The U.S. Government Agreement Reduces Tariffs on Apple Exports to Mexico

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) commends the U.S. and Mexican governments for July 7, 2011's signing of an agreement on cross-border trucking that will resolve a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) dispute. As a result, the 20 percent import duty on U.S. apple exports into Mexico will be reduced shortly to 10 percent with the remainder ceasing once the first Mexican truck is certified to enter the U.S.

"We are extremely pleased to see the agreement signed," said USApple President and CEO Nancy Foster. "Mexico is the largest export market for U.S. apple growers. This is an important step towards ending the long-standing dispute which will enhance our long-term relationship with Mexican consumers."

In the year prior to imposition of Mexico's 20 percent import duty last August, the U.S. exported 11.5 million boxes (bushels) of fresh U.S. apples to Mexico worth $207 million – 27.5 percent of total U.S. apple export value. USApple filed regulatory comments with the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of the agreement. The association is also active in the Alliance to Keep U.S. Jobs, a broad business coalition which has met with officials at the Department of Transportation, the United States Trade Representative and members of Congress to urge resolution of the trade dispute.

"American apple growers will continue to encourage Congress to fully support this agreement and see it to fruition so that we can resume normal trade with Mexico," added Foster.