THE SHORT-RUN IMPACT OF BEEF IMPORTS ON U.S. MEAT PRICES

This paper contains short-run estimates of the impact of beef imports from Australia and elsewhere on U.S. retail meat prices. The U.S. beef demand is separated into two categories, table cuts and processed items. Estimates of direct and cross price elasticities of demand for these products are used together with elasticity estimates for other meats and other foods to assess the effect of imports on prices and upon various portions of the Consumer Price Index.