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Overview
Mexico is the leading destination for UK food and drink exports in Latin America, with households allocating a significant amount of their total spending to food. As consumer confidence improves and the upper-middle class expands, there are growing opportunities to increase sales of premium products.
Longer working hours are fuelling demand for higher-value, convenient, and quality food. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, with convenience and wellbeing driving product development.
Demand is expected to rise for premium ‘healthy lifestyle’ products not widely produced domestically, including allergen-free, genetically modified organism (GMO) free, and sustainably certified goods, as well as superfoods, grains, and vegetarian, vegan and organic options.
British products are widely associated with quality and authenticity in Mexico, often commanding a premium price. While competing at the lower-priced end of the market can be challenging, UK products with distinctive features and high-quality ingredients are well positioned to succeed.
There is growing demand for gourmet products such as confectionery (particularly chocolate and biscuits), cheese, jams and preserves, tea and coffee, mixers, and English sparkling wine. Many of these products are becoming more competitive as tariffs fall under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The UK’s free trade agreements (FTAs) with Mexico, alongside the UK’s Trade and Industrial Strategies, support exporters in capitalising on these opportunities by lowering trade barriers, reducing costs, strengthening supply chains, and improving market access for agri-food products.
Trade agreements with Mexico
The UK has 2 free trade agreements (FTAs) with Mexico:
- the UK-Mexico Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) which entered into force on 1 June 2021
- the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement including 12 countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the UK and Vietnam), which entered into force between the UK and Mexico on 22 June 2026
The UK-Mexico TCA should be read in conjunction with the following Parliamentary report as certain elements therein have undergone slight changes to adapt the existing agreement to the UK outside the EU.
The UK-Mexico TCA will remain in force alongside CPTPP. At times, you will need to specify which agreement you choose to trade under (notably when applying rules of origin), but benefits from either agreement will mostly apply automatically. Our guides attempt to highlight where businesses may need to make an explicit decision.
CPTPP entry into force and ratification
As of 22 June 2026, CPTPP is in force between the UK and:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Chile
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Singapore
- Vietnam
This means that the UK can access CPTPP provisions with these countries.
Canada has have not yet ratified the terms of the UK’s accession. This means that the UK cannot yet access CPTPP provisions in this country.
This guidance will be updated following the remaining country's ratification of the terms of the UK’s accession to CPTPP and will include when CPTPP will enter in force between the UK and the relevant remaining country.
Opportunities for UK food and drink suppliers in Mexico
Premium and speciality food products
A growing middle class and more sophisticated consumers are driving demand for premium and specialty food products, creating opportunities for UK exporters known for quality and innovation. While domestic production is strong, interest is rising in distinctive imported products with high standards and international branding, particularly in major urban centres.
UK firms are well placed in categories such as confectionery, baked goods, dairy, and specialty packaged foods where quality, heritage, or unique flavours can support premium positioning.
Alcoholic beverages
Opportunities exist for UK exporters of premium alcoholic beverages, particularly whisky, gin and craft spirits, where UK products are strongly associated with quality and heritage. Despite a strong domestic drinks industry, demand is growing for imported premium and craft beverages among higher-income consumers and within hospitality.
UK brands that position themselves effectively in the premium segment, supported by strong branding and storytelling, are well placed to benefit from this trend.
Agri-tech solutions
Beyond finished goods, opportunities exist for UK firms supplying food ingredients and agri-tech solutions to support Mexico’s large production base. Demand is growing for specialist ingredients, processing technologies, and agri-tech that improve quality, efficiency, sustainability and resilience.
UK companies with innovation-led inputs and technologies are well placed to support improvements across the food system, from agriculture to manufacturing.
Relevant CPTPP provisions for UK businesses
New rules of origin options
The origin of a good is where it has been grown, produced or manufactured, and is not necessarily the country where the good is shipped or bought from. For goods to receive a preferential tariff, they must meet the specific rules of origin for that agreement. The UK-Mexico FTA and CPTPP have different rules of origin that must be met to receive that agreement’s preferential tariffs. UK businesses may choose which rules of origin they will meet to receive a preferential tariff.
Some food and drink products, such as non-processed foods, may be straightforward in proving their origin in the UK. For example, vegetables grown in the UK are likely to be wholly originating and can access preferential tariffs under both trade agreements. For processed food and drink items, such as ready meals or cereals, it will need to be determined if enough ingredients are suitably sourced to meet rules of origin.
Under the UK-Mexico FTA, businesses may count ingredients sourced from the EU towards their UK originating inputs. Under CPTPP, goods sourced from other CPTPP countries count towards products meeting CPTPP rules of origin and receiving CPTPP preferential tariffs.
For example, confectionery made from sugar from Malaysia and flour from Canada would have the sugar and flour components count towards being originating in the UK and receiving preferential tariffs when exported to all CPTPP countries (not just Malaysia or Canada).
For more information on the rules of origin requirements and how to claim for preferential tariff treatment, see our Rules of Origin explainer.
Tariffs
Lower tariffs under CPTPP compared with the UK-Mexico FTA are most felt in the agrifood industry. Examples of where CPTPP has secured lower tariffs for UK food and drink exporters to Mexico include the following.
Dairy
Additional opportunities to sell dairy products, including cheese, butter, cream and milk powder. The cheese quota provides an extra 6,500 tonnes of shared tariff-free access.
Non-alcoholic beer
UK producers of non-alcoholic beer will see tariffs of 20% eliminated on entry into force for exports to Mexico.
Chocolate and sugar confectionery
UK exporters of chocolate and sugar confectionery will benefit from 0% tariffs on exports of these products to Mexico where they currently face tariffs of up to around 25%
Pork
Most-favoured nation (MFN) tariffs of up to 20% will be eliminated on UK exports of pork to Mexico immediately upon the UK’s accession
Coffee
UK exporters will benefit from a reduced tariff of 36% on UK exports of coffee, lower than the MFN tariff of 45% which they previously faced.
For further information on preferential tariffs under each of the agreements, see our Tariff and Customs explainer.
Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures in Mexico
The SPS chapter contains commitments on greater transparency and information sharing on animal and plant health, and food safety, that will help UK businesses better understand how to access their markets.
The requirement for CPTPP members to be transparent in how they undertake import checks, and for them to be carried out without undue delay, will help to ensure smoother and more timely trade. The chapter also establishes dialogue structures to resolve technical issues and provide routes to ease SPS-related market access issues.
The agreement provides opportunity for cooperation on SPS export certification including a commitment to work together to progress the use of electronic certification, which will help to reduce administrative processes for businesses.
Nevertheless, stringent import requirements mean that exporters should be prepared to invest in order to understand SPS, regulatory and customs requirements in Mexico. Further information can be found in the following links, although we advise that exporters seek professional advice, working with a buyer or distributor who is familiar with the requirements.
You can find relevant export health certificates for Mexico on GOV.UK.
For exports of plant origin: 3 UK commodities have access to the Mexican market. These are wheat (for consumption) and the seeds (for planting) of durum wheat and maize.
For any other plant product export requests from the UK, Mexico’s guidance provides details of the information required (company name, product to be imported and part of the product, and so on) and how to seek assistance. For any requests from UK companies to export plant material to Mexico other than the 3 commodities listed, you can request information to: importacion.dgsv@senasica.gob.mx.
Further import specificities can be found on the Mexican federal government’s official portal.
For exports of dairy products: The Note for Guidance linked to the Export Health Certificate (EHC) covers the import requirements for dairy into Mexico, including necessary registration in the UK. You can find further information on import requirements on specific products on the Mexican Government website, including information on:
- import requirements for food, food supplements and non-alcoholic beverages
- import requirements for alcoholic beverages
- specificities for imports of animals and products of animal origin
- food regulatory framework
- samples and foodstuffs for personal consumption
- specific requirements for organic products
Please note that some leather and fur products require an ‘Animal health requirements form’ (Hoja de Requisitos Zoo-Sanitarios), as does fresh and frozen meat. This form acts as an import permit prior to import authorisation. Agricultural machinery does not require this form. The catalogue to consult requirements for a specific product can be found on the Mexican Government website.
Product regulation
In Mexico, food and beverage manufacturers must follow the requirements from NOM-051, an official Mexican Norm. An importantaspect of this are the warning seals on packaged foods that are high in sugars, trans or saturated fats, calories, or sodium. This initiative, which began in 2020, requires the implementation of Front-of-Package (FOP) symbols on food packaging to provide vital nutritional information to consumers.
The implementation is being carried out in 3 phases:
- Phase 1: 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2023
- Phase 2: 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2027
- Phase 3: begins after 1 January 2028
Manufacturers must evaluate products with added sugars, added fats, or added sodium for their respective nutrient content and calorie levels. Furthermore, starting from Phase 3, products with these added ingredients will need to be assessed for all nutrients of concern:
- energy (kcal)
- sugars
- saturated sats
- sodium
- trans fats
This regulation aims to provide consumers with clear and essential information about the nutritional content of packaged foods to support healthier choices.
You can view the bill in Spanish: Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010
For further information on labelling requirements, see our Product Testing and Regulations guide.
Customs
Exporters should familiarise themselves with Mexican customs procedures for exporting goods and samples. They should seek advice from an importer or distributor with a customs agent on the process.
Importers must be listed with the Official Register of Importers (Padrón de Importadores), and all commercial imports must be processed by an authorised Mexican customs agent. More information can be found at Cargo - ANAM - Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México and Guía de importación y exportación – ing – ANAM.
Accessing tariff-rate quotas for exports to Mexico
To access a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) in Mexico, a company must request a ‘certificate of use’. You can fill in the online form (in Spanish).
You can track usage rates (in Spanish).
For further information, see our tariffs and customs guide.
Geographical indications
Geographical indication (GI) protection is a collective intellectual property right for food, wine and spirit drink names linked to places. A GI guarantees a product’s characteristics or reputation, authenticity, and origin, and protects the product name from misuse or imitation.
The UK and Mexico have agreed protection for 4 GIs under the UK-Mexico Agreement on the Mutual Recognition and Protection of Designations for Spirit Drinks. This includes protections for Scotch Whisky, Irish Whisky/Irish Whiskey/Uisce Beatha Eireannach, Irish Poteen and Irish Cream. The agreement offers protection against misuse of the GI name in Mexico.
The provisions in CPTPP further ensure that CPTPP countries provide open and transparent procedures when protecting GIs under domestic laws and regulations. This includes considering whether a term is a commonly used descriptive term in that market and providing procedures to oppose and cancel GIs.
Opportunities for digital trading
Electronic authentication and electronic signatures
Electronic signatures and electronic authentication increase trust in e-commerce by helping to verify that transactions, and the people behind them, are genuine. Strengthening the legal validity of electronic signatures provides greater confidence that transactions can be concluded through electronic means.
By using electronic signatures and/or electronic authentication, you can complete transactions in a matter of minutes regardless of where your counterpart is, reducing costs and simplifying processes.
CPTPP ensures that electronic signatures are considered valid by all CPTPP countries, and individuals and businesses can confidently use them.
However, CPTPP countries might impose specific criteria regarding electronic signatures, including some circumstances where electronic signatures are not accepted. You should check local regulations for more information.
You have the freedom to determine the best way of authenticating your transaction. However, for some transaction categories, there can be specific requirements.
Paperless trading
Paperless trading refers to the conduct of trade activities using electronic rather than paper documents. This reduces administrative costs and improves efficiency of processes, benefiting UK businesses across all sectors.
The UK and CPTPP countries are committed to facilitating the flow of trade activities using electronic trade documents.
CPTPP countries have committed to making trade administration documents available in electronic form and to accept electronic versions of those documents. This refers to documents which are required in connection with the import or export of a good and must be presented to customs authorities.
Beyond CPTPP, the UK also enables commercial trade documents that use English law to be accepted in electronic form. This includes documents such as bills of lading, promissory notes, and bills of exchange. This was enabled by the Electronic Trade Document Act.
This complements the commitments made on paperless trading related to trade administration documents required by the UK government or other CPTPP countries as part of the import-export process. Find more information about the UK’s Electronic Trade Documents Act.
You can find more resources on how you can digitalise your supply chains on the Electronic Trade Documents Information Hub.
Different countries are at different stages of legislating for paperless trading and trade digitalisation. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific has created an interactive Model Law on Electronic Records (MLETR) tracker where you can view different countries’ progress.
Supporting your export journey
Doing business in Mexico
Mexico has a population of around 131 million people, making it one of the largest consumer and labour markets in the world. In economic terms, Mexico is one of the world’s largest economies – it ranks around 15th globally and second in Latin America and the Caribbean. This scale, combined with a large industrial base and strong domestic demand, makes Mexico an important market for international business opportunities.
From a business culture perspective, Mexico is generally considered a high-context culture, where successful communication and outcomes depend on relationships. Communication tends to be relatively formal, especially in first meetings and when engaging with senior counterparts, with clear respect for hierarchy and titles.
Face-to-face interaction remains especially important for building trust, strengthening relationships, and moving commercial conversations forward. While virtual engagement is common, in-person meetings are still highly valued in many sectors and can play a decisive role in establishing credibility and long-term partnerships.
In relation to the existing trade relationship, Mexico is the UK’s 39th largest export market. Total UK exports to Mexico amounted to £3.7 billion in the 4 quarters to the end of Quarter 4 2025.
For the latest statistics on trade between the UK and Mexico, see Mexico’s trade and investment factsheet
Department for Business and Trade support
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade agreements, and champions free trade. Helpful links, tools and services available from DBT and wider government include:
Export Support Service (ESS) team
Get support on how to do business abroad. Businesses in Wales can also access support from Business Wales.
Export Support Service – International Markets (ESS-IM)
DBT's overseas in-market export support service for SMEs with high-export potential. Our International Market Advisers provide tailored support and market introduction information to new and current UK exporters looking to enter or expand into new markets. The service may be accessed globally with International Markets teams in South Asia, China, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, North America and Latin America.
Sign up to access webinars on how to grow your international sales.
Information on finance and insurance for UK exports.
Trade and investment factsheets
The latest statistics on trade and investment between the UK and individual overseas partners.
Overseas business risk profiles
Information for UK businesses on political, economic and security risks when trading overseas.
Advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.
Check or report a trade barrier
If you encounter an issue when exporting to any country – report the issue and UK government officials will be able to assess the issue and consider the options we have open to addressing it as appropriate.
Search for your specific product to find applicable tariffs for each market, explore rules of origin and step-by-step help on customs procedures.
Check import duties and allows you to check the status of available tariff rate quotas.
Useful resources
To find out more about export opportunities to Mexico, please consult DBT’s market guide. This page will also help you understand more about business culture in Mexico, and links to existing trade barriers with this market.
Prior to export, you must be aware of local regulations and import conditions in Mexico that apply to your goods or services. This can include tax considerations, labour laws, intellectual property rules, labelling and packaging regulations, among others.
For further information related to local regulations, business culture, or to find a local lawyer, translator, importer or distributor, use the following contacts:
- DBT’s Export Support Service International Markets team
- get in touch with DBT at the local British Embassy
- get in touch with the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico
For information on political, economic and security risks when trading with Mexico, see:
Legal disclaimer
This document is provided as an information guide only and should not be relied on as a substitute for your own research or independent advice.
No investment and/or business decision should be made solely on the basis of information presented in this document. It is recommended that an independent due diligence investigation is conducted before entering into engagement with any individual, business or other organisation mentioned.
The Department for Business and Trade accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to any person as result of any error, omission, inaccurate or misleading statement in this document.
The accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content of any website mentioned in this document is not guaranteed in any way, implied or explicit.
