Org Newsroom Menu Beef. There has been a lot of discussion recently about the impact of trade on the beef industry. The elimination of most tariffs on trade in live cattle, beef and beef by-products under those agreements has resulted in increased trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Many factors influence the volume of exports and imports.
In 1998, the most significant factor has been the strength of the U.S. dollar which has resulted in more U.S. beef imports. The increase in the value of the dollar relative to Asian currencies and the economic crisis in Asia have made it more difficult to export U.S. beef and beef by-products to Asia. The U.S. is a net exporter of beef, live cattle, variety meats and by-products on a value basis. Net imports of beef and live cattle on a volume basis in 1996 and 1997 were the lowest since the mid-1960's. Trade policy is a high priority for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.