President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that his administration is considering buying beef from Argentina as a strategy to reduce consumer prices in the United States. "We would buy some beef from Argentina. If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down," he said Sunday evening, adding, "The only price we have that's high is beef, and we'll get that down."

Beef prices in the U.S. have soared in recent months due to tight cattle inventories and resilient domestic demand. The industry has entered a cyclical downturn, and economists anticipate a rebuilding of the U.S. cattle herd next year, which could naturally relieve supply pressure.

Argentina, a leading global beef exporter, has seen U.S. demand for its product grow rapidly. U.S. imports of Argentine beef rose 37% between 2023 and 2024, reaching nearly 99 million pounds, according to USDA figures. The surge aligns with Argentina's recent liberalization of agricultural exports under President Javier Milei, including currency reforms and incentives to boost trade. Last week, Milei visited the White House and was praised by Trump as his "favorite president." The visit came as the U.S. pledged a $20 billion currency swap and supported private-sector investment into Argentina with another $20 billion.

Since then, Argentine officials have told domestic press that a trade agreement with the U.S. is nearing, though no formal confirmation has come from the White House or relevant U.S. agencies.

Trump's comments have stirred unease among American ranchers, particularly those benefiting from a rare period of strong profitability in the beef sector. "Please stop," posted Texas rancher Quentin Shieldknight on X. "For once in my lifetime we are finally making real money. It's not fair to punish us and say our product is too high because it's not. It's actually finally where it needs to be for us to make a living with all the inflation and input prices." He urged the administration not to interfere with market recovery, adding, "Our beef is safe and better than anywhere else. Do not import a problem and screw us over."

While the administration's move could offer short-term price relief for consumers and beef processors, it places the domestic livestock sector in a precarious position. For years, cattle producers have navigated rising feed and input costs, tight margins, and labor shortages. Many fear that expanded imports could undercut U.S. ranchers just as the herd is poised to recover.

From a regulatory standpoint, Argentine beef must meet USDA safety standards, particularly concerning foot-and-mouth disease and other health protocols. Any shift in import volumes would also likely require updates to quota systems and oversight mechanisms, adding layers of complexity.

As the debate intensifies, the implications for livestock policy, commodity markets, and future farm bill provisions loom large. The beef sector has been one of the few bright spots in U.S. agriculture amid broader commodity volatility. Trump's proposal, though aimed at addressing consumer costs, may risk destabilizing one of the most resilient parts of the farm economy.