September 2026 quota tranche

The first quota tranche allowed up to 100,000 metric tons during September 2026. A Texas A&M analysis of CBP entries found 37,486 metric tons entered by September 28, or about 37.5% of the tranche. It estimated that roughly 8,054 to 21,936 metric tons might represent imports beyond what would otherwise have arrived, depending on the comparison used. Those are analytical estimates, not a final official calculation of additional supply.^1–2

August 26 beef proclamation

Established the September tranche later measured by CBP entries^{1, 3}

On August 26, 2026, President Trump signed a proclamation increasing by 300,000 metric tons the 2026 in-quota quantity for specified fresh or frozen lean beef trimmings used for ground beef. The measure applied from September 1 through November 30 in three monthly tranches of up to 100,000 metric tons each, administered first come, first served. It applied to “other countries or areas,” not countries with their own country-specific quotas or existing free-trade commitments. The proclamation cited section 404 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974 as authority.^3–6

James Mitchell

Analyzed CBP data and estimated first-month imports¹

James Mitchell, an agricultural economist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, analyzed the first month of the beef quota using Customs and Border Protection entries and USDA forecast data. His October 6, 2026, Southern Ag Today analysis found 37,486 metric tons entered under the first 100,000-ton tranche by September 28. It estimated that between 8,054 and 21,936 metric tons may have been additional imports, depending on the comparison method and assumptions. Mitchell noted the estimates were uncertain and that the first tranche was not fully used; he also reported no noticeable retail-price change in September.¹

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Administered the quota and reported entry data^1–2

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) administers the tariff-rate quota entries. Its notices set out the monthly quota periods and entry procedures. The proclamation authorized CBP to administer and enforce the expanded quota. A Texas A&M analysis using CBP weekly entry data reported 37,486 metric tons entered under the first 100,000-ton tranche by September 28, 2026.^{1–3, 7}

AI generated report by Explorvia.com.