Why are ground beef prices in the US increasing?

LocalBusiness & Finance
22 Jul 2025 • 8:49 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The cost of ground beef in the US has reached a record high, increasing by approximately 12 percent from June 2024 to June 2025.
  • This surge, which sees prices rise from $5.47 to $6.12 per pound, challenges President Trump's pledge to reduce grocery costs.
  • Key factors contributing to the price hike include shrinking cattle herds, severe drought conditions, and an increase in beef imports.
  • Experts note the beef market's complexity compared to other foodstuffs like eggs, with growing competition from countries such as Australia and Latin America.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation reports US cattle herd sizes are at a 74-year low, exacerbated by increased animal feed costs due to drought.

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