Mexico’s Changing Pork Industry: The Forces of Domestic and International Market Demand

Once dominated by traditional and small-scale production systems with little regulation, Mexico’s pork industry now includes modern, vertically integrated production systems and federal inspection of packing and processing plants. Recent structural changes have resulted in three distinct segments within the production and processing sectors as the industry works to adjust to international and domestic demand for better product quality, stricter sanitary practices, and increased supplies yet continue to meet the needs of low-income consumers. As the structural changes continue, the industry faces several challenges that will affect its ability to become both internationally and domestically competitive. To meet these challenges, the Mexican government is faced with decisions about implementing and enforcing regulations and providing incentives to encourage continued development and best serve domestic consumers.