Trump to Sign Orders on Beef Imports, Herd Rebuild

President Donald Trump plans to sign two executive orders on Monday to address rising beef prices by expanding imports and supporting the rebuilding of the U.S. cattle herd, a White House official said.

The measures come as the U.S. cattle inventory has reached its lowest level in 75 years, driving beef prices to record highs and contributing to broader food inflation. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the public announcement, described the orders as targeting short-term supply constraints in the beef market. One order would temporarily suspend tariff-rate quotas on beef imports from all exporting nations, allowing more product to enter the country at lower rates. The other would direct the Small Business Administration to increase loans for ranchers and ease certain regulations, including protections for gray and Mexican wolves under the Endangered Species Act that can prey on livestock, as well as some ear tag requirements for cattle.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported last fall that it would loosen grazing regulations to help boost supplies. Beef imports are already on track to hit a record this year, primarily from Brazil, Australia and...