The Justice Department is investigating major U.S. retailers over the rising beef prices. The Trump administration is focused on reducing the cost of this essential grocery item.
On Tuesday, the department’s Antitrust Division announced an expanded investigation into beef prices, which have increased by about 10% over the past year. This probe now includes eight American chains. Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. sent letters to Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize USA, Costco, and Amazon regarding “the recent increases in the retail price for beef.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the DOJ emphasized the importance of beef prices to Americans and underscored the department’s commitment to this issue.
“Beef prices are a critical concern to Americans, and a priority for this Justice Department,” the DOJ wrote.
Newsweek has reached out to the Justice Department for additional comments regarding the investigation.
This investigation follows a previous antitrust inquiry into America’s largest meatpackers. Last year, President Donald Trump accused these companies of “Illicit Collusion, Price Fixing, and Price Manipulation.”
The administration’s efforts to reduce costs have included a policy that started on September 1. This policy allows 300,000 metric tons of beef from eligible countries to enter the U.S. without tariffs. While the president believes this will reduce costs significantly, it has led to dissatisfaction among ranchers and some lawmakers in U.S. farming states.
This story is still developing. More updates will be provided as they become available.
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