By Patrick Thomas

With U.S. cattle in short supply, the world's largest meatpacker says more beef from Brazil would help lower burger prices for American consumers.

The Wall Street Journal reported this week that President Trump had planned to sign an executive order to lower tariffs on beef imports, but delayed it following outcry from some congressional Republicans and cattle ranchers.

"From a short-term perspective, increasing access would for sure be beneficial to overall beef prices in the U.S. coming down and being more affordable," said Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS's U.S. unit, in an interview.

JBS shares are down about 2% premarket. The meatpacker reported a slide in quarterly profit due to rising cattle prices after yesterday's close.

Ground beef in the U.S. cost an average of $7 a pound in April, a new record, the Labor Department said Tuesday. Ranchers aren't expected to rebuild their herds any time soon. Drought in the western U.S. is burning up grazing land and preventing cattlemen from expanding their herds, Filho said.

He added that if the Trump administration were to drop duties on beef, the U.S. could see a rise in imports of high-value steaks, which aren't currently economical to ship because of tariffs.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 13, 2026 07:43 ET (11:43 GMT)

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