Strategic Trade Agreements and Quality Production Drive Mexico’s Growth in Global Agricultural Markets
In 2024, Mexico has secured its position as the second-largest exporter of several key vegetables, including chili peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, lemons, and cucumbers. This success is attributed to growing international demand and the persistent efforts of the country’s agricultural producers, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader).
Mexico’s achievements in the agricultural export sector are also bolstered by its extensive network of 14 free trade agreements with 51 countries. These agreements have played a crucial role in positioning Mexico as the ninth-largest food exporter globally, giving it access to a market of 1.37 billion consumers worldwide.
One of the standout performers in Mexico’s agricultural exports is chili peppers. In 2023, Mexico exported 1.18 million tons of green chili peppers, marking a 5.8 percent increase in volume compared to the previous year. The export value of chili peppers also saw a 9.5 percent increase, reaching $1.23 billion. This success places Mexico as the third-largest chili producer globally, contributing 8.4 percent of the world’s green chili pepper harvest.
Broccoli production in Mexico has also seen significant growth. Between 2018 and 2023, export volumes increased from 382,514 tons to 472,763 tons, while the value soared from $440 million to $677 million. This represents a remarkable 54 percent increase in value, solidifying Mexico’s position as the fourth-largest broccoli producer in the world.
Mexico’s cauliflower exports have also continued to flourish, with 62,288 tons exported in 2023, valued at $88.9 million. This success places Mexico as the second-largest exporter of cauliflower globally and the fourth-largest in terms of cultivated area.
Lemon exports from Mexico have shown a positive trend as well, with an additional 19,137 tons exported in 2023, bringing in $80 million more than the previous year. In total, Mexico exported 717,163 tons of lemons, valued at $838 million, representing a 2.7 percent increase in volume and a 10.6 percent increase in value compared to 2022. Mexico remains the top producer of lemons in the Americas and the second-largest globally.
Cucumber exports have also reached record levels, with 884,107 tons exported in 2023, generating more than $545 million in revenue. Cucumber production in Mexico is now ranked fifth in the Americas, making it one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners in the agricultural sector.
These achievements highlight the strength of Mexico’s agricultural sector, driven by a combination of strong international trade agreements, increased production capacity, and the high sanitary standards upheld by the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (Senasica). As Mexico continues to expand its global market reach, its agricultural industry remains a vital contributor to the country’s economic growth and international trade presence.
