R CALF USA Highlights Import Challenges

Group Warns About Import Surge And Food Security Risks

During the third annual U.S.-Mexico Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., R-CALF USA voiced serious concerns over the ongoing trade imbalance between the United States and Mexico.

The organization stated that unfair trade practices continue to weaken independent cattle producers and pose risks to America’s long-term food security.

At the invitation-only event, U.S. and Mexican officials, agricultural leaders, and policy experts discussed economic and agricultural issues under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). R-CALF USA representatives emphasized the challenges posed by increased imports, animal health threats, and economic dependence on foreign livestock.

“It was an honor to be invited and to represent America’s independent ranchers on this panel,” the organization stated. “Both the U.S. and Mexico must reclaim their sovereignty from global corporate capture.

Mexico must also end cartel-influenced policies that have resulted in near-insurmountable trade barriers and prolonged border closures to livestock trade.”

The group shared USDA trade data showing that since 1990, the U.S. has grown increasingly dependent on Mexican cattle and beef, with imports now outpacing exports by more than three to one. It warned that such trends undermine U.S. competitiveness and make producers vulnerable to foreign market fluctuations.

R-CALF USA also cautioned that illegal cattle smuggling from South America into Mexico may be impacting U.S. markets and biosecurity. It called for government investigations and tougher enforcement of livestock import regulations.

“For American ranchers, this growing trade deficit is a barrier to rebuilding and expanding the domestic cattle herd,” said the R-CALF USA CEO. “Until we hold Mexico accountable, rebalance trade with tariffs, and restore key policies like MCOOL, we will continue sacrificing U.S. ranchers’ livelihoods and our nation’s food security.”

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