Mexico opens a ten-thousand-head cattle import quota for Belize

Belizean cattle producers could see more opportunities in the Mexican market following a new decision by Mexico to allow the importation of up to ten thousand head of live cattle.  The measure was published today in Mexico’s Official Gazette. The quota takes effect tomorrow and will remain open until December 31, or until the full ten thousand head has been allocated.  The decision does not reserve all ten thousand cattle for Belize. Instead, qualified importers in Mexico will be able to source cattle from approved countries, including Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Australia, Chile and New Zealand.  Mexico says the additional imports are meant to help maintain an adequate supply of cattle and keep the domestic market stable. It also made clear that the imports are meant to supplement local production, not replace Mexican cattle farmers.  For Belize, however, the announcement could mean additional business. Mexico reported that it imported just over thirty-five thousand head of cattle in 2025. Belize supplied more than twenty-one percent of those animals, making it Mexico’s third-largest supplier behind Guatemala and Nicaragua.  Figures from the Belize Livestock Registry show that more than eight thousand head of cattle were formally exported from Belize to Mexico last year.  Trade data puts the value of those exports at approximately eight-point-one-five million US dollars.  The quota will be issued directly to Mexican individuals and companies that imported live cattle in either 2025 or 2026. They will need to submit an invoice and proof of previous imports. The cattle must also meet Mexico’s animal-health requirements before being allowed into the country.  The quota certificates cannot be transferred to another importer and will expire at the end of the year.