Key facts
- USA Rice participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's largest-ever agribusiness trade mission to Mexico.
- The mission involved over 160 participants, including eight USA Rice members and staff.
- U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade reached nearly $80 billion in 2024, with the U.S. supplying over 70% of Mexico's food needs.
- Discussions covered bilateral trade issues such as screwworm control, water restrictions, migrant labor, and import taxation.
- Concerns were raised about potential increases in Vietnamese rice imports due to CPTPP duty-free access.
- U.S.-origin rice remains favored by Mexican importers due to logistical ease and price, despite South American competition.
USA Rice members and staff recently participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's largest-ever agribusiness trade mission to Mexico City. The mission, which included over 160 participants, aimed to reinforce strong agricultural ties between the two nations, which saw nearly $80 billion in trade in 2024.
Key discussions during the week-long event focused on bilateral trade opportunities and challenges, including issues such as screwworm control, water restrictions, migrant labor, and import taxation. Participants also engaged in a session on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and met with the Mexican Rice Council to review the current U.S. crop and address concerns about rising imports from other origins, particularly Vietnam.
USA Rice COO Sarah Moran emphasized the importance of food security as national security and highlighted Mexico as a valued trading partner. The delegation visited Central de Abasto, Latin America's largest wholesale market, and concluded the mission with a dinner for major Mexican rice importers to discuss future collaboration.
Despite competition from South American varieties, U.S.-origin rice continues to be favored by Mexican importers due to logistical ease and price advantages.