Trade, Imports and Food Markets Shape Agri-Food Outlook

Mexico launched an antidumping probe into US pork imports, examining subsidies and dumping allegations amid rising agri-food trade tensions. Meanwhile, online demand for Mexican-made food and artisanal products surged in 2025.

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Mexico Starts Antidumping Investigation on US Pork Imports

Mexico’s Ministry of Economy launched an administrative investigation into alleged dumping and illegal subsidies involving US pork leg and shoulder imports, following a petition from domestic producers representing more than 65% of national TIF production. The probe will examine 2024 imports under specific tariff codes and assess economic damage to the domestic industry from 2022 to 2024, with the possibility of retroactive compensatory duties. Producers argue that US pork benefits from federal and state subsidies, including USDA programs and grain support, resulting in import prices averaging 32.1% below domestic levels.

Mexican Food Brands Drive Online Growth in 2025

In 2025, food products such as pork rinds, beer, coffee, and artisanal mezcal led online sales on Mercado Libre Mexico, reflecting strong growth in digital food commerce and rising demand for locally made goods. Mercado Libre’s Orgullo Local 2025 report showed increased searches for SME products, boosted by initiatives like the Hecho en Mexico label, with regional preferences ranging from craft beer and pork rinds in northern states to coffee and mezcal in the south. The trend aligns with broader global growth in online food sales, as the digital food market continues to expand rapidly across Latin America and worldwide.

US Unveils US$12 Billion Aid Plan for Farmers

The US government announced a one-time US$12 billion aid package for American farmers, funded by tariff revenue, to offset market disruptions, rising production costs and losses linked to trade tensions with China and Mexico. Most of the support will flow through the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, while soybean producers remain under pressure as US exports to China have fallen sharply despite a new framework trade agreement. The announcement comes amid renewed trade frictions, including US threats of additional tariffs on Mexico over water treaty disputes, which Mexican officials say are constrained by drought conditions.

Mexican Meat Producers Clash Over Brazilian Meat Imports

Mexican meat producers are calling for limits on Brazilian meat imports, warning that high volumes are distorting the domestic market and posing biosecurity risks due to the lack of sanitary equivalence and traceability. Industry groups such as OPORMEX and CNOG argue that imports are displacing domestic production, threatening around 750,000 producers, and have proposed annual import quotas for meat from countries without free trade agreements. In contrast, COMECARNE maintains that Brazilian imports under the anti-inflation package have helped contain consumer prices and support rising meat consumption, which is expected to reach 11.2Mt  in 2025.

Argentina Ships First Wheat Cargo to China Amid Export Tax Cuts

Argentina completed its first commercial wheat shipment to China, sending 65,000t from Santa Fe, following Beijing’s approval of imports and as Buenos Aires moves to strengthen agricultural exports. Officials from both countries highlighted the shipment as a milestone in bilateral trade, while analysts noted it reflects broader expansion in China–Latin America agricultural cooperation. The export coincides with Argentina’s decision to reduce export taxes on grains, a move welcomed by industry groups as a step toward improving competitiveness, investment and job creation.