WASHINGTON (WLKI) - The United States plans to reopen an Arizona border crossing to Mexican cattle Monday as part of the Trump administration's effort to increase supplies and address record beef prices.
The crossing in Douglas, Arizona, will be the first to resume livestock trade after the federal government halted cattle imports from Mexico in May 2025 because of the spread of the New World screwworm.
According to the Associated Press, the Department of Agriculture plans to reopen additional crossings in New Mexico and Texas through a phased process if animal health conditions allow.
The screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of cattle and other warm-blooded animals. Infestations can cause serious injuries or death.
Federal officials said animal health conditions in the northern Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua had improved enough to begin allowing cattle through the Arizona crossing. Each animal must be inspected and declared free of the parasite before entering the United States.
The reopening comes as President Donald Trump's administration looks for ways to reduce beef prices.
Trump announced Friday that the United States would allow up to 331,000 tons of imported ground beef to enter the country tariff-free during the next 90 days. The imported beef is expected to be sold below current market prices.
Economists cautioned that reopening the Mexican border is unlikely to provide immediate relief for grocery shoppers.
Mexico traditionally sends about 1.1 million cattle to the United States each year, representing roughly 3% of the nation's supply. Because imports will resume gradually, it could take months for trade to return to its previous level.
The United States is also dealing with its smallest cattle herd in 75 years. The Department of Agriculture reported that the herd had fallen to 86.2 million animals as of Jan. 1.
The cattle supply has declined for five consecutive years as drought, high operating costs and historically low cattle prices prompted ranchers to reduce their herds.
Beef prices have increased substantially during the same period.
The average price of ground beef rose from $4.39 per pound in July 2021 to $6.89 in July 2026, an increase of nearly 57%. Overall food prices increased about 25% during those five years.
The average price of uncooked steak reached a record $13.06 per pound in July. That represented a 35% increase over five years and a 10% increase from the previous year.
Agricultural economists said rebuilding the domestic cattle supply will take years. A cow generally produces only one calf annually, and retaining young females for breeding temporarily removes them from the beef supply.
Drought has also reduced the amount of available grazing land, forcing some ranchers to sell cattle earlier than planned.
The reduced supply has left some meat-processing facilities operating below capacity. Tyson Foods and JBS USA have announced closures or changes at several beef plants as the industry adjusts to having fewer cattle available for slaughter.
Federal and livestock industry officials consider the New World screwworm a major threat to the $113 billion American cattle industry.
The parasite was largely eradicated from the United States during the 1960s but moved into southern Mexico in late 2024. The first confirmed Texas case since 1966 was reported June 3.
More than 40 cases have since been confirmed in southern Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Infestations have been found in cattle, sheep, goats and dogs.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the phased reopening is intended to balance the economic benefits of livestock trade with the need to protect American animals.
Officials said other border crossings will reopen only when federal inspectors determine that cattle can enter safely.