With the threat of tariffs on the table across many industries right now, the cattle industry is one keeping a close eye on how the Trump administration is handling global trade, says the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).
In this interview recorded at Washington Watch, held by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs with NCBA, joins RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney to discuss the top trade concerns facing U.S. cattle producers — and what the industry wants to see next from the White House.
Lane says the U.S. cattle industry has been “used as a bargaining chip” in trade negotiations for years. Whether it’s giving up market access in return for gains elsewhere or falling behind competitors in key export destinations, Lane says producers are tired of waiting for better deals.
Take Australia, for example. Lane points out the country has shipped nearly $30 billion worth of beef into the U.S. over the last 20 years — while U.S. beef still can’t move freely into the Australian market. “No one can ship fresh beef into Australia from the U.S.,” says Lane. “It’s time for them to deliver on their commitment from two decades ago.”
He also highlights untapped opportunity in Southeast Asia — countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand — where U.S. beef is largely absent. And on China? “We’re not moving any beef into China that I’m aware of right now,” Lane says, pointing to delisted plants and a 145% tariff.
Lane adds that the USMCA is working well, particularly when it comes to seasonal cattle flow across borders. But he also reminds viewers that markets are cyclical: “You can set your watch to it.”
Watch the full interview above, or download the podcast, for Lane’s take on market signals, international competition, and where U.S. trade efforts should focus next.
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