The Mexican Feed Council (Conafab) is about to release its Annual Compendium of the Mexican Feed Industry.
The feed industry in Mexico continues to grow for several reasons – increased animal protein consumption, more affordable raw material prices, as well as an affordable exchange rate with the U.S. dollar. In 2024, total feed production in the country reached a new high of 41 million metric tons (MMT).
The main type of feed produced is still broiler feed (11.6 MMT) and layer feed (7.7 MMT), which together account for almost half of the total production (47.1%). By way of comparison, swine feed production stood at 7.7 MMT in 2024, dairy cattle 6.4 MMT and beef cattle 4.5 MMT.
Uncertainty
The domestic economic environment for 2025 is one of uncertainty and a slowing economy. However, there are other issues that have impacted poultry production and consequently, feed production, for example, fertile egg shortages and animal health issues.
Consequently, Conafab estimates that the feed industry will produce 41.8 MMT this year, an increase of only 2% from 2024. With regards to broiler and layer feed, Conafab expects an increase of 1.2% and 2.8%, respectively. Feeds for other species, such as swine, might grow more (2.6%) in 2025.
Imports
Mexico relies heavily on imported grains and, as a matter of fact, it is the primary corn importing nation for U.S. exporters, and its grain harvest is not growing – it has actually been decreasing over the last few years.
Currently, 74% of total feed production is manufactured using imported grains and oilseeds, and this year that figure could reach more than 80%. This high dependence on foreign inputs could become particularly complicated should trade issues with the U.S. not be resolved.
The feed industry in 2024 used about 33.7 MMT of primary raw materials, and only 45% of grains came from domestic harvests. Protein meals totaled 9.54 MMT (28%), of which only 60% came from domestic production.
Mexico has 623 feed mills – 230 plants belong to integrated producers, while 393 plants produce commercial feeds. These feed mills have the capacity to produce up to 47.4 MMT.
In the Americas, Mexico ranks third in feed production, way below the U.S. (270 MMT) and Brazil (87 MMT). The total feed production of the continent is 489 MMT of feed. Globally, Mexico ranks 5th after China, the U.S., Brazil and India.
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