USDA Resumes Mexican Cattle Imports to Lower Beef Prices

The United States Department of Agriculture is resuming cattle imports from Mexico at additional ports of entry following a year-long halt intended to stop the spread of the New World screwworm parasite. Imports will restart in Columbus, New Mexico, on October 26, with a potential reopening in Nogales, Arizona, on November 30, pending safe trade conditions.

This phased reopening follows the restoration of livestock trade in Douglas, Arizona, in August and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, in September. Horse imports are also scheduled to return to Santa Teresa on October 26. The USDA reports that five screwworm cases remain active out of 56 recorded since June.

The import block contributed to record-high ground beef prices in the United States this year. These price spikes have increased food affordability concerns for consumers leading up to the November midterm elections.