The US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA), which became effective on July 1, 2020, has notably granted US access to the Mexican market for bovine meat and bone meal (MBM), a significant development for the industry highlighted by the North American Renderers Association (NARA). This achievement, facilitated by comprehensive negotiations and technical discussions between US and Mexican officials, including the Office of the US Trade Representative and the US Department of Agriculture’s APHIS, marks a pivotal moment in bilateral trade relations.
NARA's active role in advocating for this access, in collaboration with Mexican associations and authorities, aims to lower feed costs for Mexican producers in the poultry, swine, and pet food sectors. The organization emphasizes the safety of bovine MBM, underscoring its low risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and the USMCA's strong sanitary-phytosanitary provisions that align with international scientific standards. As Mexico's livestock sector expands, so does its demand for bovine MBM, providing a growing market opportunity for US producers.
NARA's focus on market access is part of a broader strategy to expand the reach of US rendering products, with Mexico being one of many markets, including Asia and Europe, that value these ingredients for their nutritional and environmental benefits. The organization's data highlights the importance of rendering in reducing food waste and environmental impact by transforming waste products into valuable ingredients for various applications.