Food Inflation, Corn Support and Export Diversification

Chicken consolidated its position as Mexico’s top protein in 2025 as rising beef and pork prices pushed consumers toward more affordable options. Meanwhile, SADER launched the Fair Price system to stabilize white corn prices, strengthen food self-sufficiency and protect producers.

This is the Week in Agribusiness and Food!

Chicken Leads Mexico’s Meat Market

Chicken consolidated its position as Mexico’s most consumed protein in 2025, accounting for 45.7% of national meat consumption as rising beef and pork prices pushed households and food businesses toward lower-cost alternatives. The COMECARNE compendium also highlighted Mexico’s growing dependence on imported meat, particularly from the United States, as domestic pork and chicken production struggles to meet rising demand. Increasing import volumes and sanitary disruptions, including screwworm, African swine fever and pseudorabies cases, are placing additional pressure on Mexico’s livestock sector, trade flows and refrigerated logistics infrastructure.

Mexico Launches Fair Price System for White Corn Producers

Mexico’s Agriculture Ministry launched the White Corn Production and Commercialization Management System, Precio Justo (Fair Price), to stabilize grain prices, strengthen food self-sufficiency and improve profitability for small- and medium-scale producers through forward contracts, fair-price inputs and risk protection mechanisms. The program will involve 61,000 producers and more than 80 companies across key agricultural states, amid ongoing challenges including drought, pests, water shortages and rising production costs that have sharply reduced corn output in regions such as Sinaloa. 

EU Suspends Fertilizer Tariffs Amid Middle East Disruption

The EU Council suspended customs tariffs for one year on key nitrogen-based fertilizers and inputs such as urea and ammonia to shield the agricultural sector from rising costs linked to the Middle East conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The measure seeks to reduce dependence on Russian and Belarusian suppliers, diversify fertilizer supply chains and lower operating costs for European farmers and fertilizer manufacturers amid surging global commodity and energy prices. Escalating geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions and production outages in major fertilizer-producing countries have driven global fertilizer prices to their highest levels since 2022, increasing risks for food inflation, agricultural profitability and global food security.

Jalisco Expands Global Agrifood Strategy

Jalisco’s government and agrifood producers are increasing investment in internationalization efforts to reduce dependence on the US market and expand exports to Asia and Europe through global trade fairs, certifications and value-added product strategies. The initiative supports key export sectors including avocados, tequila, berries, mangoes and pork, while strengthening commercial ties with markets such as Japan, China and South Korea. Industry leaders view market diversification as critical amid growing trade uncertainty, although expanding export access requires lengthy regulatory and sanitary approval processes coordinated between state and federal authorities.

Mexico Expands Bee Protection and Honey Production

Mexico’s honey production increased 5% in 2025 as federal and local authorities expanded programs to strengthen the apiculture sector, protect pollinators and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Government initiatives led by SADER, SEMARNAT, and SENASICA include pesticide management protocols, agroecological training and pollinator protection measures aimed at supporting rural economies and expanding market opportunities for honey and bee-derived products. Mexico City also approved new legislation establishing stronger legal protections for pollinators, including restrictions on hazardous pesticides and urban conservation strategies aligned with the country’s National Pollinator Strategy.