Mexico Cattle Exports Recover Slowly at US Border
Three reopened US crossings have moved about 22,000 Mexican cattle in roughly 60 days, well below Mexico's initial expectations.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Mexico
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Mexican cattle exports to the United States are recovering slowly after three US border crossings reopened since August 2026. Crossings have averaged about 364 animals per day, 76 percent below the 1,500 per day Mexico's government first expected.
Why it matters
Tighter health checks tied to the New World screwworm, a parasite that threatens livestock, are slowing cattle movement as USDA reopens border posts one at a time. The pace matters for Mexican ranchers and the US herds the rules are designed to protect.
Mexican beef exports rose 20.1 percent by volume and pork exports rose 15.5 percent from January to September. The source does not state how much of the cattle trade recovery is tied to these export gains.
The players
USDA APHIS
The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sets the health rules and reopens border crossings for livestock imports.
The details
USDA has reopened Douglas, Arizona on 24 August, Santa Teresa, New Mexico on 24 September, and Columbus, New Mexico on 26 October 2026. A first crossing of 750 cattle occurred at the Palomas border post in Chihuahua on 26 October, and state officials expect movement to grow day by day.
Timeline
24 August 2026: USDA reopens Douglas, Arizona border post.
24 September 2026: USDA reopens Santa Teresa, New Mexico border post.
26 October 2026: USDA reopens Columbus, New Mexico; first 750-cattle crossing at Palomas.
30 November 2026: USDA plans to open Nogales, Arizona, if conditions allow.
Industry Dynamics
The phased reopening follows USDA's screwworm-driven border restrictions, which have kept Mexican cattle out of US herds while Mexico's beef and pork exports continued to grow. The pace of recovery remains well short of Mexico's initial plans.
Cattle trade and cross-border logistics are shifting port by port, so buyers and shippers should track USDA announcements before planning movements. Mexico's expanding beef and pork exports may also affect pricing and availability in cross-border supply chains.
The takeaway
Cross-border livestock trade is returning gradually rather than all at once, and the timing depends on health conditions at each port. Watch USDA announcements for the next reopening dates.
What happens next
USDA plans to open the Nogales, Arizona port to Mexican cattle on 30 November 2026 if conditions for safe trade are in place.
Further reading
Explore more on Mexico travel and regional coverage.
More information
Check the USDA screwworm status and port reopening information for current border updates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Rio Times.
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