U.S. To Resume Limited Mexican Cattle Imports As Beef Supplies Tighten

By Stephania Corpi

The U.S. will resume limited imports of Mexican cattle beginning Aug. 24, reopening a trade route shut down for more than a year as New World screwworm spread north and U.S. cattle supplies tightened and beef prices rose to record levels.

The first shipments will enter through Douglas, Arizona, across from Agua Prieta, Sonora, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday. The Santa Teresa and Columbus crossings in New Mexico are expected to reopen later, restoring access for cattle from Chihuahua. No dates were given for those ports.

The phased plan is contingent on Mexico complying with joint pest-control measures. Each animal will be inspected by U.S. officials before entering the country. The USDA may pause trade again if surveillance indicates that the parasite is spreading or safeguards are not being followed.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the decision after receiving a letter from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. She described the reopening as “great news for Mexican ranchers” and said officials had been instructed to accelerate preparations. Sheinbaum added that dialogue and cooperation between the countries had produced results.