U.S. beef prices have reached record highs during the first few months of 2025, driven by a critical combination of factors: an intense drought in the Southwest, the rising cost of grain to feed cattle and the tariff wars pushed by President Donald Trump.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of ground beef reached $6 per pound in April, up 14% compared to the same period in 2024, and nearly 50% higher than five years ago.
U.S. beef prices rise
One of the main factors is the historical reduction in livestock production.
It has fallen to its lowest level in 74 years due to extreme weather conditions.
Ranchers such as Kim Radaker Bays of South Texas have stated that maintaining the grass needed to feed cattle has become “increasingly difficult.”
This forces cattle to be sold before they reproduce, thus reducing future supply.
This crisis is compounded by the high cost of grain, an essential component of cow feed.
As well as tariff barriers imposed by the Trump administration, which continue to affect the international meat supply chain.
Impact of tariffs
Brazil, one of the largest suppliers of beef to the United States, has been particularly hard hit by the 10% tariffs imposed by Trump, which are in addition to other existing tariffs.
As a result, the total tax on Brazilian meat reaches 34%, making the product even more expensive in the U.S. market.
One of the main factors is the historic decline in cattle production
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In addition, the Trump administration recently suspended imports of Mexican cattle.
They claimed that there was a sanitary risk due to the alleged presence of the screwworm. The measure was described as “unjustified” by the Mexican government.
Hispanic consumer feels it too
Buzzy
The shortage of meat and its high cost are already being felt in households.
North Carolina resident DeAndrea Chavis told Reuters that she has had to cut back on portions of ground beef for her tacos.
This was after seeing the price per pound in their supermarket rise from $6 to $9.
Although demand for meat remains high – the strongest in nearly four decades – experts such as Bernt Nelson of the American Farm Bureau Federation say low consumer confidence could affect consumption in the coming months.
“The uncertainty generated by tariffs is not helping the industry grow,” Nelson warned.
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