United States temporarily expands tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings

President Trump signed a proclamation that temporarily increases the quantity of lean beef trimmings eligible for in-quota tariff treatment to address current U.S. beef supply challenges and support the availability of ground beef products.

According to a White House release:

• The proclamation temporarily expands the existing quantity of lean beef trimmings subject to an in-quota tariff rate for use in producing ground beef, allowing trading partners eligible to ship beef to the United States to benefit from lower, in-quota tariff rates.
• The expanded quota has the following limitations:
  • It applies for only 90 days, beginning on September 1, 2026.
  • It allows imports of up to 100,000 tons per month. (USDA projects U.S. beef production in 2026 will exceed 11 million tons.)
  • It applies only to lean beef trimmings that will be combined with U.S. beef for ground beef production.
  • It encourages beef to be sold at a 25% discount from the going import price.
• The proclamation does not modify any commitments related to beef for countries with a free trade agreement with the United States and does not apply to countries with country-specific beef quotas.