DENVER, Colo. — President Donald Trump is facing criticism from Colorado cattle ranchers after signaling support for quadrupling low-tariff beef imports from Argentina to ease record beef prices in the United States.

Argentina currently accounts for approximately 2% of the US beef imports.

Under current rules, Argentina can ship up to 20,000 metric tons per year at a lower tariff rate; any amount above that is subject to a 26.4% tariff. The White House said it plans to raise Argentina's quota to 80,000 metric tons per year.

The outrage was immediate from Democrats, cattle ranchers and even some Republicans. A statement from the Colorado General Assembly Democrats claims the resulting loss in Colorado would be 265 jobs and $80 million of economic output.

Thursday afternoon, Scripps News

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