U.S. apple demand in Mexico on the rise

Generally, we hear about Mexican produce being imported and consumed in the U.S., but for Washington apples the story is the other way around.

The demand for these apples is on the rise south of the border, with up to 14 million boxes projected to ship to Mexico this season.

Juan Carlos Moreira, a representative of Washington apples in Mexico, told FreightWaves that, “Mexico imports 12 to 14 million boxes of apples in a year. If we talk about 14 million boxes, we talk about 14,000 trucks that cross the border daily to Mexico”.

With the removal of the 20% tariff in May, U.S. exports to Mexico should be get a boost.

This tariff was a retaliatory measure against U.S. tariffs on Mexican steel, in which imports of U.S. apples fell nearly 16% during this period according to the USDA.

Mexico is the number one export market for Washington apples, with exports having increased 75% over the last 15 years. Those exports having been valued at $200-250 million every year.

According to the Washington State Tree Association, this year’s crop is one of the largest in history, sitting at 138.2 million fresh packed 40-pound boxes.

Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Red Delicious are the top apple varieties that Washington exports to Mexico.