U.S. Ag Attache in Mexico Discusses Import Duties on U.S. Pork, Other Products

Import duties announced by Mexico apply to $3.1 billion of products imported by Mexico in 2017, based on Mexican trade data, with the U.S. supplying $2.6 billion of that total, according to a report from the U.S. ag attache in Mexico on the duty action.The report confirmed the duties took effect immediately and that those on pork and cheese would be lower levels until July 5. The 350,000 metric ton duty-free quota on imports of pork legs and shoulders for the rest of 2018 is open to U.S. supplies, but those supplies coming from the U.S. would be subject to duties of 10% until July 5 and then 20% after that.Historical importers will have access to 97% of the quota, with those who have not imported the products having access to three percent of the quota.Further, any pork coming from the U.S. will be subject to the duties no matter what the country of origin is on the shipments. "In other words, transshipments will be charged the U.S. tariff," the attaché said.