North American Meat Institute Statement Regarding Mexico’s Imposition of Tariffs on U.S. Pork Exports

Mexico today levied 10 percent tariffs, which will increase to 20 percent effective July 5, on unprocessed U.S. pork products in retaliation for tariffs imposed on Mexican steel and aluminum exports to the U.S

These retaliatory tariffs will disproportionately affect hardworking American pork packers and producers, who will bear the main burden of these measures in the form of lost revenue and restricted market access, particularly as U.S. pork production is slated to rise this year. These punitive retaliatory duties are especially concerning now that key competitors are gaining additional access to the critical Mexican market, risking the U.S. pork industry’s ability to compete on a level playing field.

“The Meat Institute urges Mexico and the U.S. to work diligently to resolve any differences before additional tariffs and market access barriers take effect”

 

Mexico in 2017 was the largest volume market for U.S. pork exports, setting a sixth consecutive volume record totaling 800,000 metric tons. U.S. pork exports to Mexico were valued at $1.51 billion in 2017.

Today’s retaliation reaffirms that there are no winners in trade disputes. The Meat Institute urges Mexico and the U.S. to work diligently to resolve any differences before additional tariffs and market access barriers take effect. Failure to do so will impose unnecessary hardships on American workers and consumers in both countries.