Historic Agribusiness Trade Mission Strengthens U.S.-Mexico Agricultural Ties

(Washington, D.C., November 13, 2025) – Last week, in Mexico City, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins spearheaded the largest agribusiness trade mission in the history of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This landmark event saw participation from 41 U.S. businesses, 33 cooperators, agriculture advocacy groups, six state departments of agriculture, and a total of 150 participants who engaged in over 500 business-to-business meetings across three intensive days.

Strengthening Trade Relationships

This mission was not only a vital opportunity for American businesses to forge stronger trade ties but also served as a platform for the USDA to address pressing issues such as the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico. Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance of maintaining accountability under the 1944 Water Treaty during her discussions in Mexico.

“The trading and diplomatic relationship between our two countries is of the utmost importance to President Trump and American farmers and ranchers. We prioritize securing the Southern Border, combating NWS, and expanding market access for our agricultural products. I appreciate President Claudia Sheinbaum for her warm welcome and our productive dialogues on these pressing matters,” said Secretary Rollins.

Joint Efforts Against New World Screwworm

In conjunction with the trade mission, Secretary Rollins met with officials at Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) Headquarters to discuss bilateral strategies aimed at controlling the spread of NWS. Accompanying her was Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Dudley Hoskins, who visited the State of Chiapas to review NWS containment practices.

Visiting Major Importers

Secretary Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke Lindberg, also toured a Walmart Supercenter and Bimbo Bakery in Mexico City. These establishments are significant importers of U.S. goods, with Grupo Bimbo importing nearly $400 million in U.S. ingredients in 2024, including staples like wheat, dairy, and eggs.

State Agriculture Leadership Participation

The American delegation included prominent state agriculture leaders, such as Chanel Tewalt from Idaho, Sherry Vinton from Nebraska, and Derek Sandison from Washington, along with officials from California, Tennessee, and Wisconsin state departments of agriculture.

Record Agricultural Exports to Mexico

In 2024, Mexico emerged as the top market for U.S. agricultural exports, with shipments valued at an impressive $30.2 billion. Nearly 50% of this trade consisted of consumer-oriented products, including meat, dairy, processed food, fruits, and beverages, amounting to $14.6 billion. Bulk commodities like corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, and pulses comprised one-third of all agricultural shipments, valued at $10.0 billion.

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