Investigation Underway into Imported Lambs

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is collecting information from members to help with the investigation into how imported lamb may be harming domestic production.

This follows the launch of an investigation by the International Trade Commission in July, an investigation triggered by ASI’s request.

There are approximately 100,000 sheep farmers in the United States. But they are part of a much different industry today that generations past. Demand for wool and lamb has declined over the years, while foreign competition intensified.

American farmers raise only about a tenth of the sheep and lambs that they did in the 1940.

How Has Imported Lamb Affected Domestic Supply?

ASI numbers show that imported lamb increased 45% between 2020 and 2024, according to information provided to Meat and Poultry. The additional imported lamb raised the supply to 70% of the market in the United States, ASI stated.

The imported lamb also sold for 11% below the cost of domestic lamb, according to ASI.

ASI urged its members to fill out a questionnaire by August 28 as it tries to determine the state of domestic producers’ operations and how much imported lamb has affected U.S. sheep farmers.

ASI expects a ruling by ITC by January.

RELATED: Marcus and Jess Gray explained to American Farmland Owner how they work to convince other sheep farmers to explore solar grazing to make their operations more financially sustainable.