Although it is the sixth largest corn producer in the world, how much white corn does Mexico currently import?
In no other country is white corn consumption as important as in Mexico, due to its high per capita consumption (346 kilos).
In 2023, Mexican corn production was 27 million 550,000 tons and virtually all of that volume went to the consumption of the country’s 130 million inhabitants, largely in the form of tortillas.
Corn consumption in Mexico
Corn is a staple and very versatile food in Mexican cuisine. For example, it is an input for the following dishes:
- Tacos.
- Chilaquiles.
- Tlacoyos.
- Quesadillas.
- Snacks in the form of fried corn tortilla parts.
- Enchiladas.
- Gorditas.
- Tostadas.
- Sopes.
- Flautas.
How much white corn does Mexico import
Tortillas are made by nixtamalization, a process in which the corn kernels are cooked with lime. This is a process in which the corn kernels are cooked with lime. Why is this important? Because lime facilitates digestion, makes calcium, phosphorus and iron more accessible to the body, and helps release niacin (vitamin B3), among other benefits.
The nixtamal grains are then ground to form a dough, which is molded into discs and cooked on a comal.
Here is the trend of Mexican imports of white corn in recent years, in millions of dollars, according to data from the Ministry of Economy:
- 2021: 115.5
- 2022: 42.6
- 2023: 84.4
- Jan-Jul 2024: 13.1
Import tariffs
From June 26, 2023 until December 31, 2023, Mexico imposed a 50% tariff on its imports of white corn.
Among the reasons given by the Ministry of Economy is that the supply and production of white corn in Mexico are important factors in determining its price and, therefore, also of the various consumer products made from it, mainly tortillas.
To strengthen domestic production, the government argued that the following should be considered.
First, it is crucial to boost the domestic market. In addition, the grain production chain should be a priority. This will help ensure favorable market conditions and stabilize the price of grain. Therefore, it is appropriate to temporarily modify the tariff applicable to its importation.