Mexico, the World's Largest Exporter, primarily ships to the U.S.

There is significant two-way trade between the United States and Mexico due to the shared border and zero tariffs under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

 

 

From 2004, Mexican exports to the United States surged 20 percent from 900,000 tons to 1 billion tons. Almost 99 percent are exported to the United States, and are expected to increase slightly in 2009 as the Mexican peso weakens and prices become more favorable.

 

 

A new Tomato Suspension Agreement between Mexico and the United States was signed in January 2008, and binds virtually all Mexican exporters to sell in the United States at or above the applicable reference price. The reference price for exporting fresh tomatoes for the summer season (July 1-October 22) is 17.2 cents per pound, and the reference price for the winter season (October 23-June 30) is 21.69 cents per pound.

 

 

Due to a tomato glut in early 2009, prices dropped but were still well above the reference price.