Yellow Corn Imports to Decrease

Mexico is likely to reduce its imports of yellow corn as national production is expected to continue to increase, reported SADER. Moreover, Mexico is one of the countries with the highest protective tariffs for imports of agricultural products. Here are the week's major headlines in Agribusiness & Food!

• Mexico is going to reduce yellow corn imports, assured Víctor Manuel Villalobos Arámbula, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER). In 2010, yellow corn imports were 7.27 million tons, while in 2020, the figure increased to 15.15 million. However, Villalobos said  this year the country will produce an additional 2 million tons, which will be higher than past productions. "Production will continue to grow and at the end of the six-year term it will have a very significant impact in terms of reducing dependence on imports (yellow corn)." Villalobos added that reducing imports will favor producers and improve the quality of the Mexican product.
• Mexico is one of the countries with the highest protective tariffs  for imports of agricultural products that come from nations that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico. While the country´s average tariff is 6 percent, this increases to 13.9 percent on agricultural products. Despite its high tariff, Mexico has reduced its average tariff on agricultural products; in 2014, it was 17.6 percent and in 2020 it decreased to13.9 percent.
• Wheat production in Sonora is expected to grow 10 percent in the current agricultural cycle, positively impacting cereal production. SEDAR indicated the wheat harvesting 2020-2021 fall cycle on October 15, 236,643 hectares were planted compared to 232,601 hectares planted in the 2019-2020 fall cycle, totaling an additional 4,042 hectares. SADER said it expects an estimated volume of 1,689,631.59 tons due to colder weather that has favored wheat growth, in addition to a significantly increased number of hectares planted.
• In an effort to combat illegal fishing and prevent the falsification of documents and possible acts of corruption, Mexican authorities have decided to launch commercial electronic payments for the fishing industry. The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA) has announced this measure that seeks to increase the productivity of the country's fishing sector, which could benefit more than 300,000 fishers. The permit is granted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) through CONAPESCA to individuals and companies that carry out the fishing activities indicated in the General Law of Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture. The measurement applies to all fishing vessels throughout the country as the permit is valid for up to five years and interested parties can engage in commercial fishing activities lawfully.