Mexico’s Beef Prices Hit 10-Year High

Mexico — During the patriotic month of 2025, beef reached its highest price in the last decade, in a context marked by sanitary restrictions and problems with exports. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the food registered an increase of 18.5% compared to September 2024, being the first time since 2015 that an increase of such magnitude has been observed.

Cuts of Meat Most Affected

The cuts that suffered the greatest increase were chops and ribs, with an increase of 19.4%, followed by the retazo cut, with 19%, while the bistec cut became more expensive by 18.7% on average. The national average price per kilo of beef was set at 214 pesos, according to figures from the Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas (GCMA), marking a historic record for the domestic market.

Impact of the Screwworm on the Livestock Sector

The sanitary crisis provoked by the screwworm has been a determining factor in the scarcity of supply and the increase in prices. Querétaro recently joined as the tenth state affected by the parasite, which has halted exports of live calves to the United States. The restrictions imposed by US authorities have generated million-dollar losses for national producers and have caused an accumulation of feeder cattle in Mexican production units.

Exports in Decline

The Bank of Mexico reported that exports of frozen meat fell 5.2% between January and August 2025, with revenues of 128 million dollars, the lowest figure for a similar period since 2018. The combination of sustained demand, sanitary restrictions, and lower supply has created a scenario of record prices in the national market, affecting both consumers and producers.

Consequences for Domestic Consumption

The price increase has had a direct impact on the poorest households, who have reduced their consumption of animal protein compared to previous years. The scarcity of affordable beef generates pressure on the basic food basket, forcing many families to seek more economical alternatives, such as chicken, pork, or vegetable proteins.

Perspectives and Challenges for the Livestock Sector

Juan Carlos Anaya, director of the GCMA, highlighted that the recovery of the bovine sector will depend on sanitary, climatic, and trade policy factors. The combination of restrictions due to the screwworm, unfavorable climatic conditions, and the pressure from internal and international demand poses a significant challenge for producers and authorities alike.

Impact Affects the Consumer

Beef in Mexico faces an unprecedented scenario: historic prices, export restrictions, and sanitary issues that impact both the consumer and the economy of the livestock sector. Immediate actions in sanitary control, trade policy, and market regulation will be key to stabilizing prices and guaranteeing the supply of this essential food.