Mexico is shipping good quality squash though the season is seeing some challenges. "In early September, Hurricane Lorena brought heavy rains and wind to Hermosillo that impacted early plantings," says Lesley Sykes of The Sykes Co. "Then, in mid-October, additional rains combined with higher humidity created some challenges for field management, but fruit quality on the floor right now looks excellent."
© The Sykes Co.Sykes says the market typically strengthens once domestic supply winds down and Mexican volume increases.
Despite the storms, the timing of the season is similar to last year's. Acorn squash began shipping late October and Butternut squash is just getting started. Spaghetti and Kabocha will come in later this month and in the winter months, the importer will also add in its Culiacan squash program.
Uncertainties for importers
While the weather has been difficult this season, the biggest ongoing challenge is navigating imports in an environment of constantly shifting tariffs and trade policy. "The uncertainty around the Tomato Suspension Agreement and the upcoming United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review adds complexity to planning and pricing, not just for tomatoes but for all produce categories moving through Nogales," adds Sykes.
© The Sykes Co.Butternut squash is just getting started.
In the meantime, prices on squash are lower than normal for this time of year which is coupled with lighter early demand. "The market typically strengthens once domestic supply winds down and Mexican volume increases, which should help balance pricing in the coming weeks," she says. "We expect stronger movement as the U.S. Thanksgiving approaches and retail programs gear up."
For more information:
Lesley Sykes
The Sykes Co.
Tel: +1 (520) 281-2520
[email protected]
https://thesykescompany.com/
