The US is reopening its biggest port for Mexican live cattle shipments, marking a significant step in the Trump administration’s efforts to ease the pressures of a domestic cattle shortage. The port in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, is the second to reopen, after the US in late 2024 stalled livestock shipments from Mexico in order to prevent the spread of the deadly New World screwworm. It’s far larger than the Arizona plant that resumed operations last month: nearly 500,000 cattle were shipped through the Santa Teresa port in 2024, amounting to about 40% of the US’s total imports from Mexico, according to the US Agriculture Department.

The reopening aims to restore critical supply chains for U.S. beef producers facing herd shortages. Officials emphasize enhanced inspection protocols to prevent disease transmission while supporting trade continuity. The move underscores bilateral cooperation on agricultural and animal health standards between the U.S. and Mexico.