Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Mexican livestock farmers, represented by the National Confederation of Livestock Organizations (CNOG), led by Homero García de la Llata, have expressed their stance against importing beef from countries like Brazil. The CNOG’s position is crucial as it aims to protect the domestic livestock industry and ensure food security for Mexico.
CNOG’s Stance on Beef Importation
The CNOG urges the government of Claudia Sheinbaum to regulate beef imports, especially from third countries such as Brazil. This move aims to prevent an oversupply of beef that could lead to significant financial losses for the Mexican livestock sector.
Domestic Beef Supply in Mexico
According to CNOG data, Mexico’s domestic beef supply is secure until 2026. There will be 1.2 million head of cattle available for fattening, which translates to 396,000 tons of beef in the carcass. This is 20% more than the average national production during 2025.
These 396,000 tons of beef in the carcass can be converted into 277,200 tons of boneless beef for national consumption in 2026, comparable to the amount imported from Brazil (70% of carcass beef is boneless).
Excessive Beef Imports from Brazil
Mexican livestock producers will generate more than double the beef excesses imported from Brazil (120,000 tons by the end of 2025), according to CNOG.
Factors Influencing Beef Production in Mexico
Favorable climatic conditions have boosted beef production, with an expected significant increase in calf production during the upcoming year. With improved rainfall across 80% of the country over the past 18 months, calf production in Mexico is set to rise considerably.
CNOG’s head, Homero García de la Llata, explained that a 20% increase in non-exported calf production for beef in 2025, combined with another 20% increase due to better climatic conditions and continued imports from non-trade agreement countries, would drastically lower bovine prices in Mexico.
Impact on Small and Medium-Sized Producers
This price drop would negatively affect 750,000 small and medium-sized bovine producers who have only recently regained profitability after several challenging years.
CNOG’s Recommendations
To safeguard domestic production and ensure self-sufficiency in beef, CNOG suggests establishing maximum import quotas. This approach aligns with Mexico’s Plan México 2025-2030.
Export Trends and Current Scenario
In 2024, Mexican livestock exporters sent 1,435,331 head of cattle abroad. However, the situation for 2025 changed due to border closures caused by the presence of the bovine screw worm, resulting in the export of 238,124 head with 1,197,207 head of cattle available.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern of Mexican livestock farmers? They deem unnecessary the importation of beef from countries like Brazil, asserting that there is ample domestic supply for the Mexican market.
- Why does CNOG oppose beef imports? To prevent an oversupply that could cause financial losses to the Mexican livestock sector.
- What is the projected beef supply in Mexico by 2026? The CNOG reports that there will be 1.2 million head of cattle available for fattening, resulting in 396,000 tons of beef in the carcass – a 20% increase compared to the average national production during 2025.
- How have climatic conditions affected beef production in Mexico? Favorable weather has led to a significant increase in calf production, with expectations of further growth in the upcoming year.
- What are CNOG’s recommendations regarding beef imports? The organization suggests establishing maximum import quotas to protect domestic production and ensure self-sufficiency in beef, aligning with Mexico’s Plan México 2025-2030.
