Economists don’t expect reopening the US to Mexican cattle imports to reduce high beef prices
Summary
The U.S. government is reopening a border crossing in Arizona to allow cattle imports from Mexico as part of efforts to lower high beef prices. However, experts say this move will have little immediate effect on reducing beef costs for consumers because the cattle supply remains low.Key Facts
- The U.S. will reopen a border crossing in Douglas, Arizona, for Mexican cattle imports starting Monday.
- This action is part of President Trump’s plan to help lower high beef prices in the U.S.
- The border was closed in May 2025 due to concerns about the New World screwworm, a parasite harmful to cattle.
- The U.S. cattle herd is the smallest in 75 years, with 86.2 million head reported on January 1.
- Beef prices have risen much faster than overall food prices, with ground beef prices increasing nearly 57% from 2021 to 2026.
- Mexico usually supplies about 1.1 million cattle annually, around 3% of the U.S. supply.
- Experts say the reopening will take months to restore Mexican cattle imports to normal levels and will not quickly reduce beef prices.
- The U.S. beef industry has improved efficiency, getting more meat from each animal, which helps lessen the impact of the smaller cattle supply.
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