The value of Mexico’s food exports rose 11.5% from January through August, compared with the same period in 2009, Agriculture Subsecretary Mariano Ruiz-Funes Macedo announced in a news release.

Through August, exports were valued at US $12.2 billion, and could reach $17 billion by the end of the year, the statement said.

The United States is the largest market for Mexican food exports, taking in 70 percent of shipments, which could reach a value of $11 billion by the end of the year.

Ruiz-Funes Macedo said Mexico must make its imports stand out in the United States. He added that the nation must also build market share in the European Union and Asia. To that end, the nation is strengthening its safety regulations for agricultural products and fish, the statement said.

In other news, Mexico updated its regulations for importing fruit and vegetables to streamline the process and reduce business costs, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Fruits and vegetables from trade partners--including the U.S., Guatemala, Chile, Canada, Peru and Argentina—must comply with one set of rules for phytosanitary fitness, which will free exporters from having to obtain permits for individual shipments, the report said.

Photo: www.inta.gov.ar

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com