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Mexico’s dairy market is forecast to expand in 2025. Higher milk and dairy ingredient availability are expected to increase domestic cheese and butter production.

In 2025, high domestic meat demand and lower prices of animal feed for both cattle and swine are expected to drive up overall cattle, beef, pig crop, and pork production. Despite relatively high inflation levels for food products, beef consumption is expected to grow as consumers shift purchases to more affordable meat cuts.

Mexico is the sixth largest poultry producer and fifth largest consumer globally. In 2025 production is forecast to grow as higher private investments in poultry sector and improved feed prices are expected to boost industry-wide productivity.

On August 13, the Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) confirmed to ATO Hong Kong that effective February 14, 2025, the Special Autonomous Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will transition from a “systems-based” approach to recognizing foreign meat and poultry establishments to an “establishment or plant-based” registration system.

Hong Kong classifies ground meat as prohibited meat under its food legislation. Importers are required to secure a permit from Hong Kong authorities to allow the entry of U.S. meat shipments prior to arrival at Hong Kong’s port.

On May 21, 2024, the Government of Mexico published a modification to the Federal Law of Animal Health. The update strengthens the penalties for non-compliance with the law and lists substances banned for use in livestock intended for human consumption.

Mexico’s milk, cheese, and butter production are forecast year on year growth of two percent in 2024. Dairy farmers are expected to mitigate the impacts of prolonged drought and heat conditions with previously stored forage, increased feed grain imports, and water storage mechanisms.

In recent years, and particularly in 2024, the Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) has received inquiries from local importers looking for U.S. ox gallstones - signaling an underlying demand for this byproduct in Hong Kong.

Lower feed prices are expected to boost producer profits in 2024, thereby increasing domestic beef and pork production. Beef imports are forecast to decrease, and pork imports are expected to remain nearly flat.

Mexico’s chicken meat production is forecast to exhibit continued growth in 2024 due to increased private investment in the sector. Imports are also forecast to increase, driven by robust domestic demand.

This report serves as a second reminder to U.S. exporters and traders that the Hong Kong Government (HKG) does not allow entry of U.S. poultry and egg products originating from affected counties reporting highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) when the bill of lading falls on or after the effective date of a ban.

On November 6, 2023, Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture (SADER) published Official Mexican Standard NOM-012-SAG/ZOO-2020: Specifications for the Regulation of Products for Animal Use or Consumption. The standard outlines specifications for the...