The Impressive Exchange of Food and Beverages Between Mexico and the United States

Thanks to its location and rich biodiversity, Mexico has established itself as the primary supplier of groceries and beverages for the United States. This sector is highly susceptible to the 25% tariffs that the U.S. government recently imposed, although they have been temporarily suspended until April 2 following a conversation between the president of Mexico and the U.S. president. In just 2024, Mexico exported over $140 billion in food, beverages, and agricultural products to the United States, representing 32.3% of its imports, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Both countries are interdependent when it comes to food; the United States consumes more fruits and vegetables than it produces, making Mexico its main source of tomatoes and avocados. Additionally, Mexico supplements its supply of yellow corn, white corn, soybeans, and chicken with U.S. products.

Regarding food shipments, in the past year, there were nine categories that accounted for $45.4 billion in exports from Mexico to the United States. The beverage category led purchases with products like beer, tequila, and bottled water, followed by fruits such as avocados and berries, including the second standout category of vegetables with tomatoes, peppers, and asparagus. Mexican beer is the star, representing more than half the value in the beverage category and surpassing the volume from countries like the Netherlands and Ireland. Moreover, tequila, which originates from Mexico, saw shipments totaling over $5.4 billion last year. Bottled water, along with non-alcoholic beverages, added another $965 million. Avocados and berries like raspberries and strawberries also hold significant spots, being perishable products that require quick transportation under cold conditions. More than 86% of the tomatoes consumed in the U.S. come from Mexico, as they are essential ingredients in dishes like hot dogs, hamburgers, and the famous guacamole that accompanies so many parties, including the Super Bowl.

When it comes to meat, beef is the most imported from Mexico, reaching sales of over $1.66 billion last year; meanwhile, live cattle imports were also led by beef, totaling $1.3 billion. Canada ranks as the top supplier of beef to the United States, with Mexico in second place.

So what does Mexico receive from its northern partner? The United States directs its agricultural exports mainly to North America. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the removal of tariff barriers between Mexico, the United States, and Canada has facilitated agricultural imports between the countries. In 2024, Mexico received $32 billion in agricultural products from the United States. Since the implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), agricultural exchange has intensified. The agricultural products that Mexico receives the most from the United States include corn, pork, dairy products, soybeans, chicken, and beef.

Mexico increases its corn imports from the U.S. Corn is a fundamental staple in Mexican cuisine and is the most imported product from the United States. Over the past decade, corn imports have increased by 144%, even more so after the USMCA went into effect; in 2024, Mexico acquired 25 million metric tons. Pork imports have doubled over the last 10 years. Pork, the second most-imported food product from the United States, has seen a similar increase as corn, with 1.2 million tons imported in 2024, equating to $2.58 billion.

Dairy from the U.S. is also well-received in Mexico. Mexico is the top buyer of U.S. dairy products, experiencing a 96% growth over the past decade. Among the top buyers of soybeans. Mexico ranks as the third-largest market for soy produced in the United States, just behind China and the European Union, with a 64% increase in imports over the last decade. The preferred destination for U.S. chicken. Lastly, Mexico stands out as the largest recipient of U.S. chicken, doubling imports compared to Canada, reaching sales of $1.47 billion in 2024.

With information from Fernanda Hernández Orozco

This interconnected trade not only strengthens the relationship between the two countries but also underscores the importance of diversifying food and raw material sources for food security. In a global economic context, tariff decisions and trade agreements can significantly influence inflation and the commodity market, making it vital for both Mexico and the United States to find a balance that promotes sustainable growth.