Mexico’s Meat Industry Announces MX$105 Billion Investment

Mexico's meat industry has announced an investment of MX$105 billion (US$5.1 billion) to strengthen its domestic market over the next six years. This move comes amid the imposition of tariffs on food products by the United States.

Francisco Jaraleño, President, Mexican Meat Council (COMECARNE), stated that the 114 members of the organization have committed to an annual investment of MX$17.5 billion, which will total MX$105 billion over the course of this administration. The investment will focus on remodeling and expanding existing plants, expanding into new markets, as well as building new meat processing factories. It is also planned to improve process efficiency, ensure compliance with regulations, develop new products, and provide training. Additionally, environmental innovations will be implemented, including the installation of solar panels to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. 

This announcement comes amid the imposition of tariffs on food products by the United States, which are expected to take effect on April 2nd. In this regard, Luis Fernando Haro, General Director, National Agricultural Council (CNA), warned that the rising costs of inputs such as grains and fodder will impact livestock production, raising the costs of meat, eggs, and milk, which could directly affect Mexican consumers. On the other side of the border, analysts warn that President Trump's tariff policies will have a negative effect on food inflation for US families, who are already facing high costs for products like eggs, a situation exacerbated by the avian flu crisis in the country.

In this regard, President Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico will not back down in its dealings with the United States. She announced that her government would implement both tariff and non-tariff countermeasures, which will be publicly detailed on Sunday at 12 pm. She emphasized that Mexico seeks negotiation, not economic confrontation, and will continue pursuing dialogue to protect its sovereignty and economy. On Thursday morning, Trump also announced a halt on tariffs related to USMCA-protected products following a call with President Sheinbaum.

During the 2025 Expo Carnes y Lacteos held in Monterrey, Jaraleño supported President Claudia Sheinbaum’s actions related to Plan México to promote dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation on commercial matters to further strengthen bilateral and regional relations for the well-being and protection of Mexicans. “Mexico needs a strong, sustainable, and committed meat industry,” he stated.

According to data from COMECARNE, the consumption of cold cuts in Mexico grew by 3.1% compared to the previous year. Similarly, from January to October 2024, meat consumption rose by 4.5% compared to the same period in 2023. Macarena Hernández, Director General, COMECARNE, highlighted that meat protein consumption has steadily increased over the past three years due to higher purchasing power driven by increased wages, remittances, and social programs.

The meat industry in Mexico generates an annual economic spillover of MX$1.1 trillion, which represents 1.2% of the national GDP. Additionally, it generates around 83,000 direct jobs and 366,000 indirect jobs. "Today we represent 5% of the total jobs generated by the food industry," Jaraleño emphasized.