Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said the move would both ease inflation for U.S. consumers and support Argentina’s struggling economy under President Javier Milei, a close ally to the President.
However, according to Reuters, the U.S. cattle industry has criticised the idea, warning it would hurt domestic ranchers while offering little relief to shoppers. Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, said this plan “only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices”, citing Argentina’s history of foot-and-mouth disease and a long-standing trade imbalance favouring Argentine beef exports.
The proposal comes as Washington extends major financial support to Buenos Aires, including a US$20 billion currency swap and additional loans. Some U.S. soybean farmers have also voiced frustration, arguing the administration’s aid and trade policies are benefiting South American competitors at their expense, such as a recent loss to Argentina on soybean sales to top buyer China.
