Three key factors behind a decade of Mexican agroexport success.

Mexico’s 2023 agri-food trade balance is expected to be positive, marking a decade of continuous growth for the industry. This success is attributable to several crops that have excelled in both production and exports.

According to data from the Bank of Mexico’s Economic Information System, the crops driving agro-export success over the past ten years are avocados, tomatoes, bell peppers, citrus fruits, cucumbers, melons, watermelons, papayas, strawberries, onions, garlic, and mangoes.

While the overall agri-food balance remains positive, it has experienced a slight decline in the last couple of years. In 2020, it peaked at $11.96 billion but decreased to $7.44 billion and $5.81 billion in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This downward trend suggests that if not addressed, the positive balance may further decrease in 2023.

Factors behind Mexican agro-export success

1. Strategic geographic position: Mexico enjoys a competitive edge due to its proximity to major consumer markets, most notably the United States. This proximity facilitates efficient access and distribution of fresh produce to the U.S., which absorbs 85-98% of export volume. Furthermore, the country’s diverse climate and geography play a pivotal role in agricultural production, enabling the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables year-round. This advantage allows distributors to provide uninterrupted supply, meeting consumer preferences effectively.
2. Embracing sustainable agricultural practices: Mexican farmers’ adoption of sustainable farming practices has been essential to their growth. By implementing environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, they meet the stringent quality and sustainability standards international markets demand.
3. Collaborative promotion and marketing efforts: The active participation of producers and associations in promotional and marketing initiatives has significantly contributed to the growth of Mexican fruit and vegetable exports. Collaborating with certification and promotion agencies has fostered confidence in Mexican products within international markets.

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Sources: Agroexcelencia, SIAP, Banxico