Trump Announces 90-Day Deal to Cut Ground Beef Prices by 25%

President Donald Trump has announced a new 90-day initiative aimed at bringing down the cost of ground beef in the United States, with imported beef expected to be sold at 25% below current market prices.

Under the plan announced Friday, the U.S. will allow up to 300,000 metric tons of beef intended for ground beef production to enter the country without the additional tariff normally imposed once import quotas are exceeded. Trump said exporters have committed to selling the beef at a 25% discount, with the savings expected to reach American consumers.

The announcement comes as American consumers face sharply higher beef prices. Ground beef averaged about $6.89 per pound in July, according to data cited by TIME, while U.S. cattle inventories remain near historic lows after years of drought and other supply pressures.

Trump said the temporary measure would provide relief for families while giving the domestic cattle industry time to rebuild its herd. The administration is expected to issue an executive order implementing the tariff changes within the next two weeks.

The policy, however, has already generated criticism from American cattle producers. Industry representatives argue that increasing imports of cheaper beef could put additional pressure on domestic ranchers who are trying to rebuild herds after years of declining cattle numbers.

Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, said the industry shares the goal of making food more affordable but argued that bringing in additional foreign beef at below-market prices could undermine efforts to rebuild the American cattle herd.

There are also questions about how much impact the measure will have on overall grocery prices. The additional 300,000 metric tons represents only a small share of total U.S. beef consumption, meaning some analysts believe the policy may provide limited relief unless supply shortages ease more broadly.

The Trump administration is betting that increased imports and lower tariffs can provide consumers with a short-term break from soaring beef prices while domestic producers work to expand cattle supplies.