According to U.S. trade statistics, U.S. planting seed exports increased from $245 million to $263 million or 7.3 percent in the July- Oct period in MY 03/04 compared to the same period last year.

All seed categories increased in value of exports except field crop seeds.  Mexico is by far the United States largest export market with exports increasing $6.1 million so far this marketing year. 

The U.S. has consistently increased its exports of planting seeds to the Mexican market over time. U.S. exports were worth $212 million to Mexico in 02/03, accounting for approximately 26 percent of total exports.  So far this MY, Mexico has increased its imports of vegetable seeds, particularly tomato, pepper and onion seeds compared to last year.   An increase in grain sorghum seed imports was not enough to offset the declines in soybean and corn seed. 

The Mexican market should continue to be favorable for U.S. exports for several reasons:  The Mexican Seed Law has lowered restrictions on seed trade while the Seed Variety Law has given breeders more protection.  Maintaining and even increasing sales to Mexico will require staying ahead of the competition in terms of developing and introducing new varieties to help solve agronomic problems in Mexico. 

The table below shows the seed export values to the top ten export markets and the percentage change between the first 4 months of this MY compared to last year.