Mexico is blaming sanitary issues for its suspension of purchases from about 30 U.S. meat processing plants. The list of plants delisted December 26 by the Mexican government included many owned by major U.S. packing companies.
The Mexican agriculture ministry has indicated the plants could be reinstated as early as today. USDA officials are working to resolve the issue.
Mexico currently is the largest export market for U.S. beef, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Last year, exports to Mexico represented 27% of total international sales of U.S. beef. Mexico is the second largest export market for U.S. pork.
USMEF reports more rigorous enforcement of Mexico ’s meat import regulations has resulted in an increase in shipments rejected, inspection delays and U.S. plants being delisted.