US progress with Mexico highlighted on panel discussion
US agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack and Mexico’s secretary of agriculture Enrique Martínez y Martínez took part in the discussion, which highlighted progress on a number of trade issues, as part of the Global Forum on Agro Food Expectations forum in Mexico City.
A full range of US beef and beef products can now be exported to Mexico, potentially increasing US beef and beef product exports by $50 million, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
The panel discussion, entitled: Integration of Agro-Industrial Markets in North America: Challenges and Opportunities, deliberated how the US, Mexico and Canada could continue to work together to create jobs and economic opportunity for the agricultural industry.
Vilsack said: "Mexico is an important strategic ally and a critical economic partner to the US. In recent months, we have made progress on a number of issues that will help increase economic opportunity for both of our countries," Vilsack said. "The US and Mexico will continue to build on our strong trade relationships and promote greater market access for our agricultural products."
As reported by GlobalMeatNews earlier this month, Mexico has lifted restrictions on imports of cattle over 30 months of age, effectively removing the last of its BSE-related restrictions.
Chad Russell, regional director for Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic at the US Meat Export Federation, said earlier this month: "This should have a positive impact on our ability to export more beef to this large and important market, particularly in the current environment.
"We’re experiencing a period of very high beef prices and constraints on supply, in what has always been a rather price-sensitive market. So we feel that having new supply options available will help us maintain a strong presence in the market and grow our export volume to Mexico."
