Скачать или смотреть Americans see record high beef prices as cattle ranchers see Trump turn on them : Opinion

🥩 Summary: Americans Face Soaring Beef Prices as Trump Sides with Argentina
In a moment of economic irony, President Donald Trump has proposed a policy that could quadruple imports of Argentine beef into the United States—despite record-high domestic beef prices and growing frustration among American cattle ranchers. The move is part of a broader effort to support Argentine President Javier Milei, a far-right ally of Trump, whom he described as “fighting for his life” amid economic turmoil.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ground beef prices hit $6.63 per pound in August, and steakhouse prices have surged accordingly. Trump’s plan to flood the U.S. market with Argentine beef is framed as a consumer-friendly measure, but critics argue it will do little to ease grocery costs while severely undercutting domestic producers.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has strongly opposed the proposal. CEO Colin Woodall warned that Argentina’s history of foot-and-mouth disease poses a serious biosecurity risk. He stated:

“This plan only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices.”

Kyle Hemmert, a 61-year-old rancher from western Kansas, expressed his outrage bluntly:

“It’s really just a kick in the nuts. Come on President Trump, this is ‘America First’ policy? No.”

The backlash echoes similar frustrations from soybean farmers, who were blindsided by Trump’s $20 billion bailout to Argentina. That aid allowed Argentine farmers to drop export taxes and sell soybeans to China—undercutting American producers during harvest season. Caleb Ragland, President of the American Soybean Association, said:

“U.S. soybean prices are falling, harvest is underway, and farmers read headlines not about securing a trade agreement with China, but that the U.S. government is extending $20 billion in economic support to Argentina.”

The article frames Trump’s actions as a betrayal of his “America First” promise, suggesting that his loyalty to foreign allies may be coming at the expense of U.S. producers. While consumers continue to pay more for beef, ranchers are left with shrinking margins, rising feed costs, and a sense of abandonment.

⚖️ Opposing Arguments
1. Pro-Consumer Defense of Trump’s Policy Supporters argue that increasing beef imports could help stabilize prices for American consumers. With inflation still affecting grocery bills, cheaper Argentine beef might offer relief—especially for lower-income families. They contend that domestic producers have struggled to meet demand due to droughts and herd reductions, and imports could fill the gap.

2. Strategic Foreign Policy Justification Trump’s defenders claim the Argentina bailout and beef import plan are part of a broader geopolitical strategy. Strengthening ties with Milei could help counter China’s influence in South America and secure future trade deals. From this perspective, short-term domestic discomfort may be worth the long-term diplomatic leverage.

3. Market Competition Argument Some economists argue that American ranchers have benefited from protectionist policies for too long. Introducing foreign competition could force innovation, efficiency, and price adjustments that benefit consumers. They suggest that the U.S. beef industry should adapt rather than rely on government shielding.

4. Disease Risk Mitigation While foot-and-mouth disease is a concern, proponents note that USDA inspections and import protocols are designed to prevent contaminated meat from entering the U.S. They argue that modern safeguards make the biosecurity threat minimal and manageable.