The price of beef, chicken, and pork has become a problem for the wallets of Mexicans, affecting the diet and economy of millions of families in the first months of 2025. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), the cost of these foods increased by almost 13% annually until February, three times more than the national inflation rate, which was 3.77% during the same period.
Beef experienced a monthly increase of 2.47% and an annual rise of 9.31%, making it one of the main inflationary factors in Mexico. Meanwhile, chicken meat saw an increase of 0.04% in February, but a significant 12.39% year-on-year. As for pork, it increased by 1.30% monthly and a record annual rate of 12.59%, being the animal protein with the highest increase in the last 12 months.
The rise in the prices of these meats has directly impacted the prices of dishes like tacos and tortas in local eateries, with an average annual increase of 8.15%, according to Inegi data.
In butcher shops, markets, and supermarkets across Mexico, the price of beef steak varies between 199 and 262 pesos per kilogram, chicken legs and thighs cost between 84 and 114 pesos per kilogram, breast up to 179 pesos per kilogram, pork ribs between 133 and 168 pesos per kilogram, hocks from 77 pesos, raw chops at 141 pesos, and selected loin up to 180 pesos per kilogram. Prices depend on the cut, quality, and place of purchase, with imported goods available at higher values.
The Mexican Meat Council indicates that families spend approximately 1400 pesos a month to consume meat, covering one kilogram of steak and one of chicken or pork per week. Cooking these proteins at home can represent a weekly expense of 800 pesos or more.
