U.S. Resumes Mexican Cattle Imports to Lower Beef Prices

The United States Department of Agriculture resumed limited imports of Mexican cattle on August 24, 2026, ending a ban implemented in May 2025 to contain the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite. The reopening began at the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry, with subsequent reopenings planned for the Santa Teresa and Columbus ports in New Mexico in 30-day increments. The USDA identified the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua as low-risk regions, though a first-time case was recently detected in Sonora.

To mitigate biosecurity risks, the USDA implemented rigorous protocols, including radio-frequency identification tags, veterinary screenings, and inspections using trained dogs. Daily import quotas started at 700 cattle, with plans to increase to 1,300. To further combat the pest, the U.S. is investing $25 million in a sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona and expediting a $750 million production plant in Texas, now expected to open next spring.

The ban contributed to record-high beef prices and a U.S. cattle herd at its lowest level in 75 years, while reducing income for some Mexican ranchers by 40%. While industry groups like the Meat Institute and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association supported the move, R-CALF argued the reopening was premature. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller praised the resumption but criticized the USDA for reacting too slowly to the outbreak. In tandem with the reopening, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day plan to import 300,000 metric tons of discounted ground beef to further lower consumer costs.