Mexico City, Mexico
June 29, 2009
USDA/FAS GAIN report MX 9036
Report highlights
Tomato production in Mexico
for MY 2009/10 (Oct/Sep) is forecast to reach 2.27 million
metric tons (MMT). MY 2008/09 production estimate is
forecast at 2.23 MMT due to unfavorable weather conditions
during the winter growing season. As a result, exports for
MY 2008/09 are estimated at slightly lower levels compared
to MY 2007/08. Since Mexican greenhouse tomato production
has started to become an important factor in terms of total
tomato production, the MY 2008/09 area dedicated to
greenhouse tomato production could exceed 3,200 hectares and
will continue to increase. Meanwhile, the tomato salmonella
scare that took place in early 2008 has subsided and both
sides are working together on food safety issues so that
trade is not harmed if other problems arise.
Executive summary
Tomato production in Mexico
for MY 2009/10 (Oct/Sep) is forecast to reach 2.27 million
metric tons (MMT), assuming normal weather conditions. MY
2008/09 production estimates are forecast at 2.23 MMT as
unfavorable weather conditions affected the winter output.
Therefore, exports for MY 2008/09 are estimated at slightly
lower levels compared to MY 2007/08. International prices
for MY 2008/09 were lower than expected due to a market
surplus. Over the past several years, Mexican greenhouse
tomato production has started to become an important factor
in terms of total tomato production. According to sources,
MY 2008/09 area dedicated to greenhouse tomato production
could exceed 3,200 hectares. The Tomato Suspension Agreement
between Mexico and the United States, originally signed on
December 4, 2002, and extended for another five years in
January 2008, binds all tomato exporters to an agreed upon
reference price. The reference price for exporting fresh
tomatoes for the summer season (July 1 to October 22) is
17.2 cents per pound, and the reference price for the winter
season (October 23 to June 30) is 21.7 cents per pound.
Fresh tomato exports to the United States as well as imports
have a zero duty under NAFTA.
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