According to the National Association of Berry Exporters (Aneberries), despite the trade barriers imposed by the United States, Mexico projects a historic growth in its strawberry exports in 2025. Aneberries estimates that Mexico's strawberry shipments to the United States, its main destination market, will increase by 25%.
"Mexico is in an unbeatable position to supply strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries to North America," said Miguel Angel Curiel, president of Aneberries, during the presentation of the 15th Aneberries International Congress, to be held on July 23 and 24 at Expo Guadalajara.
Curiel highlighted Mexico's competitive advantage in logistical terms, noting that no other country can match the speed at which it sends cargo to the United States. In 2024, Mexico exported approximately 250,000 tons of strawberries, a figure that is projected to reach 300,000 tons by the end of the 2024-2025 cycle.
Despite the optimism, Curiel acknowledged that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have generated negative short-term effects for producers and traders. In the medium term, he warned, these costs could be passed on to the end consumer. "We ask for clear rules of the game so that our industry and our companies can continue their work," he stated.
The area devoted to berries in Mexico has decreased from more than 60,000 hectares to around 50,000 hectares. By November 2025, when we have consolidated data for this agricultural cycle, it could stand between 48,000 and 50,000 hectares, stated Juan José Flores García, general director of Aneberries.
Blueberry exports are expected to remain at around 63,000 tons, a similar volume to the one exported in 2024, despite the reduction in area in the valleys of Jalisco and northern Sinaloa, Flores stated. Raspberry exports are expected to decrease by 3% to 4% compared to the 120,000 tons that are usually exported annually, closing 2025 with about 115,000 tons. In contrast, blackberry exports are expected to grow by 8%, going from 77,000 tons last year to 80,000 and 85,000 tons this year.
The United States continues to be the main destination for Mexican berries. Mexico is the world's third-biggest fresh strawberry supplier, accounting for 14.83% of the value of global exports. It supplies 87.79% of the strawberries that the U.S. imports. Other key markets include Canada, Europe, Japan, and some Asian countries.
Curiel said that production faces challenges such as drought and pests that severely affect the strawberry crop, but expressed confidence in the sector's growth potential. Adverse weather conditions also affect Blackberry, and companies have begun introducing new genetics to adapt to the environment. Competition in the blueberry market is intense, with supply coming simultaneously from Mexico, Canada, Peru, Chile, Morocco, and Colombia.
Aneberries also highlighted growth in exports to Japan. Blueberry exports to that country recently doubled, going from 700 to 800 tons to 1,600 tons.
Source: forbes.com.mx
