Baldwin Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Course on Harmful Plan to Import Beef from Argentina

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a group of her colleagues are calling on the Trump Administration to reverse course on its harmful and undeveloped plan to import more beef from Argentina, which will harm American ranchers.

“We write in strong opposition to the Administration’s undeveloped plan to increase imports of Argentinian beef,” Baldwin and the Senators wrote. “This announcement has already had tangible market impacts felt by cattle producers across the country, at a time when cattle producers are looking for long-term stability to rebuild their herds. Rather than reward Argentina’s president and agricultural producers, we encourage you to focus on policies that support American farmers and ranchers and that bring down costs for all Americans.”

To meaningfully lower prices for American families, the Senators called on the Trump Administration to end the chaotic, across-the-board tariffs that are driving market instability and increasing costs.

“In addition, we are concerned that this plan could also introduce serious animal health threats that further cripple U.S. cattle production at a time of low cattle supply…” they continued. “…these animal health threats would pose severe risks to U.S. livestock production, disrupt domestic and international trade, and have far-reaching economic consequences across rural communities and the agricultural supply chain.”

The letter is led by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and also co-signed by 12 of their Senate colleagues.

The full text of the lawmakers’ letter is available here and below.

Dear Ambassador Greer,

We write in strong opposition to the Administration’s undeveloped plan to increase imports of Argentinian beef. This announcement has already had tangible market impacts felt by cattle producers across the country, at a time when cattle producers are looking for long-term stability to rebuild their herds. Rather than reward Argentina’s president and agricultural producers, we encourage you to focus on policies that support American farmers and ranchers and that bring down costs for all Americans.

If the Administration wants to address consumer prices and support U.S. farmers and ranchers, it should end the chaotic, across-the-board tariffs that are driving market instability, upending valuable export markets, and increasing the cost of equipment and other inputs.

In addition, we are concerned that this plan could also introduce serious animal health threats that further cripple U.S. cattle production at a time of low cattle supply. Argentina has a history of foot-and-mouth disease and ongoing issues with New World Screwworm. The introduction of either one of these animal health threats would pose severe risks to U.S. livestock production, disrupt domestic and international trade, and have far-reaching economic consequences across rural communities and the agricultural supply chain.

Instead of introducing additional volatility into the market, we urge you to implement a trade policy that uses targeted tariffs and other tools to ensure U.S. producers can fairly compete in the global marketplace while also ensuring Americans have access to healthy, affordable foods.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely, 

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