MEXICO

Feedback from the Trade on Their Plans and Interest in the USA Pear Season:

Importers mentioned they will continue handling USA pears for the upcoming months, current strong sales and price in origin motivate them to increase the volumes handled, sales have been good this period and quality observed has been good.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

There is a risk that protest from Domestic Farmers and roads closures will continue because of no agreements with the Mexican government, but importers have considered this to have enough volumes to supply their clients in case protests and actions could affect the main roads or customs.

Opportunities in Your Market for Specific Varieties, Sizes, and Grades:

Anjou pear continues being the most requested variety in Mexico; currently, other varieties were available in the market like Bartlett, Red Anjou, Bosc, Forelle, Packham’s, Comice and Starkrimson. Due its good price, quality and shelf life, wholesalers and retailers keep selling well USA pears.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

USA Pears reported a 98% pear market share at wholesale level, 88% at supermarket stores and 97% at traditional channels; sales and quality were reported as good. Pears from California were still available at wholesale level representing 1% pear market share, and 4% at supermarket stores, quality was reported as fair due pears were overripe affecting its shelf life, as a result, sales were affected, is not expected this origin could be available for the next period. Pears from China were available at wholesale level, representing 1% pear market share, while in supermarket stores was 8%, and 3% at traditional channels; The quality was good, but sales were low due its higher price and limited availability, as they are only intended to meet the needs of some customers.

Political or Economic Issues Impacting Imports, Retail, or Consumer Behavior:

Mexico is expected to underperform against the Latin America and Caribbean region for a second year in a row, based on projections from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Economic growth across Latin America and the Caribbean is expected to reach 2.4% this year, compared with an estimated expansion of just 0.4% in Mexico, where trade uncertainty and domestic headwinds continue to weigh on activity. “This slowdown is mainly explained by a sharp decline in consumption and investment, as well as uncertainty surrounding access to the United States market, which has negatively affected investment announcements and their execution,” said José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary, ECLAC. “Despite the Mexican government’s effective negotiation efforts, the level of uncertainty has been significant for an economy that is highly integrated and exports more than 80% of its goods to the United States.” As explained by the official, only Bolivia and Mexico are expected to register marginal growth this year, ranging between 0% and 0.5%, narrowly avoiding contraction. Salazar-Xirinachs added that private consumption grew by just 0.1% year-on-year between January and September, coupled with higher unemployment and a 5.1% decline in remittances, along with a 7.3% drop in gross fixed investment. He pointed out that during the same period in 2024, gross fixed investment had increased by 6.6%. From his perspective, “this decline was driven by a 32% reduction in public investment, as well as weakening supply chains.” Looking ahead to 2026, ECLAC expects Mexico’s economy to grow by 1.3%, reflecting a gradual improvement supported by the prospect of greater trade certainty. “It is expected that USMCA will be ratified by the end of next year, and there will also be positive effects from tourism. This is not anecdotal but a real phenomenon; when countries host World Cup events, they receive substantial inflows from tourism and consumption, which will add to Mexico’s economic growth,” Salazar-Xirinachs emphasized. To boost economic growth, the ECLAC Secretary recommended that Mexico scale up productive development policies, accelerate productivity gains, increase investment levels, and improve both access to and the quality of education and learning outcomes.

Other Brief Comments:

Grupo La Comer has entered southeastern Mexico, a region where Grupo Chedraui already has a strong presence. The self-service retail chain, whose greatest footprint is concentrated in the central part of the country, cut the ribbon on its first La Comer store in Quintana Roo, with an investment of 1.12 billion pesos. The company explained in a statement that this store will generate 531 formal jobs, of which 381 are direct and 150 indirect. With this opening, the company now has a total of 91 commercial units across its Fresko and La Comer, Sumesa, City Market, and City Market Café formats. “This opening represents a strategic milestone for the company, as it marks the Group’s first arrival in southeastern Mexico. We are confident that the differentiated offering we provide at La Comer Tulum will appeal to the residents of Tulum and its visitors, helping to boost price competitiveness for food, groceries, and general merchandise in the area,” said Santiago García, CEO of Grupo La Comer, as quoted in the statement.