Mexico Feed Output to Rise 2% in 2025, Imports Surpass Local

Mexico’s national production of compound feed for livestock is projected to grow by 2% in 2025. However, the industry’s dependence on imported grains continues to rise, now exceeding the volume supplied by domestic farmers.

According to the National Council of Manufacturers of Compound Feeds and Animal Nutrition (CONAFAB), Mexico will produce 41.88 million tons of compound feed this year, a 2% increase compared to 2024. Since 2020, compound feed production has grown by 7.7%, driven by strong domestic demand for protein from poultry, eggs, pork, beef, and fish.

“I view this growth positively because we’re expanding at a faster pace than the country’s population, which grows between 1% and 1.5%, and even above economic growth. There was some concern about this year’s performance, but the outlook is actually positive,” said Genaro Bernal, Director General, CONAFAB.

Bernal noted, however, that the industry still faces significant challenges, including the ongoing drought affecting animal production and feed availability. In addition, inadequate infrastructure for animal handling and limited access to advanced technology continue to constrain efficient and sustainable production.

Although Mexico is self-sufficient in compound feed manufacturing, the country remains deficient in certain raw materials, such as yellow corn, wheat, barley, and oats. According to CONAFAB data, in 2024 the industry imported 16.9 million tons of corn, a 20.8% increase compared to 2023. In contrast, sorghum imports fell by 67% during the same period.

Purchases from domestic farmers dropped sharply as well. In 2024, the industry acquired only 1.5 million tons of grains locally—a 67% decrease from the 4.5 million tons purchased in 2023. Bernal attributed this decline to Mexico’s structural deficit in forage grains and protein meals, forcing the industry to rely on foreign suppliers, primarily the United States.

Mexico currently ranks as the world’s fifth-largest producer of compound feed. The global market is led by China (315 million tons), followed by the United States (270 million tons), Brazil (86 million tons), and India (55 million tons).

At the same time, CONAFAB reported that its members have been impacted by rising grain prices, particularly for corn, soybeans, and sorghum. As a result, companies are working to source alternative raw materials and modernize equipment to reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, some companies have replaced fuel-oil-powered cooking plants with technology that runs on natural gas.

Producers are also adopting renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, and exploring advanced options like cogeneration, which uses residual heat from production processes to generate electricity.

“CONAFAB members understand that the return on these technology investments may take three, six, or even nine years, but they are convinced it is the best course of action given the challenges posed by climate change. These could include higher temperatures driving up cooling costs or, conversely, lower temperatures causing crop losses—just two of the potential scenarios,” the organization stated.