According to a Reuters report, Mexico's Agriculture Minister, Julio Berdegué, confirmed on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, that no date has been set for resuming cattle exports to the U.S.. Berdegué spoke after a video conference with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to discuss the ongoing closure, which is due to an outbreak of the New World screwworm.
The situation and next steps include:
- Reason for the ban: The U.S. halted live cattle imports from Mexico in May 2025 after the screwworm pest spread north into the country. A phased reopening was attempted in July but was quickly reversed after a new detection occurred closer to the border.
- Ongoing negotiations: The U.S. and Mexican governments are actively working toward a solution. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated last week that Minister Berdegué would travel to Washington to advocate for reopening the border.
- Proposed solutions: In their most recent video conference, Berdegué and Secretary Rollins discussed a plan to test new modular mobile plants in Mexico. If successful, these plants could increase the production of sterile flies by up to 20 million per week to combat the parasite.
- Market impact: The uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the border and the impact of the screwworm outbreak have caused volatility in the cattle market, particularly for feeder cattle futures.
- Future outlook: A definite timeline remains uncertain, and any resumption of trade would likely be gradual and subject to strict new protocols to prevent the screwworm from crossing the border into the U.S.
