Tariffs may not have a big impact on Utah beef producers

SALT LAKE CITY — China is imposing heavy tariffs on U.S. beef products, which has been causing some domestic beef producers to worry. But, it might not have a huge impact on Utah’s beef producers.

Utah Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Brent Tanner said local beef producers and cattlemen’s bottom line haven’t really been impacted by the current trade talks.

“Most of our producers are doing fairly well this year.”

Tanner said Utah does the the vast majority of our beef trading with Mexico and Canada — the state wasn’t able to start selling to China until a few years ago.

“However, everywhere that we can sell to is a market, and it is helpful.”

Beef producers hope for benefits in the long term

According to Tanner, the trade talks are affecting market trading in their arena more than their wallets.

“We’re being more impacted by the discussion of the tariff and the talk of the tariff and what that talk is doing to market volatility.”

In fact, beef producers hope the talks benefit them in the long run. Tanner said there haven’t been fair negotiations for beef products in years.

“At least it is bringing all the parties to the table to start negotiating for what we want, (which) is a fair trade.

Tanner is hopeful trade tensions ease come this summer, so people are more apt to bid more for their spring calves.

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