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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.

This report is intended to supplement the FAS U.S. Mission to the EU's Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report with Italy-specific information. Italy's FAIRS provides contact information for the competent authorities that are responsible for the import of animal, plant, fish, and food products into the Italian market.

This report is intended to supplement the FAS U.S. Mission to the EU's Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) Certificate report with Italy-specific information. The U.S. export certification requirements for most products of animal and plant origin destined for the EU and Italy have been harmonized. The few products not yet harmonized are subject to Italian regulations which can be found in this report.

Total citrus production in Mexico across oranges, lemons/limes, and grapefruit is expected to decline in market year (MY) 2022/23 due to challenges such as damage to trees from increasingly severe weather conditions over multiple seasons, particularly in Northeastern producing states, and the rising costs of inputs and logistics for producers that is pressuring yields downward.

Cotton consumption in marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is forecast at 2 million bales, slightly lower than previously forecasted, a decrease which is projected to reduce imports of U.S. cotton.

This report offers information for U.S. companies interested in exporting agri-food products to Italy, including an overview of the country's economic situation, market structure, export requirements, and best product export opportunities.

Overall, Mexico’s market year (MY) 2022/23 deciduous fruit production is projected to remain steady year-to-year, with apple production increasing marginally by 1 percent, but from what is estimated to be a small MY 2021/22 crop.

This report describes production, trade, research, policy, and marketing issues of genetically engineered (GE) plants, animal products, and microbial biotechnology in Italy. Despite Italy’s opposition to GE products, the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Policies, along with leading farmers’ associations (Coldiretti, Confagricoltura, and Cia), agri-food industry players, and scientists have come forward in favor of innovative biotechnologies, such as genome editing.

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.