Trump implies US will purchase Argentinian beef to lower prices for Americans

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FILE-Beef products on display in a grocery store in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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President Donald Trump is suggesting that the United States might buy Argentinian beef to lower prices for Americans.

Trump discussed the matter with reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday.

Trump talks beef prices

What they're saying:

"We would buy some beef from Argentina," President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Florida to Washington. "If we do that, that will bring our beef prices down."

RELATED: Beef prices hit record highs as nationwide cattle inventory drops to lowest level in 70 years

Last week, Trump pledged to delve into the issue as part of a plan to deal with inflation.

According to the Associated Press, a variety of reasons have contributed to the surge in beef prices, including drought and fewer imports from Mexico because of flesh-eating pests in cattle herds.

How much does beef cost?

By the numbers:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost for ground beef climbed to an all-time high average of $6.31 a pound in August, representing a 1% increase from July and a 14% jump since the beginning of 2025. 

RELATED: Beef prices surge as demand outpaces supply: Recovery is 'more unpredictable'

Beef and veal prices spiked almost 14% between August 2024 and August 2025, the agency reported, with uncooked steak prices skyrocketing 16.6%.

According to the Associated Press, a variety of reasons have contributed to the surge in beef prices, including drought and less imports from Mexico because of flesh-eating pests in cattle herds.

FOX Business reported that higher tariffs have also played a role in expensive beef prices, with beef from Brazil facing a 76% tariff and other beef-producing countries facing tariffs too.