February 6, 2006

Mexico resumes US bone-in beef imports

Mexico has resumed importing bone-in beef from animals under 30 months of age from the US.

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns said Mexico's decision to open its market to US beef is a testament to the safety of US beef and an expression of confidence in US safeguards to prevent mad cow disease. He added that the resumption of beef trade with Mexico is great news for its farmers and ranchers since Mexico is the second-largest export market for US.

Over US$874 million of beef products were sold by US beef exporters to Mexico in 2003, with bone-in beef products reaching US$40 million. Mexico resumed imports of boneless US beef from animals younger than 30 months of age in March 2004.