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Donald Trump government’s antitrust investigation increases pressure on meat industry giants in the United States after beef prices soared and market concentration advanced into the hands of four groups that dominate processing in the country.
The United States Department of Justice confirmed an antitrust investigation into the beef processing sector, in an offensive by the Donald Trump administration targeting JBS, Tyson Foods, Cargill, and National Beef, companies identified by American authorities as responsible for approximately 85% of beef processing in the country.
The investigation comes amid rising meat prices, a reduction in the American cattle herd, and increased political pressure on large meatpackers.
According to data from the Federal Reserve of St. Louis, 100% ground beef cost US$ 6.752 per pound, equivalent to 453.6 grams, in January 2026.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, in an interview this Monday (04), that the agency has already analyzed approximately 3 million documents and interviewed cattle ranchers and rural producers during the course of the investigation.
“A lot of work has already been done and much more remains to be done. We are moving as quickly as possible,” Blanche said, addressing the Department of Justice’s actions on competitive practices in the meat market.
In addition to beef, the American government also announced that it expects to announce an agreement related to Agri Stats, a company accused of favoring anticompetitive practices in the chicken, pork, and turkey markets through reports used by the industry.
Investigation against meatpackers gains strength in the United States
United States Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, stated that the dominance of the four largest companies has reduced marketing options for cattle producers and increased concern over price formation in the country.
According to Rollins, beef processing concentration went from 25% in 1977 to 71% in 1992 and reached the current level of approximately 85%, a number used by the government to justify the new investigation front.
For the Secretary, this level of control creates an environment where many cattle ranchers are left with limited alternatives to sell their animals, in a market already pressured by costs, drought, and a decline in the herd.
JBS and Brazilian companies enter the center of the dispute
JBS, of Brazilian origin, is one of the main companies cited by American authorities.
National Beef also appears in the investigation and is controlled by Marfrig, which became part of MBRF after its merger with BRF.
JBS and MBRF stated that they would not comment on the United States government’s decision.
Cargill and Tyson Foods were also contacted but had not commented by the time of the report’s publication.
Peter Navarro, White House trade advisor, stated that half of the four largest companies in the sector have ties to Brazil and associated the pressure from the meat lobby with Brazilian interests.
Navarro also stated that part of the meat that could supply the American market would have been directed to other destinations, citing China as an example, without presenting new detailed public data at the time.
Rising meat prices pressure Trump administration
The investigation gained momentum after Trump accused large meatpackers of artificially inflating meat prices and asked the Department of Justice for an investigation into possible collusion, price manipulation, and anticompetitive practices.
The White House had already cited JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods, and National Beef as targets of the offensive against sector concentration, in a statement released in November 2025.
Republican lawmakers also began to advocate for the investigation.
Representative Jason Smith stated his support for the investigation into possible anticompetitive practices in the slaughter industry, arguing that producers need real competition and transparent prices.
The Department of Agriculture released an institutional image in partnership with the Department of Justice to reinforce the message of combating price manipulation, associating the investigation with the protection of consumers and cattle ranchers.
The pressure on meatpackers occurs in a scenario of tight supply, a smaller herd, and still strong demand for beef in the United States, factors that are also pointed out by analysts and industry entities as part of the explanation for the high prices.
Still, the Trump administration maintains that the high concentration among a few groups can amplify companies’ market power and harm both farmers and consumers on supermarket shelves.
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