Mexico has resumed the export of live cattle to the United States, ending a suspension that lasted nearly two years. The trade halt was originally implemented following the detection of a screwworm outbreak, a parasitic infestation that poses a significant threat to livestock health. The resumption of trade is expected to provide substantial economic relief to Mexican ranchers, who rely heavily on the U.S. market for their exports.

While the export process has restarted, it remains subject to limited conditions as both nations work to ensure the screwworm has been fully contained. The suspension was initially enforced under the Trump administration, which cited strict sanitary protocols to prevent the spread of the parasite into U.S. herds. The decision to reopen the border for these shipments follows ongoing negotiations between agricultural authorities in both countries to verify that the livestock being transported meet the required health and safety standards.

There is some disagreement regarding the timeline and the specific nature of the restrictions. The Independent reports that the pause lasted nearly two years, attributing the initial restrictions directly to the Trump administration’s policies. However, the report does not detail the specific technical benchmarks that were met to satisfy U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors, nor does it provide the perspective of U.S. cattle producers who may have concerns regarding the potential for re-introduction of the parasite. The resumption marks a significant step in normalizing agricultural trade relations, though both sides continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any further outbreaks that could trigger another suspension.