For the first six months of 2025, cattle imports from Mexico are down 73.1 percent due to restrictions from the discovery of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico. From January to July 2024 there were 853,976 head imported into the U.S. from Mexico, but in 2025 that volume over the same time period had dropped to 229,055 head. Similarly, from Canada, live cattle imports are down 4.8 percent to 440,174 head from 462,406 head in the first six months of 2024.

The U.S. beef industry relies on these imported cattle to supplement slaughter totals. These cattle expand U.S. beef production and help supply not only domestic consumers with quality beef at an affordable price but also help meet global demand.   Since 2014, the average number...