USDA Resumes Mexico Cattle Imports After 1-Year Halt as Beef Prices Climb 11.8%
Updated
Updated · Fox Business · Aug 4
USDA Resumes Mexico Cattle Imports After 1-Year Halt as Beef Prices Climb 11.8%
3 articles · Updated · Fox Business · Aug 4
Summary
Late August will bring the first U.S. cattle imports from Mexico in more than a year, with USDA reopening initially at Douglas, Arizona, after suspending trade over New World screwworm.
44 U.S. screwworm cases have been logged since June, mostly in Texas and New Mexico, but USDA said Sonora and Chihuahua are lower-risk states with strong inspection programs and enough distance from southern outbreak zones.
11.8% higher beef prices over the past year reflect a broader cattle shortage, with the U.S. herd at its lowest level in more than 70 years after drought and higher feed, labor, fuel and equipment costs squeezed ranchers.
Tyson Foods said the reopening should not materially help results before its fiscal year ends in September; its beef unit posted a $138 million loss as volume fell 15.9% and constrained supply lifted input costs.