President temporarily raises lean beef import quota by 300,000 metric tons

What happened

• The President issued a proclamation to temporarily increase the in‑quota quantity for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons for calendar year 2026.

Where, when, and who it affects

• Applies in the United States from 12:01 a.m. local port time on September 1, 2026, through 11:59 p.m. eastern time on November 30, 2026.
• The change is intended to increase imports of lean beef trimmings used for ground beef and affects U.S. buyers, importers, and the domestic beef market.

By the numbers and product coverage

• Total added quantity: 300,000 metric tons.
• Administered in three 30‑day tranches of up to 100,000 mt each: Sept 1–30 (100,000 mt), Oct 1–30 (100,000 mt), Oct 31–Nov 30 (100,000 mt or until filled).
• Allocated entirely to “other countries or areas.”
• Applies only to lean beef trimmings classifiable under HTSUS statistical reporting numbers: 0201.30.5091, 0201.30.5097, 0202.30.5091, 0202.30.5097.

How it will be administered and enforced

• The increase will be added to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) as described in the Annex; the U.S. Trade Representative may publish further HTSUS modifications in the Federal Register.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection will administer access and may take operational measures to implement the tranches on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Monitoring and exit condition

• The Secretary of Agriculture will monitor domestic supply and advise the Administration on any need for further action.
• The Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative will monitor whether imports entered under the increased in‑quota quantity are being sold at a price 25% below the market price for lean beef trimmings; if not, they will notify the President, who may end the increased in‑quota quantity.

Legal authorities cited

• Action is taken under section 404 of the URAA (19 U.S.C. 3601) and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2483).