Smith Urges Trump Administration to Reverse Argentine Beef Import Expansion

Washington, D.C. (KFMO) - Missouri Congressman Jason Smith, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, is urging the Trump Administration to reconsider its plan to expand imports of Argentine beef.

Smith, along with Florida Congressman Greg Steube and other Republican committee members, sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer warning the decision could hurt Missouri cattle producers and disrupt ongoing trade negotiations. According to a news release from Smith, the plan would not significantly lower food prices and would further an unfair trade imbalance due to Argentina’s continued tariffs on U.S. beef. He also raised concerns about Argentina’s past outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and the potential risks to American livestock.

Smith praised recent trade agreements with Southeast Asian countries that have opened new markets for U.S. beef and emphasized the importance of protecting American producers through fair trade practices and proper labeling standards.