SAGARPA Expects a 20% Increase of Exports to Japan
Feb 05, 2010 10:41:08
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARPA) aims to increase exports to Japan by 20%, to reach and even exceed the 759 million dollars recorded in this area during 2008.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARPA) aims to increase exports to Japan by 20%, to reach and even exceed the 759 million dollars recorded in this area during 2008.
In a press release, Francisco Mayorga, Secretary of SAGARPA recognized that Japan represents an opportunity to open food market niches since their imports of agricultural food and fishing products reach more than 70 billion dollars a year.
Also, the ministry pointed out that Mexican products that are gaining market position are kabocha, persian lime and avocado.
From January to November 2009, Mexican exports of avocado to Japan were 25,208 tons, which meant an increase in the 17.2%, compared to the 21,514 tons in 2008. Also the export of fresh kabocha increased 13% from 13,223 tons in 2008, to 14,937 tons in 2009.
Moreover, the ministry indicated that the Japanese entrepreneurs with more interest are Iroako Okazoe, director of "IPM Nishimoto", main marketer of produce; as well as Tasushi Vechima, President of "UCC Bizma coffee" (one of the largest and most important Japanese company) who has expressed interest in buying coffee from Mexican producers.
Exports from Mexico to Japan reported an average annual growth rate of 10.9% from 2005 to 2008. While the first quarter of 2009 had an increase of 9.5% in this category, SAGARPA expects that exports to Japan will suffer a drop from January to October 2009. The main reason is due to the economic downturn and the outbreak of A-H1N1 influenza in Mexico.
However, the ministry reports that during the first 10 months of 2009 the trade balance with Japan reached a surplus of 540 million dollars. (The weekly Agency, ESA)
