Mexico, US Agrifood Leaders Strengthen Trade Cooperation

As part of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agribusiness Trade Mission, agrifood industry representatives from Mexico and the United States held a roundtable discussion, titled The Future of the Mexico–US Agricultural Relationship, to strengthen trade collaboration and bilateral ties. The meeting brought together high-level delegations representing 35 organizations and associations from both countries to address key logistical, labor, sanitary, and regulatory challenges affecting the sector.

Discussions focused on optimizing customs procedures, the potential reopening of Mexican cattle exports, shared concerns regarding public policy discussions, and the importance of reinforcing the National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) to enhance food safety and sanitary standards across the region.

Participants also highlighted the relevance of USMCA as a mechanism that not only ensures the continuity of binational supply chains but also expands trade opportunities, fosters new value chains, and strengthens regional integration. The agreement was recognized as a key driver in consolidating North America as one of the most self-sufficient regions globally.

“For three decades, Mexico and the United States have built agrifood trade on trust and mutual benefit. Today, collaboration and dialogue must guide us not only to review but to improve the current agreement, advancing toward more integrated value chains that make North America the most competitive and self-sufficient region in the world,” said Humberto Jasso, Vice President of Foreign Trade, National Agricultural Council (CNA).

The US delegation, composed of 24 organizations and associations, included representatives from the National Peanut Board, American Pistachio Growers, Blue Diamond Growers, Food Export, National Grain and Feed Association, Nebraska Corn Board, North American Export Grain Association, Organic Trade Association, Pear Bureau Northwest, Pet Food Institute, Potatoes USA, Southern United States Trade Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, United Sorghum Checkoff Program, USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, USA Rice, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, U.S. Rice Producers Association, U.S. Soybean Export Council, and U.S. Wheat Associates.

The Mexican delegation, representing 11 organizations and associations, was led by the National Agricultural Council (CNA) and included the National Confederation of Livestock Organizations (CNOG), the Regional Livestock Union of Nuevo Leon (UGRNL), the National Association of Citrus Processors (ANAPROCI), the National Chamber of Industrialized Corn (CANAMI), the National Association of TIF Establishments (ANETIF), the National Chamber of Dairy Industry (CANILEC), the National Association of Berry Producers and Exporters (ANEBERRIES), the Association of Agricultural Product Suppliers (APPAMEX), Mexican Beef, and the Confederation of Feed Manufacturers (CONAFAB).