Mexico could set a new tomato export record in 2021

According to projections from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Mexico could achieve a new record in its tomato exports, surpassing the record it achieved in 2020, when its exports increased by 9.5% in volume and by 20.5% in value, totaling 579,000 tons and 2,609 billion dollars. From January to March 2021, Mexican tomato exports (which were practically all sent to the US market) totaled 829 million dollars and registered a 5.1% interannual increase. Tomato is Mexico's most exported agricultural product and it has had constant growth in recent years. The reopening of the Horeca channel in the United States and Mexico, the certainty provided to producers by the recently renegotiated Mexico-United States Tomato Suspension Agreement, and the good export prices there are have encouraged producers to plant more tomatoes in the country. Additionally, Mexican production under protected agricultural systems continues to grow as it provides higher yields and quality. Approximately 80% ...