The proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between U.S. and Mexico may open opportunities for a new economic relationship with our nearest international trading partner. Understanding Mexico's vegetable exports will become important for estimating the economic impact of the FTA on the U.S. vegetable business. In the 1989-90 season, Mexico farmed approximately 20 million ha of which 3.5% or 700,000 ha were dedicated to vegetables including 246,000 ha for export. National vegetable production was 8 million tons with 1.5 million tons or 17.6% exported. Of the 100 different vegetables produced in Mexico many are major crops in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. About 72% of the vegetables exported to the U.S. were produced in three states: Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California. Nearly 83% of the vegetable imports into the U.S. occurred during the winter and spring months. Based on importation figures at seven main points of entry, Reynosa was the second, most important entry point after Nogales. If the FTA is signed, all ports of entry will most likely experience increased activity.
People’s Republic of China (PRC): Thailand Economic Relationship After Signing of Free Trade Agreement in 2005
