AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — President Donald Trump’s move to allow more imported beef into the U.S. could bring some relief to shoppers facing high grocery prices, but Texas cattle industry leaders say it may come at a cost to producers.

Last Wednesday, Trump signed a proclamation to temporarily increase the amount of lean beef trimmings that can be imported without higher tariffs.

Josh Winegarner, director of government relations for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, said opposition has been voiced by producers nationwide and locally. “There are a lot of cattle producers across the country that have indicated strong opposition to this, locally also,” Winegarner said.

Winegarner said the association is still working to understand what the change will mean for Texas cattle producers, but he said the market has already reacted.

“We’ve seen an actual impact on our markets by driving markets lower. So it’s already had an impact in a negative way. We don’t really know yet if it’s going to be positive for consumers,” Winegarner said. “Because again, we don’t know how that’s going to be priced in at the 25 percent less market value level. And then we don’t know how much beef is actually going to show up.”

The administration has said the action will increase beef supply by roughly 10 percent. Winegarner said the change does not benefit Texas cattle producers.

“We can compete with anybody because we have a superior product,” he said. “We just need the government not to step in front of us and create a situation, whether it is through legislation or executive action, that puts us at a disadvantage over the rest of the world.”

The plan applies for 90 days beginning Sept. 1.

Winegarner said the association wants to continue working with the Trump administration on livestock and beef issues.

“We want to make sure that consumers have all the information and know how their product is raised and how it what where it comes from, other than just the grocery store,” he said.

Safety is also a concern tied to imported beef. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recalled 30,000 pounds of boneless beef from Argentina that was being sold in Texas and Florida.

Trump boosts tariff-free lean beef imports, raising concerns for Texas cattle producers (KVII)