The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is urging federal officials to take a closer look at the growing volume of imported lamb that domestic producers say is threatening their livelihoods. This week, ASI filed a formal request with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate a global safeguard investigation into lamb meat imports under Sections 201-202 of the Trade Act of 1974.
According to ASI, imported lamb—often sold at lower prices—is undercutting American producers, packers, and ranch workers. The group also submitted a detailed report to federal officials outlining market data and evidence of injury to the U.S. industry, gathered from lamb companies in recent weeks.
The issue also surfaced on Capitol Hill this week during a Senate Finance Committee hearing for USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator nominee Julie Callahan. In questioning, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming raised concerns about the impact of foreign lamb on domestic ranchers. Callahan echoed those concerns, noting that U.S. producers are being “outcompeted by imports” and that the decline in domestic market share is putting multi-generational farm families at risk.
Both the industry’s formal petition and the Senate’s focus on lamb imports signal growing pressure in Washington to address the challenges facing America’s sheep producers.
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ASI – 2025
