R-CALF USA urges Section 232 investigation into beef and cattle imports

R-CALF USA sent a comprehensive letter (March 27, 2025) to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, urging a Section 232 investigation into the national security risks posed by cattle and beef imports under President Trump’s America First Trade Policy. This follows a previous request by R-CALF USA for a similar investigation into the impact of lamb and mutton imports on US national security, DRGNews.com reported.

The letter highlights the serious decline of America’s iconic cattle industry, which remains the largest segment of U.S. agriculture. It notes that the US cattle industry has shrunk at an alarming rate, with fewer beef cattle farms, disappearing feedlots, and the closure of hundreds of federally inspected beef packing plants. Four global beef packers now control over 80% of the fed cattle market.

According to the letter, continued imports of cheaper cattle and beef are contributing to the industry’s decline by driving down domestic prices, displacing U.S. beef production, and eliminating opportunities for current and future farmers and ranchers. The letter also states that decades of trade liberalization have undermined the industry’s infrastructure, which is critical to national security and the U.S. economy.

Recent census data reveals that the loss of beef cattle operations has accelerated, with 107,000 beef cattle farms and ranches disappearing in the past five years—an average loss of more than 21,000 per year. R-CALF USA warns that many more producers are likely to exit the industry soon, further destabilizing the U.S. cattle market and threatening national security.

“Without action, imports of beef and cattle will continue to rise, displacing more domestic producers and further hollowing out rural communities,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.