End of the blockade of live cattle
After 14 months without being able to export live cattle to the United States, Mexican producers are preparing to resume sales. The gradual reopening will begin on August 24. During the blockade – from May 2025 to July 2026 – 1,974 million head of cattle were stopped being shipped.
According to the Agricultural Market Consulting Group (GCMA), the lost opportunity represented 592 million dollars. Exporters had to sell in Mexico for 900 dollars per head, compared to the 1,200 they would have obtained in the US market.
The damage could have been greater thanks to the increase in beef exports. Between January and June 2026, US$1,618 million worth of this product was sold to the US, although the figure is lower than what was generated before with live cattle.
Effects in the United States
The Mexican cattle shortage hit American feedlots. Meat production fell by 731 thousand metric tons. This skyrocketed prices: ground beef is around $7 per pound; the Sirloin exceeds 14 dollars.
The blockage was due to cattle screwworm. The Mexican Meat Council (Comecarne) celebrated the reopening and highlighted that it strengthens the value chain between both countries.
The National Agricultural Council (CNA) recognized that, despite limited resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Senasica implemented surveillance and control measures for the worm. He noted that collaboration with US health authorities allowed for a joint Action Plan based on technical criteria.
Key advances: the sterile fly breeding plant in the south of the country, which will accelerate the eradication of the screwworm, according to the CNA.




