Mexico’s National Confederation of Livestock Organizations (CNOG) is calling for stronger measures to curb unauthorized cattle entries from Central America and for the government to maintain current limits on beef imports from Brazil.
The industry group says Mexico’s cattle market is facing mounting pressure from several factors, including restrictions on live cattle exports, the New World screwworm emergency and a growing supply of livestock in the domestic market.
According to CNOG, restrictions on live cattle exports to the United States have prevented roughly 1.7 million head of cattle from being sold across the border since May 2025. The animals remaining in Mexico’s production chain represent the equivalent of approximately 560,000 metric tons of beef, the group estimates.
Mexico’s projected beef exports in 2026 could absorb about 100,000 metric tons, CNOG said, leaving a significant portion of the additional domestic supply on the local market.
Producers also point to unauthorized cattle movements across Mexico’s southern border and increased beef imports from Brazil. An estimated 28,000 metric tons of Brazilian beef entered Mexico between March and June 2026, representing 40% of the country’s annual 70,000-ton import quota.
CNOG argues that falling cattle prices are putting financial pressure on small and mid-sized producers, while retail beef prices have not declined at the same pace.
The organization is urging authorities to strengthen border enforcement and ensure that cattle imports move through official channels and comply with applicable controls.
It has also asked the government not to expand the existing quota for Brazilian beef until the impact of current imports on the domestic market and consumer prices has been assessed.
CNOG additionally called for stronger security and livestock traceability measures in regions where criminal activity affects cattle transportation and sales.
Source: Forbes México
