US Wine Exports to México

In this article, information needed for potential US wine exporters to Mexico is provided. The opportunities for US wines in the Mexican market are closely examined in addition to essential facts vital to a US wine producer interested in exporting wines to Mexico. With the increase of wine culture in Mexico, the recovery of the Mexican economy, and the increased demand for US wines in the Mexican market, the potential to increase market share in the Mexican market is enormous. In 1996, responding to a US tariff increase on Mexican brooms, Mexico greatly increased its wine tariffs. The US saw its wine market share in Mexico decrease by more than 50%. However, with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) there will be a zero‐tax on US wines by the year 2003. The substantially lower prices of US wines and the increased demand for wines in Mexico should give US wine producers a very attractive market in Mexico. This article also informs potential exporters about label and packaging requirements needed to export wines into Mexico as well as the wine distribution channels in Mexico.