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Mexico was the second largest food and agricultural export market for U.S. exporters in 2021 with exports valued at $26.5 billion. Mexico’s economy grew by 4.8 percent in 2021, following a dramatic 8.1 percent contraction in 2020 due to the pandemic. Recovery is ongoing, underpinned by favorable consumption, Mexico’s deep economic integration with its North American neighbors, and the tourist sector’s recovery.

The following is the first in a series of reports prepared by the Agricultural Trade Office in Monterrey, Mexico, to provide background on local and regional markets of interest for current and prospective exporters of U.S. food and beverage products.

Amidst continuing supply chain concerns both in North America and around the globe, understanding how, where and when our bilateral trade with Mexico occurs is as important as ever for actors within food and agricultural sectors.

FY2022 agricultural exports reach record levels.

Mexico has 1.2 million hectares of certified organic land in use. Eighty-six percent of all organic products are collected and harvested from natural habitats. In 2021, there were 48,641 certified organic producers in Mexico. The honey and coffee sectors have the most certified organic producers, while the avocado and berry industries produce the most in terms of value. Mexico represents an export market opportunity for U.S organic products, especially for younger and more affluent demographic groups.

The competent Mexican authorities which regulate food and agricultural imports and/or require official U.S. export certificates include the Secretariat of Agriculture (SADER), Secretariat of Health (SALUD), Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), and the Secretariat of the Treasury and Public Credit (HACIENDA).

This document provides an overview of major Mexican agricultural and food-product laws and regulations, as well as related import standards and regulations. Some products may be subject to regulatory oversight by several different Government of Mexico (GOM) agencies. Post recommends that U.S. food and agricultural exporters work with experienced and established customs brokers and importers.

On October 19, 2022, the Government of Mexico published a decree to temporarily exempt select importers from payment of import duties for certain goods and to facilitate administrative procedures as applied to the importation of select basic goods (mostly food items).

In 2021, exports of U.S. agricultural and related products to Mexico totaled $25.5 billion. In spite of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges, Mexico remained one of the most consistent markets for U.S. food and agricultural exports, especially for foodservice products. Mexico continued to maintain its open-door policy and welcomed 31.8 million international tourists in 2021, which boosted its hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI) industries following a sharp decline in 2020.

On September 8, 2022, Mexico published in the Federal Registry the Decree that amends, adds, and repeals several provisions of the Regulation of Sanitary Control of Products and Services and the Regulation of the General Health Law regarding Advertising.

Executive Summary Global fertilizer prices are at near record levels and may remain elevated throughout 2022 and beyond. Fertilizer prices account for nearly one-fifth of U.S. farm cash costs, with an even greater share for corn and wheat producers...

A Tableau visualization comparing exports to the current top U.S. agricultural export markets since 1989.