US-Mexico Food Safety Pact Strengthens Trade Ties

Mexico and the United States are reinforcing food safety cooperation as bilateral agri-food trade continues to expand, positioning North America as a more integrated and competitive region. Mexican authorities and US regulators reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of fresh and minimally processed foods, a move that comes as trade flows and supply chain interdependence deepen.

Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), through the National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA), and the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS), renewed their collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Food Safety Partnership. The initiative aims to prevent contamination in agricultural products traded between both countries through technical cooperation, traceability, and preventive practices.

The renewed effort builds on a coalition first established in 2014 and reinforced in 2020, focusing on coordinated responses to foodborne illness outbreaks. “The development of preventive approaches and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to foodborne disease outbreaks is essential,” said Leandro David Soriano, Head of Agri-food, Aquaculture and Fisheries Safety, SENASICA.

The strengthening of food safety frameworks coincides with significant growth in bilateral trade. Agri-food exchange between Mexico and the United States has increased from just over US$50 billion to more than US$73 billion in the past five years. Key Mexican exports to the US include avocado, tomato, berries, and peppers.

Officials stressed that rising demand requires stronger oversight, including the application of good practices, contamination risk reduction systems and certification schemes. Víctor Borja, Head, Cofepris, said transparency and information sharing are critical for effective decision-making and timely responses across the supply chain.

From the US side, Kyle Diamantas, FDA Deputy Commissioner, highlighted ongoing efforts to protect public health through science-based approaches. He noted that Mexico is a key trading partner and that the Food Safety Partnership plays a central role in preventing foodborne illnesses. Michelle Rodríguez, Director of the FDA’s Latin America Office, emphasized the importance of maintaining active collaboration in strategic priorities, laboratory coordination and outbreak response.

The renewed cooperation comes as both countries prepare for discussions on USMCA. Ronald Johnson, US Ambassador to Mexico, said the negotiations represent an opportunity to deepen integration and strengthen regional supply chains.

“North America, united, could be independent. Think about it: Mexico and the United States together could feed each other. We could be independent and have everything necessary for our people,” Johnson said. He added that the region has the potential to become self-sufficient in food, water and essential resources.

Johnson also underscored the scale of the bilateral relationship, noting that trade between the two countries is approaching US$1 trillion annually. “When the United States and Mexico work together, both are stronger: economically, strategically and in the face of unfair competition from other parts of the world,” he said.

Mexico’s Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard confirmed that a new round of talks with the United States is underway, with Mexico proposing the continuation of the USMCA framework and the elimination of tariffs. Officials on both sides stressed that ensuring fair competition and regulatory certainty will be key to enabling private sector growth.

Mexico: Exporter Guide Annual

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), bilateral agri-food trade reached US$79 billion in 2024, with US exports to Mexico exceeding US$30 billion. The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) notes that Mexico’s scale, geographic proximity and commercial sophistication make it a strategic partner within the USMCA framework.

The report identifies meat, dairy, processed vegetables and confectionery as high-potential categories, reflecting urban consumption trends, supermarket expansion and increasing demand for value-added products. Imports are led by corn, pork, poultry, dairy and flavor mixes, with the United States as the dominant supplier in several segments.

Demand in Mexico remains strong, supported by the expansion of the hotel, restaurant and institutional (HRI) sector, reaching US$38.28 billion, driven by tourism and out-of-home consumption. This creates opportunities for prepared foods and differentiated ingredients.

The retail sector grew by more than 7% in 2024, surpassing US$80 billion, with Walmart as the leading player. E-commerce expansion, private label growth and rising demand for healthier foods, snacks and pet products are shaping market dynamics.

The country’s food and beverage processing industry accounts for nearly 4% of GDP and remains closely integrated with US suppliers, positioning Mexico as both a final market and a regional hub for processing and distribution.

Despite these opportunities, the USDA notes challenges including price sensitivity, strict regulatory requirements, logistical costs and increasing competition from countries with preferential trade agreements.