December 21, 2023

Closure of US, Texas bridges sparks feed supply concerns from Mexican poultry farmers

Poultry farmers in Mexico warned of consequences to international trade on December 18 and called on their government to intervene after the United States closed two rail bridges in Texas to stem a surge in migration.

US border officials closed the international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso on December 17 after detecting a surge in the smuggling of migrants through Mexico by train, according to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) statement.

According to Mexico's National Union of Poultry Producers (UNA), the sector is the largest consumer of livestock feed in the country, requiring more than 17 million metric tonnes per year. About 25% of Mexico's yellow corn inputs from the US and 63% of its soybean paste imports are moved through the two crossings, the UNA said, adding the closure of the rail bridges could affect the import and timely supply of essential feed for poultry farmers.

"We request the support of the Mexican authorities, within the scope of their respective powers, so that they intervene as soon as possible to agree on the reopening of these railway crossings," UNA's statement said. The union also warned the crossing shutdown could affect production of chicken and eggs in Mexico, which is among the world's top five producers.

CBP has imposed similar temporary closures in recent weeks, shutting the Lukeville port of entry in Arizona, a pedestrian entrance in San Diego and a vehicle crossing in Eagle Pass.

- Reuters