NAFTA beef trade - USA, Canada, Mexico

Mexico is now a major supplier to USA of beef. Quote: "total beef exports from Mexico began increasing in 2009 and have increased from about 28,000 metric tons in 2008 to over 161,000 metric tons in 2015, a nearly six-fold increase. "

According to USDA weekly beef import figures, Mexico shipments to week 20 in 2016 amount to 64,697 tonnes. This is up 13% on the same period in 2015 and Mexico is number 4 beef shipper to USA after Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Only Canada and Mexico have seen increases in beef imports to USA in 2016.

In contrast to Australia, NZ and Canada, Mexico is shipping an increasing volume of beef cuts to USA. However, USDA classify the major volume of beef primals in their import figures under the heading of primals and sub-primals.

The Mexico firm SuKarne is expanding its operation and has a massive feedlot complex.