Mexican Government Ends Tariff Exemption to Support Domestic Dairy and Meat Production
The Mexican government has implemented a significant policy change by removing the tariff exemption on imports of beef and dairy products. This measure, effective from January 1, 2026, is part of the broader Paquete Contra la Inflación y la Carestía (PACIC) and the Plan México 2025-2030. The policy shift is intended to enhance domestic production and secure food supply in the country.
The Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG) supports this decision, highlighting that the removal of the tariff exemption, coupled with the introduction of import quotas—such as a maximum of 70,000 tonnes of beef—will protect approximately 750,000 small and medium-sized cattle producers. This protection aims to reduce competitive pressure from cheaper imports and increase the value and market share of local production.
Despite concerns, the ranchers believe this government action will not inhibit internal supply but will instead augment it. There is optimism that Mexican production can meet a significant portion of the domestic market demand, with the new regulations striving to balance local and imported supplies effectively.
The decree, published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación, includes transition periods for importers with existing contracts and introduces sanitary and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that additional imports do not compromise internal competitiveness.
International dairy sectors and policymakers view this regulatory change as a step towards achieving genuine food self-sufficiency, strengthening domestic producers, and balancing the trade of strategic products like meat and milk amidst global price volatility and external competition pressures.
