Utah Representatives Ask for Section 201 Investigation on Lamb, Mutton
Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens, two Republicans from Utah, asked the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative this week to open a safeguard investigation on imports of lamb and mutton. They said Utah sheep ranchers will be submitting a new Section 201 petition to the International Trade Commission.
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They said 70% of lamb eaten in the U.S. is imported, with imports up 30% from 2023 to 2024. "We hope that USTR will immediately examine trade remedies that can restore fair market conditions for American sheep producers. Specifically, we respectfully request that your office negotiate or impose a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) on lamb meat imports from Australia and New Zealand," they said in a letter.
They noted that 80% of sheepskin and raw wool was exported to China in 2024. "Unfortunately, ongoing trade disruptions, tariffs, and other barriers have devastated these markets, leaving U.S. producers with unsold stockpiles and depressed prices. We greatly appreciate the efforts USTR and President Trump are taking to hold China accountable for their egregious trading practices, and look forward to seeing these export barriers addressed."