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President Donald Trump knows how to provoke and move markets. But when it comes to beef prices, he may have missed a few briefings on cattle economics.

CHARLEBOIS: Canada shouldn’t copy Trump’s beef blunder Back to video

Last week, Trump authorized an additional 300,000 metric tonnes of lean beef trimmings to enter the United States at the lower, within-quota tariff rate. Beginning September 1, the measure will permit up to 100,000 tonnes a month for 90 days. The imported trimmings will be blended with American beef to produce ground beef. The White House is encouraging suppliers to offer it at a 25% discount.

Trump also announced that his administration would make it easier for ranchers to process and sell their own meat.

The objective is clear: increase supply and bring down prices. But it will not work as advertised.

Problem can’t be solved in three months

Beef prices are elevated because the United States has too few cattle while Americans continue buying beef. The U.S. herd is near a 75-year low........

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