Arizona Cattle Imports Rose to 1,300 Daily

Agricultural operators should monitor rising border volumes as supply flows increase through the Douglas port.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Agriculture

Arizona Cattle Imports Rose to 1,300 Daily

Live Poll

Is it a good time to reopen U.S. borders to livestock imports from Mexico?

Daily live cattle imports into Arizona reached 1,300 animals on October 13, 2026, as the state continues a phased reopening of border trade. The Agua Prieta-Douglas crossing remains one of only two active ports for Mexican cattle entering the United States.

Why it matters

The volume increase signals a recovery in cross-border supply chains after a year-long closure caused by New World screwworm concerns. Operators must track these import levels to gauge the return of normal regional livestock inventory cycles.

Current import volumes hit 1,300 animals per day, nearly double the 700-head volume recorded during the August border reopening. With only two cattle ports open along the entire U.S.-Mexico border, regional supply remains sensitive to ongoing screwworm prevention protocols.

The players

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal agency managing national agricultural health, trade policy, and border inspection protocols for livestock.

The details

Animals enter Arizona on foot through the Agua Prieta-Douglas crossing as part of a USDA-managed, phased reopening strategy. The border had remained closed for over a year to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, which currently persists in Sonora. While Arizona reports zero cases of the parasite, officials are preparing to inspect additional quarantine facilities in Nogales to support future throughput growth.

August 2026: Border reopened to live cattle imports.
October 13, 2026: Daily import volume reached 1,300 head.
October 20, 2026: Projected daily import volume of 1,500 head.

Market Landscape

The reopening follows long-standing New World screwworm border import bans that historically disrupt regional supply chains. Current operations mark a departure from the total closures seen throughout the prior year as authorities shift toward a controlled, phased return to trade.

Operators reliant on Mexican livestock should anticipate shifting regional supply availability as daily port volumes trend upward. Monitor infrastructure readiness at the Nogales quarantine facilities for signals regarding the pace of further trade expansion.

The takeaway

The return of livestock trade through Arizona ports signals a stabilizing supply environment for regional cattle operators. Monitor the upcoming October 20, 2026, volume expansion to adjust procurement forecasts.