By Zoila Palma: Mexico’s meat industry is planning a major expansion of beef exports to the United States as the country continues to suffer economic losses from a prolonged border closure linked to a screwworm outbreak that has severely disrupted livestock trade, Reuters report.
The Mexican Meat Chamber said on Tuesday it aims to double beef exports to the U.S. next year in an effort to offset losses from the ongoing restrictions.
The closure has been in place for about a year as health authorities work to contain the spread of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite, which has affected cattle movements across the region.
Macarena Hernandez, general director of the chamber, said the industry sees strong potential for growth despite current challenges. “We’ve increased it…if it can be doubled, that would be excellent,” she said, referring to beef export volumes to the United States.
Industry data shows Mexican beef exports to the U.S. rose about 23% in the first four months of this year, following a 10.6% increase in 2025 when exports reached an estimated US$2.3 billion.
However, the closure of the live cattle border trade has caused significant disruption, forcing ranchers to shift from exporting live animals to processing beef domestically before shipment — a transition that can take up to 18 months.
The chamber estimates the livestock sector has lost about US$1.8 billion due to the border closure.
Mexico has also recorded more than 25,000 screwworm cases since November 2024, with ongoing outbreaks concentrated in southern and eastern areas, as officials and U.S. partners continue efforts to control the spread through sterile fly programs and expanded containment measures.
The post International News: Mexico seeks to double U.S. beef exports amid Screwworm crisis and livestock trade disruption appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Mexico’s meat industry is planning a major expansion of beef exports to the United States as the country continues to suffer economic losses from a prolonged border closure linked to a screwworm outbreak that has severely disrupted livestock trade, Reuters report. The Mexican Meat Chamber said on Tuesday it aims to double
The post International News: Mexico seeks to double U.S. beef exports amid Screwworm crisis and livestock trade disruption appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
