From Mexico to the World

 

The Rise of Piloncillo and Chayote in Maritime Export under NAFTA

Mexico's commercial integration into the North American market has profoundly transformed the landscape of its agricultural exports. Among the products that have experienced notable growth in recent decades are two distinctive elements of Mexican gastronomy: piloncillo and chayote. Both have found in maritime routes and in the regulatory framework of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)—now USMCA—the appropriate conditions for their international expansion.

Piloncillo: Traditional sweetness with global projection

Piloncillo, also known as panela in other Latin American regions, is a natural sweetener obtained from the concentration of unrefined sugarcane juice. This product, deeply rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine, has begun to capture the attention of international markets seeking more natural alternatives to refined sugar.

Piloncillo exports have benefited significantly from NAFTA provisions that eliminated tariffs and facilitated access to markets such as the United States and Canada. The main producing states—Veracruz, San Luis Potosí, Jalisco, and Michoacán—have increased their production volumes oriented toward export, taking advantage of the growing demand for organic and fair-trade products.

Maritime transport has played a crucial role in this expansion. Mexican Gulf ports, particularly Veracruz and Altamira, have consolidated as strategic points for shipping this product. The advantage of maritime freight lies in its competitive cost for large volumes, which allows maintaining accessible prices in destination markets without compromising producers' margins.

Chayote: From local vegetable to export product

Chayote (Sechium edule) represents another success story in the diversification of Mexican agricultural exports. This cucurbit, native to Mesoamerica, has found important market niches among Latin communities in the United States and Canada, as well as among consumers seeking healthy and versatile options in their diet.

Mexico is the world's leading chayote producer, with states such as Veracruz, Michoacán, Jalisco, and San Luis Potosí at the forefront. National production exceeds 130,000 tons annually, of which a growing percentage is destined for export. NAFTA facilitated preferential access to North American markets, eliminating unnecessary phytosanitary barriers and establishing clear certification protocols.

Maritime logistics for chayote presents particular challenges due to its perishable nature. However, the development of refrigeration technologies in containers and the optimization of cold chains have allowed this product to arrive in optimal conditions at distant destinations. The ports of Manzanillo on the Pacific and Veracruz on the Gulf are the main departure points for these exports.

NAFTA's impact on maritime export

NAFTA, in force from 1994 until its renewal as USMCA in 2020, established a regulatory framework that notably favored the trade of agricultural products among Mexico, the United States, and Canada. For products like piloncillo and chayote, this meant:

Progressive elimination of tariffs: The reduction and subsequent elimination of duties allowed Mexican products to compete under better conditions in North American markets.

Standardized phytosanitary certifications: Clear protocols were established that facilitated compliance with sanitary requirements, reducing times and costs in export processes.

Legal certainty: The treaty provided a stable legal framework that incentivized investment in logistical and productive infrastructure.

Customs facilitation: Administrative procedures were simplified, accelerating the transit of goods at ports and borders.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the growth experienced, the export of piloncillo and chayote faces challenges requiring attention:

Quality standardization remains a priority. While some producers have adopted international certifications, others maintain artisanal processes that hinder penetration into more demanding markets.

Mexican port infrastructure, although improved, requires continuous investment to increase its capacity and efficiency. Congestion at main ports can generate delays that affect the quality of perishable products like chayote.

Climate change represents a threat to agricultural production. Extreme weather events can affect crop cycles and the availability of these products for export.

However, opportunities are equally significant. The global trend toward consumption of natural and organic products favors piloncillo over processed sweeteners. Chayote, meanwhile, benefits from growing interest in low-calorie, fiber-rich foods.

Future perspectives

The transition from NAFTA to USMCA maintains fundamental tariff benefits while introducing new elements that could benefit these products. Provisions on designation of origin and intellectual property protection can help position Mexican piloncillo as a differentiated premium product.

The digitalization of logistics processes and the development of e-commerce platforms open new possibilities for small and medium producers to access international markets directly without depending exclusively on intermediaries.

Piloncillo and chayote represent only two examples of the untapped potential of Mexican agriculture. Their success in international markets demonstrates that, with the appropriate regulatory framework, investment in logistics, and commitment to quality, traditional products can become commercial ambassadors for the country.

Maritime export will continue to be the fundamental pillar of this trade, requiring continuous improvement in infrastructure, producer training, and adaptation to increasingly demanding international standards. The future of these products in the global market will depend on Mexico's ability to maintain its competitiveness while preserving the qualities that make them unique.