Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormGrain (Dry)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Barley in Mexico is produced mainly in the central highlands and is used as an input for beer/malting as well as for animal feed and some food uses. SIAP open data (as compiled in government dashboards using SIAP data) indicates production is concentrated in states such as Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Tlaxcala and Puebla, with additional output in Chihuahua and Estado de México. Mexico is a net importer of barley grain; UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal shows Australia and France among the leading suppliers in 2023. Imports are governed by phytosanitary requirements administered by SENASICA alongside standard customs clearance, and barley/malt have been subject to published import quota (“cupo”) instruments in the Diario Oficial de la Federación.
Market RoleNet importer with meaningful domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic input grain for brewing/malting and feed, supplemented by imports
SeasonalityBarley production is commonly associated with Mexico’s autumn–winter agricultural cycle, with typical sowing in late-year months and harvest in spring; timing varies by region and irrigation.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Common trade/clearance descriptions in Mexican tariff and trade systems reference barley grain shipments (e.g., “en grano, con cáscara” in certain tariff fraction descriptions).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Domestic: farm production in key states → local collection/elevators → transport to malt/feed users
- Imports: overseas supplier shipment → Mexican port handling → inland bulk logistics to industrial users
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Phytosanitary HighNon-compliance with SENASICA phytosanitary import requirements for the specific barley use/origin combination can result in border delays, refusal of entry, or required corrective actions; requirements can also be updated in response to phytosanitary risk.Confirm the exact requirement set in the SENASICA MCRFI for barley (use + origin/provenance), align pre-shipment documentation and treatments to that checklist, and plan for SENASICA point-of-entry inspection timelines.
Climate MediumDrought conditions monitored by CONAGUA can affect domestic production stability in Mexico, increasing procurement volatility and import dependence in tight-supply years.Use CONAGUA drought-monitor updates for procurement planning; diversify sourcing between domestic supply and multiple import origins to buffer regional shocks.
Logistics MediumOverseas import reliance (e.g., Australia/France supply in recent trade data) exposes the market to ocean freight and port-disruption risks that can raise landed costs or create timing gaps for industrial users.Maintain supply buffers for industrial users and qualify alternate origins/routes (including nearer suppliers where feasible) to reduce exposure to single-lane disruptions.
Regulatory Compliance MediumMisclassification, missing origin evidence for preferential tariffs, or non-alignment with import-quota (“cupo”) licensing conditions (where applicable) can increase duty liability or delay clearance.Confirm TIGIE fraction classification in SIAVI, maintain auditable origin documentation for preference claims, and verify any applicable cupo program requirements before contracting.
Sustainability- Drought and water-availability constraints affecting grain production conditions and domestic supply stability (Monitor de Sequía en México context)
- Climate variability affecting yield stability in producing regions
FAQ
Which Mexican states are major barley producers?Government dashboards using SIAP open data for the agricultural close (Cierre Agrícola 2023) show barley grain production concentrated in states such as Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Tlaxcala and Puebla, with additional production in Chihuahua and Estado de México.
Where does Mexico import barley from?UN Comtrade data compiled on the World Bank WITS portal shows Mexico importing barley (HS 100300) from multiple origins, with Australia and France among the leading suppliers in 2023.
What are the key Mexico entry requirements to plan for when importing barley?Importers should check SENASICA’s online phytosanitary requirements module (MCRFI) for the exact product/use/origin combination and plan for point-of-entry compliance; SENASICA issues a Certificado Fitosanitario para Importación for compliant regulated plant-origin goods. Separately, ANAM guidance emphasizes filing the electronic customs pedimento and transmitting/retaining the required digital documents for customs clearance.
Why is drought highlighted as a risk for Mexico’s barley market?CONAGUA’s Monitor de Sequía en México regularly reports drought conditions across the country; drought can reduce domestic crop output and increase procurement volatility, which can raise reliance on imported barley in tight-supply periods.