Mexico's Beer, Sugar, and Berry Exports Decline in First Half; Avocado Sees Worst Drop

Mexico's key agro-food exports, including beer, sugar, and berries, experienced a downturn in the first half of the year, according to data from the Agricultural Market Consulting Group (GCMA). Beer exports saw a 5% decrease compared to the same period last year, although it remained the top agro-food export with a value of $3.22 billion. Berry exports, encompassing fresh and frozen strawberries and raspberries, generated $1.93 billion, a slight 0.5% decline. The most significant drop was recorded in avocado exports, which plummeted by 24.4%, falling to $1.69 billion and slipping from the second to the fourth most exported agro-food product. Sugar exports also decreased by 10.1%, placing it eighth in export value at $1.045 billion. However, the report highlights significant growth in other crucial export sectors. Tequila exports surged by 21.8% to $2.33 billion, while beef exports, including live cattle and meat, increased by 8.1% to $1.566 billion. Tomato exports rose by 2.4%, securing the sixth position with $1.455 billion. Chili pepper exports also saw a modest increase of 1.8%, reaching $1.048 billion and ranking as the seventh most exported product. Overall, the accumulated value of Mexico's agro-food exports from January to June reached $27.811 billion, a 1.7% increase compared to the previous year. Imports during the same period rose by 4.9% to $23.278 billion, resulting in a trade balance surplus of $4.533 billion, though this surplus decreased by 12.1% compared to the prior year.