Mexico cattle exports to US to resume gradually following screwworm outbreak

Mexican cattle exports to the United States are set to resume gradually starting August 24, beginning with Sonora. This move follows sanitary restrictions imposed due to the screwworm outbreak. Officials noted that while Sonora leads the restart, other states like Coahuila and Chihuahua are preparing to rejoin the process as inspections continue.

The screwworm outbreak has had significant economic impacts. In Mexico, the inability to export live cattle led to an oversupply of approximately 500,000 tons of beef within the domestic market, pressuring local prices. Conversely, the shortage of Mexican cattle has contributed to rising beef prices in the United States, which increased by 22.4 percent between late 2024 and mid-2026.

In Chihuahua, officials have expressed concern over the spread of the parasite, noting that cases have reached municipalities including Ciudad Juárez. Authorities are emphasizing increased sanitary vigilance to protect the livestock industry and facilitate the eventual full restoration of binational trade.