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NAFTA AGRICULTURE
FACT SHEET:
Asparagus, Fresh and Processed
TREATMENT OF TARIFFS:
Upon enactment of the NAFTA on January 1, 1994, several new U.S. tariff lines were created for asparagus to allow the maximum transition time for more sensitive periods, yet grant Mexico improved access during its main shipping season. Two seasonal import periods have the maximum phaseout period of 15 years.
Mexico matched the U.S. seasonal tariff lines and phaseout schedule, except that Mexico will use a 10-year transition instead of 15-year periods.
For frozen asparagus, the initial U.S. duty of 17.5 percent was lowered to 15 percent and is being phased out over 10 years. The initial U.S. tariff of 17.5 percent on prepared/preserved asparagus is being phased out over 10 years.
The U.S. phaseout schedule for fresh asparagus is as follows:
Season Base tariff PhaseoutSept. 15-Nov. 15 1/ 5% Immediately (GSP)Jan. 1-Jan. 31 25% lowered to 17.5% 15 yearsFeb. 1-June 30 25% 15 yearsJuly 1-Dec. 31 25% 5 years 2/Jan. 1-Dec. 31, new line for white asparagus 12.5% Immediately1/ Air shipped only.
2/ Duty free on January 1, 1998.
TREATMENT OF QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS:
There are no quantitative restrictions affecting trade in asparagus.
U.S. Fresh Asparagus Trade with Mexico
Calendar Year |
1990 |
1991 |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
Export Value |
31 |
269 |
75 |
28 |
3 |
149 |
46 |
Export Volume |
13 |
122 |
35 |
17 |
1 |
61 |
61 |
Import Value |
21,130 |
25,763 |
27,499 |
32,341 |
28,791 |
37,090 |
37,102 |
Import Volume |
14,766 |
18,309 |
20,177 |
23,061 |
17,826 |
21,745 |
18,441 |
Value in $1,000; volume in metric tons.
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