Irish mission to Mexico looks to mitigate possible Brexit issues

25-Jun-2017 - Last updated on 26-Jun-2017 at 10:07 GMT

Ireland is targeting Mexico for increased agri-food exports. Pic: ©iStock/alexis84

Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture Food & Marine, Michael Creed TD, has undertaken a series of engagements as part of the first Irish Ministerial agri-food trade mission to Mexico.

Minister Creed met with Mexican Sub-Secretary for Trade, Juan Carlos Baker Pineda, and the Mexican Secretary for Agriculture (SAGARPA), Jose Eduardo Calzada Rovirosa, to discuss co-operation and trade opportunities.

Targeting Mexico

Ahead of the Mexican leg of his five-day Trade Mission to the Americas, Minister Creed said Bord Bia and the Irish agri-food industry was targeting Mexico specifically as a potential trading partner.

“With a market of 127m people, Mexico is an exciting developing market where we need to establish better ties and links,” Creed said.

“Against the backdrop of Brexit, developing opportunities in new markets is essential. Our meetings with our Mexican counterparts, as well as local experts, will help us to better understand the industry here and to make sure our offerings are appropriate and in line with the demands of the Mexican market.”

Increased dairy exports

Agri food exports to Mexico have increased by around 20% from €47.1m/$52.7m (10,300MT (metric tons)) in 2012 to €57.4m/$64.2m (15,900MT) in 2016.

In dairy terms Mexico was the 13th largest destination for Irish dairy exports in 2016 with total exports of around €52.6m ($58.8m). This marks an increase of almost 50% from the amount seen in 2012, which was €35.1m ($39.3m) or 8,000MT.

The main categories are infant formula (€9.2m/$10.3m); fat-filled milk powders (€17.8m/$19.9m); and caseins (€25m/$28m).