Agricultural trade between Mexico, the United States, and Canada is an undeniable success story. Under the USMCA framework, these three countries have built one of the most robust and efficient agricultural supply networks in the world. However, a key question arises: Are we doing enough to maximize this potential and lead the global agricultural market?
Currently, trilateral trade exceeds $100 billion USD in agricultural and agro-industrial exports and imports. But what if the three countries strengthened their collaboration, not only to meet their internal markets but also to conquer new international markets?
2. Mexico: The gateway to emerging markets
Mexico, with its strategic location and year-round production capacity, is a key player in regional agricultural trade. Some of its most outstanding products include:
- Avocados and berries: Products like avocados and berries not only dominate the U.S. market but also have enormous potential in emerging markets such as Asia and the Middle East.
- Pecans and fresh tomatoes: The quality of these products is already recognized globally, but with better logistical and commercial coordination, they could reach more corners of the world.
If Mexico worked even more closely with its northern partners, it could become the ideal bridge to bring North American agricultural products to regions where the demand for fresh and processed foods is growing exponentially.
Climate vs. Technology in Mexico and its impact on agriculture
3. Canada: Innovation to conquer the world
Canada has shown that agricultural technology can be a competitive advantage. With products like canola oil, wheat, and maple syrup, Canada is already a leader in exports to the United States and Mexico.
However, the question is: How can Canada leverage its technological expertise to diversify its markets?
- Climate-resilient crops: Canada could lead the research and development of crops adapted to extreme conditions, providing solutions to countries vulnerable to climate change.
- Exporting agricultural technology: Beyond products, Canada could export its knowledge in precision agriculture, helping other countries improve their productivity.
4. The United States: Diversifying toward new horizons
The United States, with its technified and diversified agriculture, already dominates key markets in Mexico and Canada. But what if it used its productive capacity to lead a joint effort toward global markets?
- Corn and soybeans: These staple products are essential in global food systems. A joint strategy with Mexico and Canada could open new markets in Africa and Asia.
- Fresh fruits and processed meats: The U.S. already exports large volumes of apples, grapes, beef, and pork. However, greater collaboration in logistics and marketing could position these products as leaders in international markets.
5. Learning from other trade blocs
Other regions around the world have successfully implemented similar strategies to boost agricultural trade and global competitiveness:
- European Union (EU): The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a prime example of how collaboration and harmonization of standards can drive agricultural success. By creating unified quality standards and subsidies, EU countries have become global leaders in exports of high-value products such as wine, cheese, and olive oil. Their joint promotional campaigns, such as "Enjoy, it’s from Europe," have successfully positioned European agricultural products in global markets.
- Mercosur (South America): Countries like Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay have leveraged their trade bloc to dominate global markets in commodities like soybeans, beef, and poultry. By negotiating trade agreements as a unified bloc, Mercosur has gained access to key markets in China, the EU, and the Middle East, boosting their agricultural economies significantly.
- ASEAN (Southeast Asia): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has focused on creating integrated supply chains and reducing trade barriers among member states. This has allowed countries like Thailand and Vietnam to become major exporters of rice, seafood, and tropical fruits. Their success lies in coordinated logistics and joint trade agreements with global partners.
These examples demonstrate how strategic collaboration, unified standards, and global promotion can amplify the impact of regional agricultural trade. If Mexico, the U.S., and Canada adopt similar approaches, they could achieve even greater success.
6. The great opportunity: Joining forces to feed the world
If Mexico, the United States, and Canada worked together more strategically, they could become the most powerful agricultural bloc in the world. Key areas where they could collaborate include:
- Logistics and distribution: Create more integrated supply chains to reduce costs and delivery times to international markets.
- Sustainability: Adopt agricultural practices that not only increase productivity but also protect the environment, making products more attractive to conscious consumers.
- Joint promotion: Develop global campaigns that position North American agricultural products as synonymous with quality, freshness, and sustainability.
- Access to new markets: Collaborate on trade agreements that allow agricultural products to enter regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
7. What happens if we don’t act?
Agricultural trade among these three countries is already a success, but failing to seize this opportunity for collaboration could mean falling behind other economic blocs, such as the European Union or Asia-Pacific. Without a joint strategy, key markets and opportunities for sustainable growth could be lost.
On the other hand, if the three countries intensify their cooperation, they could not only meet the growing global demand for food but also lead the transformation of agriculture toward a more innovative, sustainable, and efficient model.
8. Conclusion: The time to act is now
Mexico, the United States, and Canada have the ability to transform global agricultural trade. The question is not whether they can do it, but whether they are willing to seize this opportunity before it’s too late.
The world needs food, and together, these three countries have the capacity to lead the solution. Collaboration is not just an option; it is a necessity to ensure the agricultural success of the future.
