The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), a contractor to the beef checkoff, recently hosted the inaugural U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico City. The conference featured presentations about potential growth opportunities in Mexico, one of America’s largest beef export markets. Discussions also examined the country’s current political and economic climate. Kansas Beef Council Executive Committee member Tracy Thomas and Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam attended the event.
“U.S. meat is in high demand in Mexico, which makes it a good investment opportunity,” Beam said. “An official of Mexico shared that they actually need more high-protein products in their country at an affordable price and, fortunately, they are relying on the United States for that.”
The symposium also served as an opportunity for Mexican buyers and American exporters to connect and collaborate. Mexico imported more than 200,000 metric tons of beef cuts and variety meats in 2023. U.S. beef makes up 71% of Mexico’s total beef imports, with almost half being variety meats.
Last year, USMEF reported that global export markets for U.S. beef added almost $400 per head of fed slaughter. They continue to seek opportunities to grow foreign markets to build a greater demand for American beef.