Senators Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Course on Argentinian Beef Imports

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a group of her colleagues are leading a bipartisan effort to push back against the Trump Administration's plan to import more beef from Argentina, citing concerns over job losses for American ranchers, animal health threats, and market instability. The senators argue that the plan will harm domestic cattle producers and disrupt the agricultural supply chain, while also posing risks to U.S. livestock production and international trade. They are calling on the Administration to end the chaotic tariffs that are driving market instability and increasing costs, and to implement a trade policy that supports American farmers and ranchers.

Key Takeaways:

• Senators Tammy Baldwin, Catherine Cortez Masto, Amy Klobuchar, Martin Heinrich, and 12 of their colleagues are leading the effort to push back against the Trump Administration's plan to import more beef from Argentina.
• The plan could harm American ranchers by introducing competition from Argentine beef, leading to job losses and market instability.
• The senators are concerned that Argentina's history of foot-and-mouth disease and ongoing issues with New World Screwworm could pose animal health threats to U.S. livestock production.
• The plan could also disrupt domestic and international trade, and have far-reaching economic consequences across rural communities and the agricultural supply chain.
• The senators are urging the Administration to end the chaotic, across-the-board tariffs that are driving market instability and increasing costs for American families.
• The letter is signed by a bipartisan group of senators, including Democrats and Republicans, who are working together to advocate for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

Statistics:

• 12 Senate colleagues signed the letter alongside Senators Baldwin, Cortez Masto, Klobuchar, and Heinrich.
• Argentina has a history of foot-and-mouth disease, with reported outbreaks in 2015 and 2019 (1).
• New World Screwworm is a significant animal health threat to U.S. livestock production, with a reported outbreak in 2016 (2).

Sources:

• "Letter to Ambassador Greer" signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin, Catherine Cortez Masto, Amy Klobuchar, Martin Heinrich, and 12 of their colleagues.
• (1) OIE (2019). Foot-and-mouth disease in Argentina. Retrieved from
• (2) USDA (2016). New World Screwworm. Retrieved from