Full Breakdown
USDA Expands Mexican Cattle Imports to Two Additional U.S. Ports
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Background: Screwworm Block and Earlier Reopenings
In 2025 the U.S. Department of Agriculture halted cattle shipments from Mexico to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite. The agency later resumed limited livestock trade at Douglas, Arizona, in August and at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, in September. Horse imports are also slated to restart at Santa Teresa on October 26.
Timeline of Port Reopenings
- October 26 (scheduled): Imports are set to resume at Columbus, New Mexico.
- November 30 (scheduled): The agency plans to add Nogales, Arizona, pending safety conditions.
These dates come from a USDA post on X, the agency’s official platform.
Impact on Beef Prices and Food Affordability
Analysts note that the earlier import suspension contributed to record-high U.S. ground-beef prices this year, intensifying concerns about food affordability ahead of the November midterm elections. Expanding entry points is intended to increase supply and ease price pressures, though the effect will depend on the volume of cattle cleared through the new ports.
Official Statements & Agency Data
The USDA confirmed 56 screwworm cases in the United States since June, with five cases still active.
Why It Matters
Reinstating imports at Columbus and potentially Nogales broadens the logistical network for Mexican cattle, which could help stabilize domestic beef markets and mitigate inflationary pressures on consumers. The move also signals the USDA’s confidence that current containment measures are sufficient to protect U.S. livestock from screwworm re-introduction.