The ITC opened a safeguard investigation into lamb meat imports and called it extraordinarily complicated

The lamb industry has a safeguard case. The International Trade Commission instituted Investigation No. TA-201-80 under section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974, following a request from the United States Trade Representative received on July 13. The question before the Commission is whether fresh, chilled or frozen lamb meat is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, or the threat of it, to the domestic industry producing a like or directly competitive article. Live lambs and sheep sit outside the scope, and so does mutton.

The Commission determined the investigation is extraordinarily complicated within the meaning of section 202(b)(2)(B), citing the need to collect data from a large number of firms involved in producing, processing or marketing lamb meat. That designation permits up to 30 extra days. The Commission said it intends to take three, moving the injury determination from November 10 to November 13. Its report to the President is due by January 11, 2027. A hearing on injury is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on October 16, with a hearing on remedy on December 1 if the Commission finds injury or divides equally on the question.