Livestock Tango: U.S. and Latin America Dance Together, but Who Will Lead?

ABSTRACT This study examines the competitiveness between Latin American and U.S. livestock and meat sectors. We employ a computable general equilibrium modeling framework to evaluate two scenarios: coordinated improvements in Latin American productivity, transport efficiency, and market access (Scenario I), and the minimum productivity gains required in the U.S. to regain its competitive position given improvements from Scenario I (Scenario II). Results highlight Latin America's transformative potential through advancements in technology, infrastructure, and trade, while emphasizing the importance of U.S. strategies to maintain market leadership. Policy implications focus on innovation, supply chain efficiency, and trade agreements to ensure sustained global competitiveness.