Cattlemen have experienced recurring price difficulties in the fed cattle market in recent years. During the same period, imports of beef and veal have been increasing. Because of growing imports and price pressures in the fed cattle market, questions have been raised whether imports are the primary cause of lower fed cattle prices. This statement attempts to summarize some of the relevant considerations relating to this concern of the cattle industry.

Reprinted from the Livestock and Meat Situation, LMS-134, November 1963, by the Economic and Statistical Analysis Division, Economic Research Service.