Trump says US could buy Argentine beef to lower prices

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States could purchase beef from Argentina in an effort to reduce high domestic meat prices, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that buying Argentine beef would bring U.S. beef prices down. He made the remarks on the flight from Florida to Washington as part of broader comments on inflation and grocery costs.

Trump said the plan would not necessarily involve large volumes. "We would buy some beef from Argentina," he said. "If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down." He framed the move as one element of his administration's response to persistent price pressures that have left consumers paying more at the meat counter.

U.S. beef prices have risen sharply in the past year for reasons the administration and industry cite as largely supply driven. Widespread drought in key ranching regions has reduced cattle inventories, and outbreaks of screwworm and other pests have limited imports from Mexico, tightening supplies. Labor Department data cited by administration officials show retail beef prices have climbed significantly over the past year.

The proposal comes as the administration has pursued financial assistance to...