MEXICO CITY, MEXICO — Mexico’s corn production for 2022-23 has been lowered due to lower yields, high input costs and dry weather patterns, but it is still expected to produce more than last season, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Corn production is now estimated at 27.4 million tonnes, down from the previous estimate of 27.6 million tonnes, but up from the 26.5 million tonnes produced in 2021-22.
Imports are estimated at 17.3 million tonnes, down from the record import volume of 2021-22, but still the second-highest annual import total on a market-year basis.
“Sustained growth in Mexico’s livestock sector will continue to drive feed demand upwards, and thus corn imports as well,” the USDA said.
Exports for 2022-23 are estimated at 200,000 tonnes to reflect lower domestic production, but also Mexico’s recent decision to apply a 50% tariff on white corn.
Wheat production is estimated at 3.6 million tonnes, unchanged from the previous estimate and up from 3.3 million tonnes in 2021-22.
Exports were revised upward to 950,000 tonnes and imports are estimated at 5 million tonnes.
“Higher trade is driven by available supply of durum wheat for export, with marginal consumption growth and stagnant production of Mexico’s wheat for bread/tortillas supporting an increase in imports,” the USDA said.
