Mexican Milk & Dairy Imports Start 2026 at Record High

ByEl Economista

This article originally appeared in the May 19, 2026 edition of El Economista.

Mexican imports of milk and dairy products reached a record level during the first quarter of 2026. According to figures from the Bank of Mexico (Banxico), dairy products worth $450.4 million entered the country between January and March.

The figure represents the highest level recorded for a similar period since comparable data has been available, in addition to consolidating a growth trend observed since 2022. The figures show that external purchases of milk and dairy products practically doubled in just four years; between 2022 and reaching a new peak in 2026.

Factors such as increased production costs, droughts, higher prices for grains for animal feed, and greater demand for dairy products have put pressure on domestic production and favoured purchases from abroad.

Mexico maintains a strong trade relationship with the United States in the agri-food sector, particularly in products such as powdered milk, cheeses and other derivatives .

Mexico’s food sovereignty & security are deeply threatened by US dumping.