News

R-CALF USA supports new Trump tariffs

While some in agriculture express concern about President Trump’s new tariffs, a group representing many beef producers is applauding the move.

Bill Bullard with R-CALF USA tells Brownfield they’ve been calling for tariffs against beef importers for years. “The importers are bringing in cheaper product from foreign countries that have a distinct pricing advantage. They’re produced under lax production standards. They come from countries oftentimes with a lower currency valuation. They don’t have to meet the U.S. environmental standards.”

Bullard says the importers are making windfall profits while displacing domestic beef and lamb production, and it’s been like that for nearly four decades. “Over 70% of the lamb consumed in America is now produced on foreign soil and even if domestic consumption increases, our domestic production continues to decrease.”

Bullard says tariffs are needed to level the playing field to give U.S. producers an opportunity to rebuild and expand herds, rebuild production capacity, and to open the door for more local meat processing.

When it comes to President Trump’s new 25% tariff level, Bullard says it may be too low for South American countries like Brazil that blow past a 26.4% tariff rate quota now. “That isn’t enough for South America. Whether it’s enough for Canada or Mexico remains to be seen, but it is certainly a good step in the right direction.”

Bullard says he’s encouraged by Trump’s actions and urges producers to call elected officials and tell them to support the new tariffs.