Market
Mexico is a major producer and exporter of raw pecan nuts (nuez pecanera), with production concentrated in northern orchard systems. SIAP/DGSIAP reported national production of 165,151 tonnes and Chihuahua production of 99,295 tonnes in 2023, underscoring Chihuahua’s dominance. Federal agriculture communications describe Mexico as a leading exporter (including second exporter of shelled pecans by volume in 2020) and note that peak production months are October to December. Export execution is sensitive to compliance steps such as meeting destination phytosanitary requirements and obtaining a SENASICA International Phytosanitary Certificate when required.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter
SeasonalityHarvest/market availability is concentrated in Q4, with peak production reported from October to December.
Risks
Security And Traceability HighDuring peak harvest in Chihuahua (Mexico’s leading producing state), official security operations have inspected nut movements and reported seizures/detentions when loads lack required guides or legal-provenance documentation, which can halt or delay domestic movements tied to export programs.Implement chain-of-custody controls: secure transport, verified buyers, and complete transport/traceability documentation aligned with local inspection expectations during harvest season.
Climate MediumPecan orchards are concentrated in arid northern regions where water availability and drought pressure can constrain yields and increase year-to-year supply volatility.Diversify sourcing across producing states; favor suppliers with documented irrigation-efficiency investments and water-risk management plans.
Regulatory Compliance MediumExport consignments can be delayed or rejected if destination phytosanitary requirements are not met or if the International Phytosanitary Certificate process is incomplete/mismatched to destination requirements.Confirm destination requirements before contracting; run a pre-shipment compliance checklist and secure SENASICA phytosanitary certification early in the logistics plan.
Food Safety MediumTree nuts including pecans are subject to food-safety scrutiny for mold/mycotoxin hazards; poor drying or storage practices can create compliance and rejection risk in strict markets.Use Codex-aligned hygienic practices for tree nuts and aflatoxin prevention: controlled drying, moisture monitoring, clean storage, and lot-based testing where required by buyers.
Sustainability- Water stewardship and irrigation efficiency risk in arid northern producing regions (especially Chihuahua) where orchard systems depend on managed water resources.
Labor & Social- Seasonal labor management and worker safety during harvest and handling (injury risk from mechanized handling, dust exposure in cleaning/shelling environments).
FAQ
Which Mexican regions are most important for pecan nut production?Northern states dominate production; Chihuahua is consistently identified as the leading producer, with other major producing states including Sonora, Coahuila, Durango, and Nuevo León, as referenced in SIAP/DGSIAP and academic/government publications.
When is the main pecan harvest/peak supply season in Mexico?Government communications describe the peak production months as October to December, which aligns with the main harvest window in leading producing regions such as Chihuahua.
Which authority issues the phytosanitary certificate used for exporting Mexican pecans when required?Mexico’s SENASICA issues the Certificado Fitosanitario Internacional (International Phytosanitary Certificate) for exports of plant-origin products, after exporters confirm and meet the importing country’s phytosanitary requirements.