U.S. Reopens Arizona Crossing to 1.1 Million Mexican Cattle as Beef Hits Record Prices
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 24
U.S. Reopens Arizona Crossing to 1.1 Million Mexican Cattle as Beef Hits Record Prices
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 24
Summary
Douglas, Arizona, reopens Monday to Mexican cattle as the Trump administration tries to ease record beef prices after a 2025 border closure tied to screwworm fears.
Economists say shoppers are unlikely to see quick relief because the reopening is phased, imports traditionally equal only about 3% of U.S. supply, and volumes will take months to recover.
Beef prices remain near records: ground beef averaged $6.89 a pound in July, up 57% from July 2021, while steak reached $13.06 and the U.S. herd fell to 86.2 million head, a 75-year low.
USDA says risk has eased enough to start in Sonora and Chihuahua, with each animal inspected before entry, even as more than 40 screwworm cases have been confirmed in southern Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
The broader shortage reflects years of drought and weak cattle economics, and analysts say rebuilding the herd will take years because cows produce only one calf annually.