The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will lift a ban on Mexican cattle imports that has been in place for over a year, aiming to alleviate rising beef prices in the domestic market. The resumption of imports is set to begin within 30 days at the port of entry in Douglas, Arizona, with plans to eventually open two additional entry points in New Mexico.

Each year, Mexico exports approximately one million calves to the United States, accounting for about 5% of the cattle processed by U.S. meatpackers. The ban, initially imposed in November 2024, was introduced to prevent the spread of the flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite, first detected in southern Mexico and later found in Texas in mid-2026. This parasitic fly, absent from the U.S. since the 1960s, poses a significant risk to livestock herds, having been linked to widespread animal losses historically.

Since the border closure, the reduction in cattle supply has contributed to a nationwide shortage, intensifying the pressure on meatpackers and pushing retail beef prices to record highs. Government data shows average prices for ground beef nearing $7 per pound and sirloin steaks exceeding $14 per pound. Industry officials argue that reopening cattle imports is one of the most immediate measures to increase market supply and help bring down these elevated prices.

However, the decision has sparked concerns among U.S. ranchers worried about the potential for the parasite to spread further and impact domestic herds. The USDA, led by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, emphasized that protecting U.S. livestock remains the primary consideration in the decision to reopen the border.

“We have been trading with Mexico live cattle for a really, really long time. The border states rely on it, and we’re at a low herd number,” Rollins said. She highlighted improvements in parasite surveillance and control measures, including expanded sterile screwworm fly production and enhanced screening protocols for imported cattle. Imported animals will now be required to pass through disinfectant dip vats upon entry as part of the biosecurity measures.

Since the ban's implementation, the USDA has increased infrastructure to manage screwworm risks, aiming to safely resume trade without compromising herd health. Sterile male flies, which mate only once with females, are a key tool used to suppress screwworm populations along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS’s U.S. division, described the reopening of Mexican cattle imports as the most significant short-term development for addressing the beef supply shortage. The move also aligns with broader efforts by the current administration to curb inflationary pressures on food costs, responding to calls for action on rising consumer prices.

The phased reopening strategy will begin with the Douglas port and expand based on ongoing assessments of biosecurity and market conditions, reflecting a cautious approach to balancing trade and animal health concerns.