James Mitchell

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

September 2026 quota tranche

Analyzed CBP data and estimated first-month imports¹

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

AI generated report by Explorvia.com.