U.S., Mexico Agree On Apple Trade Conditions

August 10, 1999

The United States and Mexico have reached an agreement that facilitates the export of U.S. apples to Mexico. The first phase began July 15 when Mexico reduced its inspectors in the United States from nine to six.

This agreement allows for the gradual transfer from Mexican authorities to U.S. authorities of the inspection duties that certify applies as free of pests of concern, such as the Oriental fruit moth. The current program of Mexican phytosanitary inspection has been in place in Washington state, the primary apple exporter to Mexico, for six years.

By October 2001 the transfer of phytosanitary certification to USDA will be complete, and Mexican officials will be permitted to make two site visits per year to check on the inspection program. There also is a provision in the agreement to perform, for one export season, fruit cutting in the United States on apples that have been culled from certain shipments. If no larvae are found at that time, the cutting will be discontinued.

Last year Mexico imported $4 million worth of apples from the United States. Mexico generally is the largest importer of U.S. applies, closely followed by Taiwan.