In early 2026, the prices of beef and pork in Mexico have seen significant increases of 16.5% and 3.6%, respectively. These rises have been largely attributed to the removal of tariff exemptions on imports from Brazil and Argentina, as well as rising costs linked to insecurity issues affecting the agricultural sector. Macarena Hernández Márquez, the director of the Mexican Meat Council (Comecarne), emphasized that these conditions will likely lead to sustained price increases for meat products in the country.

At the Annual Meat Industry Convention, Comecarne warned that the recently announced import quotas of 51,000 tons for pork and 70,000 tons for beef are inadequate given the current market conditions and the expanding demand for meat in Mexico. The organization argues that the quotas, which are set to be allocated through a bidding model, will not sufficiently meet the growing consumer needs, thereby exerting upward pressure on prices. This situation raises concerns for consumers, particularly for traditional barbecue gatherings, which heavily rely on affordable beef and pork.

Overall, the combination of tariff policy changes and rising domestic demand has created a precarious situation for the meat market in Mexico. As these price increases unfold, they may affect not only consumer behavior but also the overall economy, with potential implications for food inflation and local businesses that depend on meat sales. The ongoing challenges in the sector highlight the complexities of agricultural policy and its direct impact on everyday life.