The American red meat industry let out a big sigh of relief when President Trump announced he would not issue 5% tariffs against products imported from Mexico this week, as originally planned.  The U.S. Meat Export Federation expressed concerns that because of those tariffs, Mexico would retaliate against American beef.

 

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USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said beef has enjoyed great success in Mexico, recording a 10% increase in value this year.  And all of that could have potentially come to a halt with new tariffs and new retaliation measures.  Halstrom said this scare underscores the importance of getting USMCA ratified by all three countries.

 

“And up until now, I would say the U.S. has been lagging a bit, but this might provide us the momentum needed to get us moving in the right direction, and hopefully getting an approval of the USMCA sooner rather than later.  Another important step for U.S. agriculture.”

 

Halstrom noted Mexican buyers currently see uncertainty when looking at trade with the U.S, whether that’s uncertainty with tariffs or uncertainty with USMCA.  He added he’s hopeful lawmakers can address those issues of uncertainty quickly.

 

 

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