The UK’s decision to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) could help boost exports of UK pork to Mexico, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has said.
The board said the agreement will eliminate the ‘most favoured nation’ tariffs of up to 20% – making Mexico a more attractive market for pork exporters in the UK.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on March 31, that the UK would be joining the CPTPP after two years of negotiations.
The 11-member trade bloc will grant the UK access to the same tariff preferences as other CPTPP members, which exceed the existing bilateral free-trade agreement with Mexico.
AHDB senior exports manager (Americas), Susana Morris, said the Mexican market presents a “fantastic opportunity” for UK pig meat products, especially offal, which it hopes to be exporting soon.
“The Mexican consumer is becoming more conscious about how meat is produced, so animal welfare and sustainability are important.
“The UK is highly regarded for its welfare and food safety standards, so this presents a great opportunity for UK farmers and producers.”
Morris also said that Mexico has a small segment of its population that is considered upper class or wealthy and who are “increasingly searching for high-quality products and willing to pay a premium”.
She said this presents another opportunity for UK pork products.
Mexico
The UK secured market access for pork to Mexico in 2021 following inspections and negotiations lead by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).
AHDB said it is currently working in partnership with the government, UKECP and others to gain market access for offal.
According to AHDB, Mexico is the 15th-largest economy in the world and the second largest in Latin America, making it a “hugely important market” for the UK and its exporters.
“The country’s growing population has led to an increased demand for imports, and the economy is set to expand by 35% by 2035. Its location sets it up as a gateway to the Americas and the trans-Pacific region,” it said.
With the aim of further boosting UK exports in the Mexican market, Defra recently appointed Catrina Kenny as a new agricultural attaché based in the UK Embassy in Mexico.
“This is part of wider plans to open up new exporting opportunities in the country and Latin America,” AHDB said.
