Western Farmer-Stockman Logo

Mexico will fully open its market to U.S. potatoes after a 15-year negotiating process.

Farm Press Staff

May 17, 2022

2 Min Read
WFP-OSU-potatoes.jpg
Oregon State University

Idaho's U.S. senators are celebrating a trade breakthrough with Mexico that will fully open the market south of the border to American potatoes.

While Mexico is the largest market for U.S. potatoes, imports have been limited until now to a roughly 16 mile area along the U.S.-Mexico border. After the two countries reached an agreement late last year to expand market access, the first shipments were sent from Idaho last week.

Republican Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch say the breakthrough has been sought for more than 15 years. The National Potato Council (NPC) estimates full market potential for fresh table potatoes could reach $250 million a year.

“Thanks to commitments made under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, (USMCA), U.S. fresh potatoes now have full market access in Mexico, and a shipment of Idaho potatoes was cleared to enter the country,” Crapo said.  “Addressing this decades-long dispute is a significant step forward in improving and strengthening our trade relationship with Mexico.  While this is a positive development, we must continue to monitor Mexico’s compliance with USMCA to ensure every aspect is fully enforced and the agreement lives up to its full potential.”

“Today’s development has been a long time in the making. I’m glad to see this initial shipment of fresh Idaho potatoes granted access to Mexico, but this needs to be the first step of many,” Risch said.  “Potato growers in Idaho and across the country were promised meaningful market access more than 15 years ago, and Mexico has a responsibility to make good on its pledge to our farmers.”

Crapo is the Senate Finance Committee's ranking member, and Risch is the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Potatoes are the world's fourth largest crop.

Source: Office of U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like