Background on Key Players and Context
The Mexican cattle industry, represented by the National Confederation of Cattle Producers (CNOG) and the Exporting Cattle Unions for Bovines, has appealed to Mexico City’s mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. Their request stems from a significant increase in beef and live cattle imports from Brazil, which has surged over 250% compared to 2024 levels. This surge has negatively affected domestic prices and the commercialization of national production.
The Cattle Industry’s Proposal
In a letter to Sheinbaum, the CNOG and exporting cattle unions proposed incorporating maximum import quotas for beef within the PACIC (Package Against Inflation and Scarcity) to ensure that purchases from Brazil and Argentina complement, rather than harm, Mexican producers.
CNOG’s Concerns and Request
Led by Homero García de la Llata, the CNOG emphasized that over 700,000 heads of cattle have stopped being exported. They prioritize protecting the Mexican domestic market by adopting measures that limit imports of live cattle and beef, especially those from Brazil. Recent data indicates a more than 250% increase in Brazilian imports compared to 2024.
Industry’s Demands for Protection
The cattle industry is seeking measures to safeguard national production amidst the ongoing health and trade contingency. They have called for the intervention of the Secretariats of Economy and Agriculture to analyze the situation and implement actions that ensure the stability of the cattle sector, crucial for food, employment, and the economy of thousands of families in Mexico.
Collaborative Spirit and Government Support
The CNOG and exporting cattle unions reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development in Mexican agriculture and their willingness to collaborate with the government on solutions that strengthen food sovereignty and economic justice.
They acknowledged the support provided by Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to the livestock sector, particularly through the Beef Production Reconversion Program. This program was implemented following the temporary halt in beef calf exports to the United States due to a Gusano Barrenador infestation detected in southern Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key players involved? The Mexican cattle industry, represented by the National Confederation of Cattle Producers (CNOG) and the Exporting Cattle Unions for Bovines, has appealed to Mexico City’s mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
- What is the main concern of the cattle industry? The cattle industry is concerned about the significant increase in beef and live cattle imports from Brazil, which has negatively affected domestic prices and the commercialization of national production.
- What proposal has been made by the cattle industry? The CNOG and exporting cattle unions proposed incorporating maximum import quotas for beef within the PACIC (Package Against Inflation and Scarcity) to ensure that purchases from Brazil and Argentina complement, rather than harm, Mexican producers.
- What measures is the industry seeking? The cattle industry is seeking measures to safeguard national production amidst the ongoing health and trade contingency, including the intervention of the Secretariats of Economy and Agriculture.
- What is the government’s role in this situation? Claudia Sheinbaum’s government has provided support to the livestock sector, particularly through the Beef Production Reconversion Program, implemented following a temporary halt in beef calf exports to the United States due to a Gusano Barrenador infestation.
