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Overview of the Flaxseed Sector in Mexico
Prepared by Agriculture Section - Alejandro Ruiz, Commercial Officer Canadian Embassy, Mexico
Over the last few years the demand for Canadian flaxseed in Mexico has been increasing.
Health-conscious consumers in Mexico are raising the demand for flaxseed, as they become more aware of its nutritional content and the health benefit of flax in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The baking industry in Mexico is also adapting flaxseed as an ingredient in multigrain breads and biscuits, which are promoted as high energy and nutritional products.
Likewise, some poultry producers in Mexico are starting to use flaxseed to help maintain the health of their animals and prevent diseases.
Mexico has no production of flaxseed. All the flaxseed consumed in Mexico has to be imported.
Canada supplies more than 98% of the flaxseed consumed in Mexico, while the remaining 2% is imported from the U.S.
During the period 1998-2002 the Canadian exports of flaxseed to Mexico grew 147.7% jumping from 1,337 tonnes with a value of US$500,000 to 3,312 tonnes with a value of US$1.2 million.
| Country | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 1,337 | 1,456 | 1,794 | 1,947 | 3,312 | 147.7% |
| United States | 10 | 0 | 3 | 24 | 48 | 383.7% |
| Total | 1,347 | 1,456 | 1,797 | 1,971 | 3,360 | 149.5% |
Source of Data: Secretary of Economy
| Country | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 140% |
| United States | 0.002 | 0.0 | 0.001 | 0.008 | 0.021 | 950% |
| Total | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 140% |
Source of Data: Secretary of Economy
In the case of flaxseed oil, the Mexican imports of this product grew 6.7% during the period 1998-2002, jumping from 2,842 tonnes with a value of US$1.9 million to 3,032 tonnes with a value of US$1.8 million.
The U.S. supplies more than 90% of the Mexican imports of flaxseed oil and the rest come from European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.
Canada has no participation in the Mexican imports of flaxseed oil, which is a market that Canadian exporters should explore.
| Country | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2,839 | 3,195 | 2,572 | 3,582 | 3,032 | 6.8 |
| Germany | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | -100.0 |
| Netherlands | 0 | 0 | 773 | 27 | 0 | --- |
| Others | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -97.3 |
| Total | 2,842 | 3,198 | 3,350 | 3,610 | 3,032 | 6.7 |
Source of Data: Secretary of Economy
| Country | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1.83 | 2.01 | 1.50 | 1.74 | 1.80 | -1.9 |
| Germany | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.00 | -100.0 |
| Netherlands | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.32 | 0.01 | 0.00 | --- |
| Others | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.33 | 0.01 | 0.00 | -26.0 |
| Total | 1.85 | 2.02 | 1.85 | 1.75 | 1.80 | -2.5 |
Source of Data: Secretary of Economy
Under NAFTA, the Canadian exports of flaxseed and flaxseed oil have duty free access to the Mexican market.
The growing demand for flaxseed in Mexico and the benefits of NAFTA provide good opportunities for Canadian exporters.
There are no specific phytosanitary restrictions for the exportation of Canadian flaxseed to Mexico other than CFIA certification.
Canadian exporters should be aware that they have to sell their products to Mexican companies registered in the importers register (padrón de importadores).
Regarding the labelling, Canadian exporters must comply with the Mexican Official Standard: NOM-051-SCFI-1995, which establishes the general labelling specifications for pre-packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
It is important to note that the labels may include nutritional claims such as product boosts your energy, for example. However, the label must not indicate that the consumption of the product may prevent, alleviate, treat or cure an illness, disorder or physiological state.
| Date Modified: 2004-01-28 | Important Notices |