Mexico continues to be a growth market representing one of the best opportunities in the world for U.S. products.Mexico has become one of the largest and fastest growing markets for U.S. agricultural products. U.S. agricultural, fish, and forestry exports have tripled since the onset of NAFTA in 1994. Furthermore, U.S. agricultural and food exports to Mexico have been climbing at an average rate of more than 10 percent per year. Since 2003, duties have been eliminated on virtually all consumer oriented food products.

Exporters should have knowledge of the dynamic export-import process that takes place along the United States-Mexico border and should be conscious that Mexican import regulations for agricultural products are subject to change without previous notification. Thus, U.S. exporters are encouraged to maintain close contact with their Mexican importers and should access U.S. and Mexican government information sources in order to keep track of regulations affecting specific agricultural products. To avoid delays at ports of entry, exporters should ensure that their product complies with applicable Mexican import regulations, has the proper documentation and certification, and is correctly labeled.

Market Notes:

From 2012 to 2015, there has been a 19.8% increase in fresh potato exports* and a 38% increase in dehydrated potato exports. In addition, frozen potato shipments to Mexico increased by 23% and now represent 58.6% of the market by volume. These frozen potato exports have been increasing at a rapid rate since the lowering of frozen potato tariffs in 2010.

*Fresh exports withihn the 26km border only

At this time fresh potatoes from Idaho are only allowed into the border region (the first 15 miles along the US border) with verification of PCN testing.

Helpful Links:

• Mexico Exporter Guide
• Food Service - Hotel Restaurant Institutional 1-11-2018