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Beef industry urges renewed trade engagement, warns of health risks from Brazil and Paraguay access
Summary
Texas cattle industry witness told the subcommittee U.S. beef exports depend on science-based trade access and urged audits and suspension of access for Brazil and Paraguay over foot-and-mouth concerns; he cited recent export values and tariffs in key markets.
Robbie Kirkland, vice president and general manager of Kirkland Feedyard and chairman of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, told the Trade Subcommittee that international market access is vital to U.S. cattle producers and flagged a series of tariff and sanitary barriers that constrain exporters.
Kirkland said the United States produces 18% of global beef with 6% of the world's cattle and generates a small share of greenhouse gases domestically, then noted that in February 2024 the U.S. exported $10,450,000,000 in beef—about $415 per head of fed cattle. "Korea, Japan, and China accounted for 58% of our total beef exports," he said, and added that many export markets impose protectionist tariffs: Thailand 50% tariff and Vietnam 30% tariff were cited in testimony.
Kirkland pressed for science-based protocols in market access. He warned that some countries with a history of foot-and-mouth disease—specifically Brazil and Paraguay—have been granted U.S. access under conditions he called questionable. During later questioning he said USDA had denied the industry's request to suspend access and order new audits for those countries and urged the subcommittee to require additional vetting before access continues.
Kirkland also described North American trade ties as mutually beneficial and said cattle imports comprise 2% of the U.S. cattle herd and 6.5% of U.S. beef harvest, supplying seasonal needs. He requested that Congress and the administration reengage aggressively to open markets and ensure rigorous sanitary and phytosanitary enforcement.
Members asked about opportunities with the United Kingdom and Southeast Asia. Kirkland said there are "huge opportunities" with the U.K. following Brexit, but access will depend on resolving legacy EU regulations that restrict U.S. beef. He also urged action to reduce high tariffs in parts of Southeast Asia so U.S. beef can compete.
The subcommittee record contains no vote on trade measures. Members said they would consider the industry's recommendations as they shape negotiating priorities and enforcement language in future trade discussions.
