US faces burger squeeze after tariff on Brazilian imports

CHICAGO: A beef shortage could be on the horizon in the United States.

AI Brief

A 50% tariff on Brazilian beef threatens burger supply, especially as US processors rely on lean imports.
US cattle herd is at a record low, and feedlot placements dropped 8% year-over-year, worsening supply issues.
Restaurants like Illinois Bar and Grill vow to maintain quality and portions despite rising beef prices.

Supplies are already tight—and they could get even tighter after President Donald Trump slapped a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports.

Supplies have been so low recently that processors have been leaning heavily on Brazilian lean beef, especially for things like burgers.

Restaurants are bracing customers for what this could mean moving forward.

"We give you (customers) quantity and quality, it's the same even if the price goes up a little bit," said Olga Denton, longtime manager of Illinois Bar and Grill.

The Chicago-based restaurant currently sells its 13-ounce beef burger for $10.99.

The 40-year-old eatery hails itself as having “the best burger in Illinois”.

“We will never go down on our portions, that's what people like and we're trying to keep it this way," said Denton.

In July, the USDA reported the U.S. cattle herd at a record-low 94.2 million.

June feedlot placements dropped 8% year-over-year, more than expected.