CornsTalk: How Important is Mexico to Nebraska Agriculture?

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a trilateral trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico that was implemented in 1993. “NAFTA has been a significant boon to Nebraska agriculture,” said Alan Tiemann, a Seward, Nebraska, farmer, Nebraska Corn Board Director and former chairman of the U.S. Grains Council. “It makes sense that we have free and open trade with our neighbors to the north and south.”

Since 1994, U.S. corn exports to NAFTA partners have increased by a factor of seven!

“The U.S. has a logistical advantage in terms of serving the Mexico market,” said Tom Sleight, President and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. “We can ship by truck, rail or water—and our proximity provides for lower transportation costs. We have a better grading system and a reliable supply of high quality corn.”

Top 5 Nebraska Exports to Mexico 

1. CORN [$287 million]
2. SOYBEANS & SOYBEAN PRODUCTS [$190 million]
3. BEEF [$148 million]
4. SUGARS & SWEETENERS [$68 million]
5. DISTILLERS GRAINS [$43 million]

 Nebraska is especially well-positioned to serve the Mexico market. Several grain elevators and cooperatives have shuttle trains that go directly to livestock producers and food processors in Mexico.

To read more about trade in Nebraska click here to view the whole Spring 2017 CornsTalk publication.