Texas, USA – The border closure to Mexican cattle imports has led to significant changes in the US-Mexico beef market. US supplies have declined while Mexican beef exports have seen a notable increase, according to a Reuters report.
This follows Washington’s decision to suspend cattle trade with Mexico about a year ago.
The suspension came amid concerns about the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite.
This has had a direct impact on meat production chains in both countries.
A sharp decline in supplies within Texas
In Texas, one of the largest cattle fattening farms in Lubbock is facing closure
after a halt in cattle imports from Mexico led to a severe supply shortage.
These imports have been the backbone of its operations for decades.
According to the report, the farm, which has been operating for over 70 years, is now facing a significant shortage of cattle.
The crisis also extends to the multi-billion-dollar U.S. beef industry.
A boom in Mexico and a shift in the production chain
In contrast, northern Mexico has seen an expansion in meat production and exports.
This comes after farmers were forced to keep cattle for longer periods
within the country and process them locally instead of exporting them live to the United States.
The report indicates that this shift has allowed for the development of fattening and slaughtering facilities within Mexico.
This, in turn, has helped boost exports to the US market in the early months of 2026.
Fears of a prolonged crisis in the US market
Industry insiders believe that continued border restrictions,
coupled with drought and declining livestock numbers in the United States,
could put further pressure on prices and production.
American producers warn that losing part of the supply chain to Mexico could permanently reshape the region’s meat trade.
This comes at a time of growing concern about the far-reaching economic impact on farms and feedlots within the United States.
