Browse Data and Analysis

In 2024, Mexico was the largest market for U.S. agricultural products and the only market to reach over $30 billion in agricultural exports. Market opportunities continue to expand with U.S. consumer-oriented products increasing by 13 percent.

South Africa boasts one of Africa's most developed and diverse economies, supported by a robust commercial sector and sophisticated distribution networks.

In 2024, Southern Africa faced a severe drought, leading to a significant decline in corn and soybean production, which caused rising food inflation and economic challenges.

In 2024, Mexico imported more than 35 million metric tons of grains from the United States. The North American freight rail network is an increasingly important mode of transport for handling the growth in this trade.

Stronger local white corn prices and rising demand for rice and sorghum are expected to drive increased production in marketing year 2025/2026.

Mexico’s potato production is estimated at 2.28 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (July 1 – June 30), four percent higher than the estimated MY 2024/25 production due to seasonal rains in several potato-producing states in mid-2024, easing drought conditions.

The FAIRS Annual Country Report provides a comprehensive summary of the rules and regulations governing the import of food and agricultural products to South Africa.

This report has been updated to include the latest information relevant to exporting to South Africa. The Food and Agricultural Import Regulation and Standards (FAIRS) Certificate Report provides a comprehensive list of the main certificates required for exporting plants, animals, and animal products to South Africa.

The South African Department of Agriculture (DoA) reported several new positive cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle in the KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga provinces in April 2025. Following the announcement of the FMD outbreak, China suspended imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from South Africa.

Mexico’s 2025 tomato production is forecast at 3.1 million metric tons (MMT), a three percent decrease year-on-year based on continuing drought conditions in the main production areas and lower projected planting for the autumn-winter season.

The 2024 U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook provides a statistical summary of U.S. agricultural commodity exports to the world during the 2024 calendar year.

Mexico’s dairy sector is projected to grow modestly in 2025, supported by better feed and water access, herd expansion, and ongoing efficiency gains. Production is expected to rise despite 2023–2024 drought impacts and New World Screwworm infestations in southern Mexico.