Focus on Mexico: Nation has a big appetite for grains, particularly from its NAFTA trading partner, the United States

摘要

Mexico is a big grain consumer and a big grain buyer, and its membership in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has helped make it one of the biggest grain customers for the United States (U.S.).Maize (corn) is by far the most important grain crop in Mexico, which has a population of just under 110 million, 71% of which are urban dwellers. For Mexican consumers, grain consumption traditionally revolves around tortillas made from maize flour. According to the International Grains Council (IGC), Mexico is forecast to produce 23 million tonnes of maize in 2008, down from 24 million in 2007. Its wheat production is forecast at 3.4 million tonnes, down from 3.5 million. Mexico's imports of wheat are forecast at an unchanged 3.6 million tonnes in 2008-09, while its maize imports are set to rise to 10.5 million tonnes from 10.2, according to the IGC.