By Jamie Martin
At the third annual U.S.-Mexico Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., R-CALF USA raised concerns about the growing trade imbalance with Mexico, warning that it continues to hurt independent cattle producers and compromise U.S. food security.
Representatives from R-CALF USA joined a panel discussion on agricultural trade challenges, hosted by leading policy organizations, including the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), the Heritage Foundation, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The summit gathered U.S. and Mexican policymakers to address agricultural cooperation and review upcoming trade agreements under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“It was an honor to be invited and to represent America’s independent ranchers on this panel,” said a representative from R-CALF USA. “Both the U.S. and Mexico must reclaim their sovereignty from global corporate capture. Mexico must also end cartel-influenced policies that have resulted in near-insurmountable trade barriers and prolonged border closures to livestock trade.”
The organization highlighted long-standing damages from one-sided trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and USMCA, which it says led to the United States becoming heavily reliant on cheaper foreign beef and cattle imports. According to data presented by R-CALF USA, imports from Mexico now exceed exports by a ratio of three to one.
R-CALF USA’s leadership also raised concerns about potential smuggling of cattle from South America through Mexico, undermining both fair trade and biosecurity standards. The group urged the federal government to investigate and impose fair trade measures to prevent illegal practices.
The organization emphasized that the U.S. cattle sector has become overly dependent on imports. “For American ranchers, this growing trade deficit is a barrier to rebuilding and expanding the domestic cattle herd,” said the R-CALF USA CEO. “Until we hold Mexico accountable, rebalance trade with tariffs, and restore key policies like MCOOL, we will continue sacrificing U.S. ranchers’ livelihoods and our nation’s food security.”
Photo Credit:r-calf-usa
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