In the midst of the timeless and routine practice of Mexican cattle crossing the US-Mexico border, the cattle industry faces a significant challenge during Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. The looming threat of a trade war has resulted in rising beef prices across the United States, causing economic turmoil for Mexican cattle producers. The unpredictability of the US president’s tariff policies earlier this year has already led to millions of dollars in profit losses for ranchers, with uncertainties casting a shadow over the future of cross-border trade.

The situation is exacerbated by a series of events, including a parasitic screwworm outbreak, a prolonged drought, and personnel shortages at US ports of entry. The implementation of tariffs and the disruption in trade have left ranchers anxious and uncertain about the future of the industry. Free trade agreements have historically protected goods, including beef, imported from Mexico, but the current climate of uncertainty has left many in the cattle industry uneasy.

The impacts of these challenges extend beyond economic losses, affecting the livelihoods of small ranchers and the overall stability of the industry. The ongoing crises facing border ranchers underscore the fragility of the system and raise concerns about the long-term viability of cross-border trade. As the industry grapples with the implications of trade policies and environmental crises, the future of the US-Mexico cattle trade hangs in the balance, with significant implications for both producers and consumers on both sides of the border.