U.S. Expands Beef Tariff-Rate Quota Effective September 1, 2026
On August 26, 2026, a proclamation was issued to temporarily increase the U.S. tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for certain imported lean beef trimmings. The additional quota becomes available beginning September 1, 2026, and is intended to increase the supply of beef used primarily in ground beef production.
The action adds 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings to the existing U.S. beef TRQ for calendar year 2026. This additional quantity is separate from the 80,000 metric tons previously allocated to Argentina under the February 6, 2026 beef proclamation.
Products Covered
The temporary additional quota is limited to lean beef trimmings entered under the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) statistical reporting numbers:
0201.30.5091
0201.30.5097
0202.30.5091
0202.30.5097
A new Chapter 99 provision, HTSUS 9903.54.02, has been established to administer the additional quota.
Quota Schedule
The additional 300,000 metric tons will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis in three tranches:
(Quota Period | Additional Quantity)
September 1 – September 30, 2026 | 100,000 metric tons
October 1 – October 30, 2026 | 100,000 metric tons
October 31 – November 30, 2026 | 100,000 metric tons
Total | 300,000 metric tons
Each tranche may close once its 100,000-metric-ton allocation has been filled. The third tranche will remain open until the additional in-quota quantity is filled or November 30, 2026, whichever occurs first.
The HTSUS modifications apply to qualifying merchandise entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption beginning September 1, 2026.
Relationship to Existing Beef Quotas
The new quota does not replace the existing U.S. beef TRQ or the additional quota previously granted to Argentina. Instead, the 300,000 metric tons are added to the existing quota structure and allocated entirely to the “other countries or areas” category.
The proclamation also states that the action does not affect the additional in-quota quantity established for Argentina under the February 6, 2026 proclamation.
Importer Considerations
Importers of qualifying lean beef trimmings should review planned entries and warehouse withdrawals beginning September 1 to determine whether merchandise may qualify for the additional in-quota treatment.
Because the additional quota will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis, quota availability should be confirmed at the time of entry. Importers should also ensure that product classification, country eligibility, quota status, and required Chapter 99 reporting are reviewed before transmission.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for administering and implementing the temporary increase and may issue additional operational guidance as needed.
Juno Customs Solutions will continue to monitor CBP implementation guidance and quota reporting requirements as the September 1 effective date approaches.