Mexico Remains Top Priority for U.S. Meat Export Federation

U.S. meat producers maybe watching trade negotiations closer than any American Ag commodity; specify NAFTA.  Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation just returned from a week-long trip through Mexico, with stops in Mexico City, Monterrey and Chihuahua.

“We wanted to reiterate to the trade our commitment to the Mexico market, despite the fact that we have some duties at the moment, it still is our most important volume  market and one that we’re committed to long-term.”

Despite the lack of NAFTA, and the ongoing trade spat, Mexico remains the largest volume market for U.S. pork, and one of the largest markets for beef.  Halstrom used the past week to encourage buyers that the current trade environment between the U.S. and Mexico is short-term.

“The hope being that NAFTA 2.0 will be concluded in the short-term.  I think what we hear from the trade, wholeheartedly, was they’re hearing the same things that we are is that NAFTA is indeed making some progress.”

Halstrom was quick to note he hopes an updated NAFTA is approved soon.  He said this international fight has allowed other countries an opportunity to sell in Mexico, and that move has “invited some of our competition to the party.”

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