Mexico’s Agribusiness Sector Navigates Trade Shifts

Mexico has resumed live cattle exports to the United States, starting with 700 head per day from Sonora. Meanwhile, Mexico and Japan agreed to modify Pacific bluefin tuna quotas for 2027-2028.

This is the Week in Agribusiness and Food!

Mexico Resumes Live Cattle Exports to the United States

Mexico has resumed live cattle exports to the United States after a suspension caused by the New World screwworm outbreak, starting with 700 head per day from Sonora and gradually increasing to 1,300 as sanitary controls and traceability systems are strengthened. The United States plans to reopen two additional ports in New Mexico, while Mexico maintains enhanced inspections, sterile fly releases, and livestock traceability in coordination with US and state authorities. The reopening restores a key market for Mexican ranchers and exporters, while US cattle shortages and high beef prices continue to pressure both governments to normalize cross-border trade.

Mexico, Japan Reach Agreement on Pacific Tuna Quotas

Mexico and Japan agreed to modify Pacific bluefin tuna quotas for 2027-2028, including a nearly 25% increase for tuna weighing more than 30kg in the Western and Central Pacific, following evidence of significant stock recovery. Mexico’s Eastern Pacific quota will rise modestly, supporting its export-oriented bluefin tuna industry in Baja California, where Japan remains a key market. The changes still require approval by the WCPFC and IATTC and could shape fisheries management, international quota negotiations, and seafood trade among Pacific fishing nations.

Mexico Ranks Ninth Globally in Honey Exports

Mexico’s honey production and exports are expanding, with national production reaching a record level and exports increasing as Germany and the United States remain key markets. Yucatan and Campeche are seeking Geographical Indications for melipona honey to protect its Mayan cultural heritage, authenticity, and origin while improving market access and value for native-bee producers. The sector continues to face challenges including deforestation, pesticide use, weak traceability, and declining beekeeper numbers, prompting government programs focused on production practices, financing, infrastructure, and meliponiculture.

US Suspends Ground Beef Tariffs for 90 Days to Combat High Prices

The United States authorized a 90-day suspension of tariffs on up to 300,000t of imported ground beef to address record-high meat prices caused by historically low cattle inventories, while Mexico simultaneously resumes live cattle exports under enhanced sanitary controls. The measure comes as Mexican processed beef exports expand, with shipments reaching US$1.34 billion in the first five months of 2026 and the United States absorbing approximately 91% of Mexico’s beef exports. The shift is accelerating integration across North American livestock supply chains, affecting Mexican ranchers, feedlots, meat processors, retailers, and exporters. 

Brazil Chicken Imports Pressure Mexico’s Poultry Industry

Mexico’s boneless chicken breast imports from Brazil more than doubled between 2022 and 2025, prompting the National Poultry Association (UNA) to seek an end to the tariff exemption and the establishment of an import quota to protect domestic production. The association estimates that rising imports have contributed to significant losses for Mexican poultry producers and reduced rural employment, citing cost disadvantages related to access to land, water, grains, and other inputs. Concerns could intensify if Brazilian poultry supplies are redirected toward Mexico following new European Union restrictions, affecting producers, processors, rural communities, and food trade.