MANHATTAN, KS – Mexican feeder cattle imports are beginning to recover as U.S. border crossings reopen, but trade remains far below pre-closure levels following restrictions tied to New World screwworm.
Kansas State University economist Brian Coffey says more than 13,000 Mexican feeder cattle entered the United States during September, equal to about 16 percent of September 2024 volume. Santa Teresa reopened September 24, with Columbus, New Mexico following October 26.
Before the closures, the United States imported roughly 1.2 million Mexican feeder cattle annually in 2023 and 2024, equal to about 4 percent of the U.S. calf crop.
As fewer cattle crossed the border, imports of Mexican beef increased. September beef and veal imports reached 117 percent of September 2024 levels, with more cuts and primals entering the U.S. as substitutes for cattle that otherwise would have been finished domestically.
K-State says feeder cattle trade should continue rebuilding, although it remains unclear whether increased Mexican beef imports will become a lasting trade shift.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reopening border crossings should gradually restore Mexican feeder cattle supplies, but increased beef imports may continue influencing U.S. cattle and beef markets.