Sheep Industry News December 2024

President’s Notes BRAD BONER ASI PRESIDENT

Trump, Trade & Tariffs S ince the general election and President Elect Trump’s resounding win, I have had multiple calls or emails from sheep producers asking because of Trump’s strong stance on tariffs what ASI plans on doing about imported lamb. With that in mind, I think it is good for us to review how tariffs on steel, aluminum and solar panels – most impacting imports from communist China – were done during the previous Trump administration. As an ASI officer in that time frame, I can share that we explained the lamb meat problem and request for support in essen tially every government meeting we did, including with the secretary of agriculture and agriculture advisors to the White House. Sec. Perdue was not supportive of our request for restrictions on lamb imports to the United States, and on his very last day in office in 2021 approved lamb imports from the United Kingdom. This decision came despite ASI successfully blocking it since 2009. The trade restrictions announced during the first term of President Trump all followed trade cases and eight- to nine-month investigations. I share a reminder that ASI had two preliminary investigations on Australian and New Zealand lamb, with the 2018 and 2020 efforts looking for trade violations. ASI hired a leading law firm specializing in trade again in 2023 and conducted another investigation. We found that we might be able to prove harm, that there were no countervailing violations and the dump ing margins that were seen were very small (1 to 3 percent). On that topic, a recent research project completed at the University of Idaho found that in order for the American sheep industry to just maintain its market share, it would need a 21-percent tariff. In addition, there is always the lingering question of the political resolve and geopolitical consequences of a trade war with countries who are considered our allies. By the tone of the last paragraph, you might be thinking that ASI has given up on any chance of a trade case on imported lamb. Nothing could be further from the truth. Year-to-date in 2024, lamb imports are up a whopping 38 percent! This is a stag gering number by anybody’s measure. We need to remember that federal officials will look at the data from the most recent three years as they consider any trade action. In 2023, lamb imports were down a moderate amount (19 percent is the number in my head). With the big jump in 2024, ASI will be bringing this to the attention of the Trump transition team along with other topics important to our industry. ASI and its legal counsel continue to monitor and assess the lamb import data as it becomes available. Mr. Paul Rosenthal of Kelley, Drye LLP – ASI’s trade attorney – will be addressing the ASI Board of Directors on Saturday of our upcoming ASI Annual Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. I would strongly encourage everyone to attend this informative discussion. You can find neces sary registration information at SheepUSA.org. On a personal note, my family had to say goodbye today to Ben, our amazing Border Collie. Ben was a tremendous working dog and helped me and others get out of some real jams. He was happiest when he was with the sheep, and his love of working never ceased to amaze me. He was a true friend, and a tireless helper. We will most definitely miss him! Until next time, keep it on the sunny side.

4 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org