Trump Quadruples Argentine Beef Imports, Sparking Backlash from North Dakota Farmers

North Dakota Farmers Union calls the move 'the wrong approach' that will hurt American ranchers.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order quadrupling the amount of beef imported from Argentina, a move that Argentina's Foreign Ministry says will 'grant an unprecedented expansion of preferential access for Argentine beef to its market by 100,000 tons.' However, the North Dakota Farmers Union has strongly criticized the decision, arguing it will push down prices paid to American ranchers without lowering grocery store prices for consumers.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's 'America First' trade policies and the concerns of U.S. agricultural producers, who fear that increased foreign competition will undermine domestic industries. The North Dakota Farmers Union's opposition reflects the broader challenges facing American ranchers and the complexities of balancing consumer interests with support for domestic industries.

The details

According to the report, the executive order will increase Argentine beef exports to the U.S. by $800 million. However, the North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue argues that this will 'push down the prices paid to American ranchers, not the grocery store prices paid by consumers.' Perdue believes the Trump administration should instead focus on supporting American ranchers and addressing issues like consolidation in the meat packing industry and country-of-origin labeling.

  • President Trump signed the executive order quadrupling Argentine beef imports on February 9, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the executive order increasing Argentine beef imports.

Matt Perdue

The President of the North Dakota Farmers Union, who has strongly criticized the Trump administration's decision.

Argentina's Foreign Ministry

The Argentine government agency that stated the executive order will 'grant an unprecedented expansion of preferential access for Argentine beef to its market.'

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What they’re saying

“While the administration claims this move will lower grocery bills, history and economists tell us otherwise: it will push down the prices paid to American ranchers, not the grocery store prices paid by consumers.”

— Matt Perdue, President, North Dakota Farmers Union

What’s next

The North Dakota Farmers Union is expected to continue advocating against the executive order and pushing the Trump administration to focus on supporting American ranchers instead of increasing foreign beef imports.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's 'America First' trade policies and the concerns of U.S. agricultural producers, who fear that increased foreign competition will undermine domestic industries. The backlash from the North Dakota Farmers Union reflects the broader challenges facing American ranchers and the complexities of balancing consumer interests with support for domestic industries.