By Leah Douglas and Tom Polansek
Summary:
– Trump floated Argentine beef imports to lower U.S. grocery prices.
– Farmers say plan threatens domestic cattle markets and profits.
– Economists argue imports unlikely to reduce prices and could hurt herd rebuilding.
WASHINGTON — U.S. farmers on Monday criticized President Donald Trump ‘s suggestion that the country may import more beef from Argentina , after they recently lost out to the South American nation on soybean sales to top buyer China.
Trump said on Sunday that he was considering import s to reduce U.S. beef prices that have climbed to record highs. His administration earlier extended a $20 billion currency swap lifeline to Argentina, which the president considers an ally.
Cattle producers saw th