operations that feed our country. We stand ready to work in a bipartisan way to enact policies that strengthen American ranchers and lower grocery prices. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
Sincerely,