IMPORTS INTO MEXICO


 Imports of perishables into Mexico from the United States were very difficult until

recently. The Mexican clearance procedures at the border were slow and often required a payoff

to-free the cargo. With perishables this meant that the product deteriorated while the load was

delayed. The limited quantity and quality of refrigerated trucks in Mexico made the process

even more difficult. In anticipation of NAFTA, President Salinas made major changes at the

border, including frequent transfer of all border personnel to reduce corruption, and provisions

for pre-clearance and bonding. These actions have sped up the import clearance process and

made payoffs to get a load cleared less of an issue. Furthermore, Mexican refrigerated

transportation equipment is more available and more dependable than previously and more U.S.

equipment is being used in Mexico. Finally in preparation for entry into GATT, in the mid-

1980's Mexico first allowed imports of prepared and frozen foods. The result of these changes

is that U.S. perishables imports have increased greatly. Mexico is now the biggest foreign buyer

of U.S. apples. Imports of U.S. prepared and frozen foods are growing rapidly. An example

of the importance of these imports are the Cifra/Walmart warehouse stores, Club Aurrera.

Eighty-five percent of their frozen and 40 percent of their refrigerated foods come from the

U.S..