The U.S. Beef Import Quota will be temporarily increased by 300,000 metric tons for lean beef trimmings in 2026, as the White House seeks to increase supplies used in ground beef production amid elevated consumer prices.
The additional volume applies to specified fresh, chilled and frozen lean beef trimmings and will enter at the in-quota tariff rate. It is allocated entirely to “other countries or areas,” rather than to a named supplying country.
U.S. Beef Import Quota Will Open in Tranches
The added quota will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis in three 100,000-metric-ton tranches. The first opens Sept. 1 and closes Sept. 30; the second runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 30; and the final tranche opens Oct. 31 and remains available until filled or Nov. 30, whichever comes first.
The action follows an earlier 80,000-metric-ton increase in the 2026 in-quota amount for lean beef trimmings from Argentina. The White House said domestic supply contraction and rising demand were contributing to higher beef prices, while the Agriculture Department forecasts U.S. beef output will decline by about 4% from 2025 levels this year.
The proclamation cited restrictions on live-animal imports from Mexico related to New World Screwworm prevention, alongside drought and wildfire conditions in cattle-producing regions, as factors affecting supply. It also said the Agriculture Department expects domestic beef consumption to increase over the remainder of 2026.
USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative will monitor prices of imports entered under the expanded quota. If those imports are not sold at a price 25% below the market price for lean beef trimmings, the agencies must notify the president, who may eliminate the remaining increase.
