Strawberries led Mexican ag export growth in March
Strawberries, peppers and avocados were Mexico's strongest performers in agricultural export growth in March, according to statistics released by the country's National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). 
The institute registered a 9.8% overall increase in exports from Mexico's agriculture and fishing sector, reaching US$1.275 billion.
Strawberry export values grew by 49.9% year-on-year, followed by peppers (47.4%), avocados (42.2%) and citrus fruits (35%).
A statistical category that encompasses melons and papayas also showed growth, at 30.5%.
Some other horticultural items did not prove as lucrative however, with coffee export values falling by 44.1%, onion and garlic values down by 36.3%, and the category of legumes and fresh vegetables dropping by 9.4%.
The growth rate for March was above the 3% rate for the first quarter itself, with agricultural export values of US$6.43 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock , Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA).
SAGARPA said the country traded 290 agri-food products overseas in a total of 160 countries. The main markets for the first quarter were the U.S., Japan, Canada, Venezuela and Guatemala.
Photo: www.shutterstock.com
Subscribe to our newsletter
