From The USDA Briefing Room - Part 4

Cattle Trade

The United States imports significantly more cattle than it exports. The countries from which the United States imports cattle are the same ones to which it exports cattle: Canada and Mexico. The geographical proximity of these countries and the complementarity of their cattle and beef sectors explain why they are the United States' only significant cattle trading partners.

 

U.S. cattle exports to Canada and Mexico vary from year to year in both the total volume of exports and the relative percentage exported to each country. Historically, the United States has primarily exported slaughter cattle to both countries. However, changes in Canada's policies and market situation have led to increased exports of U.S. feeder cattle. U.S. cattle exports declined in 2003 and have remained low through 2006 in response to strong domestic cattle prices and trade barriers related to BSE and other diseases. Weaker cattle prices and larger cattle supplies in Canada due to its BSE situation also reduced Canadian demand for U.S. cattle.