CNA Wants to Increase Mexican Exports to Japan up to 54%
The National Agricultural Council (CNA) announced that it is working on a food and beverage diversification plan to increase exports of Mexican products to Japan by 54%. CNA’s goal is to increase export revenues from US$1.3 billion to US$2 billion.
Since 2019, CNA and the Asia-Pacific Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), based in Tokyo, Japan, have jointly overseen the organization and promotion of the Mexican Pavilion at Japan’s International Food and Beverage Fair (Foodex Japan). Foodex Japan is the largest and most important international food and beverage fair in Asia and the third largest in the world.
The fair has become an international exhibition forum for Mexican agriculture exporters. Through this platform, Mexican business people take advantage of treaties such as the Mexico-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Comprehensive and Progressive Partnership Treaty (TIPAT) to establish deals with potential buyers.
During the 48th edition of the Tokyo-based fair, held from March 7 to March 10, 2023, Mexico boasted the second largest national pavilion of all Latin American countries. The event was attended by 11 companies and three national organizations, which offered a variety of more than 30 Mexican products including fresh, frozen and processed products, spirits, fruit, vegetables and pork-derived products, among others.
“After three difficult years caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to return face to face to promote Mexico’s agri-food sector with enthusiasm. By teaming up the private and public sectors, we are showing that this is the way to succeed,” said Norberto Valencia, Foreign Trade Director, CNA. He acknowledged the effort and dedication of the companies that make up the Mexican Pavilion, as well as the support provided by Melba Pría, Mexico's Ambassador to Japan, and SADER’s Council in Tokyo.
Pría pointed out that entering the Japanese market can be challenging since companies need to comply with high sanitary, safety, quality and cultural standards. However, the diplomat emphasized that “once the Japanese market is conquered, the compensation is great: long-term businesses are consolidated and products become the best ambassadors of Mexico”.
Currently, Mexico sends more than US$1.3 billion/y to Japan in food and beverages, which places the Asian country as the second most important buyer for Mexican agriculture products.