Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Mexico expanded from 3.51 million metric tons in 2018 to over 4.05 million metric tons in 2022. This growth was fueled by shifting consumer preferences towards convenient and healthy products, including organic and gluten-free varieties, and the expansion of the food service and baking industries. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a temporary stabilization around 3.60 million metric tons, as increased demand for shelf-stable foods was balanced by supply chain disruptions.

After 2020, the market accelerated, driven by investments in milling automation and technology, the promotion of contract farming to secure wheat supply, and regulatory changes that strengthened mandatory flour fortification with micronutrients. The launch of new product lines, such as low-carb tortillas and sustainable flours, further stimulated consumer interest, supporting the market's rise to 4.05 million metric tons by 2022.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 3.79 million metric tons, marking a correction after the previous growth. Production remained stable near 3.8 million metric tons during this period.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Mexico ranked as the 24th largest global producer of wheat and meslin flour and cereals.

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2018-2021

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2018-2021

In 2021, Mexico produced 3 701 K t of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, representing a 7.0% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The most stable year was 2020, with no significant change in production levels.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Wheat and meslin flour and cereals production in Mexico declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 1 755 M $ US, showing no change compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 6%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Mexico

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Mexico's exports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals reached 40.7 K t, a 38.8% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 45.6%, with an annualized decline of 18.3%. The largest drop occurred in 2019, at 41.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2020, at 52.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the main buyers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Mexico were Guatemala, accounting for 39.9% of exports in kind, the United States at 33.7%, and Venezuela at 12.3%. Together, these three countries made up 86.0% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of Mexico's wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports totaled 19.3 M $ US, marking a sharp decline of 43.0% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 53.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -22.3%. The largest decrease was in 2019, at 45.7%, while the highest increase was in 2020, at 51.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States was the leading destination for Mexico's wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports in value terms, with a 42.5% share, followed by Guatemala at 36.2% and Venezuela at 9.1%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 87.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Mexico

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year rise, Mexico's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals declined in 2021, reaching 175.5 K t, which is 13.8% lower than the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 7.6%, with an annualized decline of 2.6%. The peak import volume was in 2020 at 203.6 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States dominated Mexico's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals in kind, consistently representing 99.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, Mexico's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals in value terms declined in 2021, reaching 100.2 M $ US, down 2.3% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 21.1%, equating to an annualized increase of 6.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 102.5 M $ US, with the largest rise also in 2020, at 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Mexico's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals were heavily oriented towards the United States, which accounted for 99.4% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021