Santa Teresa Port Will Resume Cattle Imports September 24
Livestock importers will regain access to a key trade route as new inspection protocols take effect in New Mexico.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in International Trade
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Is now a good time to reopen livestock ports despite ongoing screwworm concerns?
The Santa Teresa port of entry will reopen for cattle imports from Mexico on September 24, 2026, following a suspension related to New World screwworm concerns. The resumption restores a critical channel that has historically handled 43% of all United States livestock imports.
Why it matters
The reopening marks a significant restoration of supply chain efficiency for livestock operators, following a multi-year period of restricted cross-border movement. New inspection protocols between U.S. and Mexican officials are intended to mitigate the biosecurity risks that triggered the initial closure.
The Santa Teresa port historically accounted for 43% of total U.S. livestock imports before the USDA implemented restrictions. Operations at this location are set to restart on September 24, 2026, following a period of heightened biosecurity concerns.
The players
USDA
The federal agency responsible for overseeing livestock import biosecurity and port operations.
Mexican government
The national authority coordinating with U.S. officials to manage cross-border agricultural trade protocols.
The details
The USDA, in collaboration with New Mexico and Mexican authorities, has established enhanced inspection protocols to resume trade safely. Technicians will inspect all cattle at the border to facilitate crossing while preventing the entry of New World screwworm. This shift replaces the previous halt, which was mandated during the summer of 2025 due to pest concerns and reinforced following a confirmed case in a New Mexico horse on September 17, 2026.
Timeline
Summer 2025: The USDA halted livestock crossings at the Santa Teresa port of entry.
September 17, 2026: New World screwworm was confirmed in a horse in New Mexico.
September 24, 2026: The Santa Teresa port of entry is scheduled to reopen for cattle imports.
October 2026: The Columbus port of entry is scheduled to resume operations.
Market Landscape
The reopening follows established precedents for USDA agricultural import biosecurity protocols that govern how trade channels are shuttered during pest outbreaks. This restart marks a departure from the restrictive measures that have defined cross-border livestock operations since 2025.
Operators currently relying on alternative routes for livestock logistics should prepare for shifts in transit costs and border wait times as traffic returns to the Santa Teresa port. Review your supply chain routing for potential efficiency gains starting on September 24.
The takeaway
The restoration of this major import artery provides a window to recalibrate your cross-border supply chain and procurement costs. Monitor the resumption of traffic on September 24 to gauge if inspection protocols impact standard crossing timelines for your shipments.
What happens next
The Columbus port of entry is scheduled to resume operations in October 2026.
Further reading
For broader analysis on cross-border logistics, see International Trade.
Live Poll
Is now a good time to reopen livestock ports despite ongoing screwworm concerns?
