1 

 

U.S. Grain and Soybean Exports to Mexico 

A Modal Share Transportation Analysis, 2007-2010 

By Delmy L. Salin 

April 2011

Summary 

Prior to 2010, Mexico was the second most important U.S. agricultural export 

market after Canada. However, in fiscal year 2010 China surpassed Mexico, 

becoming the number two U.S. export market. The appreciation of the dollar 

against the Mexican peso and heavy Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural 

products, such as soybeans, cotton, soybean oil, and red meats caused U.S. 

agricultural shipments to China to grow at a faster rate than shipments to Mexico. 

The Mexican economy is highly dependent on trade with the United States. Trucks 

are the primary transportation mode by value in the U.S.−Mexico trade, followed by 

ocean vessels and railroads. Mexican truck access to the United States is one of 

the major trade disputes between the United States and Mexico; trucks carry 69 

percent of the U.S.-Mexico trade. The Mexican government objects to the U.S. 

position of not allowing Mexican trucks to have full access to U.S. highways under 

the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The majority of 

Mexico’s agricultural exports to the United States consist of horticultural products 

and fresh and prepared fruit and vegetables, most of which are carried by truck. 

In early March of 2009, the cross-border trucking demonstration program that 

allowed additional Mexican trucks to operate beyond the commercial zones along 

the international border was terminated. The Mexican government retaliated by 

imposing import tariffs on 89 U.S. agricultural and industrial products with an 

estimated export value of $2.4 billion. The list of 36 agricultural products, valued at 

approximately $864 million, did not include products that are important in the basic 

diet of Mexicans, such as corn, rice, beans, dairy, or meat. However, on August 18, 

2010, Mexico increased the list of products affected by the import tariffs to 99 with 

an estimated value of $2.03 billion. The new list increased the total number of U.S. 

agricultural products exported to Mexico to 54, valued at almost $1.7 billion. 

Laredo and El Paso, TX, are the main entry points of U.S. goods to Mexico. Goods 

are shipped mostly by truck, with the exception of Eagle Pass, TX, where railroads 

hauled more than half of total shipments. Since 2008, U.S. exports of the 

commodities included in this study (corn, sorghum, wheat, and soybeans) are 

spread throughout the year because of the elimination of the Tariff Rate Quotas 

(TRQs). Relative costs and rail service availability are some of the main factors 

determining modal share shipments to Mexico. Corn and soybeans are mostly 

shipped by rail, and wheat and sorghum by ocean. Ocean gained market share in 

all the commodities considered in the study at the expense of a decline in rail and 

truck shipments, except for soybeans. More than half of the soybean exports to 

Mexico were shipped by rail. 
2

Acknowledgments 

 

The author would like to acknowledge Keith Menzie and David Stallings (USDA, 

Office of the Chief Economist), Mark Ash, Edward W. Allen (ERS), and Heather 

Lutman (USDA, Economic Research Service), Adam Branson (USDA, Foreign 

Agricultural Service/Mexico City), and Byron Reilly (USDA, Grain Inspection, 

Packers, and Stockyards Administration) for reviewing the manuscript. The 

author would also like to thank Michael D. Smith, editor, and Jessica Ladd, 

graphic designer.

 
3

Introduction

Transportation costs comprise 17 to 35 percent of the landed cost of shipping U.S. 

grain and oilseeds to Mexico, making information on the transportation system and 

patterns of trade of vital interest to grain exporters. Due to its location, Mexico is a 

unique market that it is served by both overland—truck and rail—and maritime 

transportation. Overland transportation has several advantages over maritime 

shipping (Klindworth and Martinsen 1995): 

The grain does not require transfer upon entry into the country, so there is less 

damage than to grain shipped by vessel, which has to be off-loaded. 

Smaller lot sizes allow more specialized purchasing, with less variation in 

shipment quality.

Inventory costs are lower because smaller lots are purchased more frequently. 

Supplies for some commodities are less costly because of improved access. 

Increased rail efficiencies1caused by larger trains and ―Despacho Previo‖. U.S. 

grain and soybean shipments to Mexico typically are hauled by unit trains (at 

least 52 cars) and shuttle trains (75-110 cars). ―Despacho Previo‖ is a process

in which railroads offer customers up to 72 hours of free time to pre-clear 

goods by Mexican customs while rail cargo is in route to the Mexican border (UP 

2011). It reduces border crossing congestion and delays by allowing the

interchange of run-through trains rather than individual cars. Following the 

expiration of the free time, railroads assess a document delay charge per day.

Analysis reveals changes in competitiveness and relative efficiencies among the 

modes (Marathon, VanWechel, and Vachal 2006). This report analyzes the current 

United States–Mexico grain and soybean trade patterns. It includes a description of 

the modal shares of corn, sorghum, wheat, and soybeans. 

Shipping time2to Mexico takes longer by sea than by land. For example the transit

time from Davenport, IA, to Port of New Orleans to Port of Veracruz, Mexico, is 

about 11–12 days. Barge transit time from Davenport to the Port of New Orleans is

9 days. Vessel voyage time from the U.S. Gulf to the Port of Veracruz is usually 

about 2.5 days. If cargo fumigation is required, the voyage time is 3 days (Reilly 

2011). Transit time by rail from Davenport to Guadalajara, Mexico, averages 8 

days, depending on the time spent crossing the U.S.-Mexico border (BNSF 2011).

 

1 North American Railroads (Canada, Unites States, and Mexico) operate over 177,000 miles of track (AAR 2010 

and RAC 2009) with a standard gauge size of 56.5 inches. Gauge uniformity facilitates railroad integration 

throughout North America, increasing transportation efficiency in the region (Salin 2008).

2 Shipping time does not include vessel days at berth, loading, and discharges.

Overland Versus Maritime Shipping Time to Mexico 
4

U.S.-Mexico Trade and Transportation 

The Mexican economy depends on trade with the United States, making it 

vulnerable to weak U.S. economic conditions (IMF 2010). The United States buys

about 80 percent of all Mexican exports (U.S. State Department 2011). Exports 

represent more than a quarter of Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Trucks 

were the primary transportation mode used in the U.S.−Mexico trade by value,

accounting for 68 percent ($207 billion) of trade in 2009, followed by ocean vessels 

and railroads (table 1). Laredo and El Paso, Texas, are the main entry points of 

U.S. goods to Mexico. Goods are shipped mostly by truck, with the exception of 

Eagle Pass, TX, where railroads hauled about 70 percent of total shipments (table 

2). Mexican truck access to the United States continues to be one of the major 

trade disputes between the United States and Mexico. The Mexican government 

objects to the U.S. policy of not fully allowing Mexican trucks to have access to U.S. 

highways under the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 

(U.S. State Department 2002 and 2011). On March 3, 2011, the presidents of the 

U.S. and Mexico announced an agreement to solve the long-haul trucking dispute.

Mexico agreed to suspend its retaliatory tariffs in stages, beginning with reducing 

tariffs, once the final agreement is reached (SE 2011). As part of the agreement, 

U.S. carriers wishing to transport cargo to Mexico must meet the same rules 

required for the Mexican carriers to enter to the United States. 

The program consists of 3 phases (SE 2011):

Phase I: is a pre-operation stage to certify the long-haul carriers. It consists 

in filing a certification application, reviewing of the carrier’s vehicle, and 

accreditation of its operators. Once Mexican carriers are certified they will be 

granted a temporary entrance to the United States.

Phase II: is an operational stage which begins with three months of

inspection of the long-haul trucks while crossing the border. Inspections will

be reduced significantly after the fourth month, and be completed when the 

company reaches 18 months of operation. 

Phase III: once the Mexican companies passed the compliance review and 

accumulated at least 18 months of operations, they will be notified of a final 

authorization of entrance to the United States. This final authorization is 

irrevocable, except for breaches of road safety regulations.

Mexican carriers with a history of recognized performance, improvements, and 

operational experience obtained in the previous program could obtain final 

authorization to enter to the United States before the 18 months required in Phase 

II. Mexico is committed to suspend the compensatory measures (tariffs) applied to 

U.S. exports upon fulfillment of the agreed program. Mexico reserves the right to 

fully reinstate these measures in case of any deviation or breach. 

U.S. Mexico Cross- Border Long-Haul Trucking Dispute 
5

Mexican Truck Access to the United States

Prior to 1982, trucks from Mexico could drive anywhere in the United States. 

However, since 1982, trucks were not allowed to drive beyond the 20-25 mile 

commercial zone of U.S. border cities such as San Diego, El Paso, and Brownsville. 

There was an exception for Mexican trucking companies that were previously 

operating or grandfathered in (DOT 2007). Cargo destined beyond the commercial 

zone must be off-loaded and transferred to U.S. trucks (DOT 2007). 

In 2008, there were 861 certified and grandfathered Mexican carriers with 1,749 

trucks operating beyond the U.S.-Mexico border zone under separate permanent 

authority granted between 1982 and 1994 (Downey III, Kolbe, and Mead 2008; 

AMS 2009b). In 2010, there were 8,030 Mexican carriers3 with 30,480 trucks4, and 

27,544 drivers operating within the U.S. commercial zone5(DOT 2010).

In 2007, the United States created the Cross Border Trucking Demonstration 

Program. This was a year-long pilot program that allowed a select group of 

Mexican trucking companies to make deliveries beyond the 20-25 mile commercial 

zones along the Southwest border, which is consistent with the U.S. trade 

obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (DOT 2007). 

This program was extended for 2 years on August 4, 2008.

On March 11, 2009, the United States terminated the Cross Border Trucking 

Demonstration Program. By mid-March, the Mexican government responded to the 

U.S. ban of Mexican trucks from U.S. roads by imposing 10–45 percent tariffs on 90 

U.S. industrial and agricultural products,6such as Christmas trees, onions, pet food, 

cherries, potatoes, fruit and vegetable juices, soy sauce, wine, mineral water, 

shampoos, and coffee makers, with an estimated export value of $2.4 billion. Fresh 

grapes faced the highest tariff at 45 percent. The 36 agricultural commodities 

included in the list were valued at approximately $864 million in 2008 (FAS 2009). 

These import duties excluded rice, corn, wheat, sorghum, meats, dairy, and 

seafood products (Mexico Official Gazette 2009). However, on August 18, 2010, 

Mexico revised the list of products affected by the import tariffs to 99, adding 26 

products and dropping 16 from the original list, with an estimated value of $2.03 

billion (ITA 2010). According to Secretaría de Economía, the Mexican government 

made sure that none of the products impacted by the tariffs have a significant 

impact on the Mexican production system, but impact the U.S. States where 

exports to Mexico represent a significant proportion of their world trade (SE 2010). 

The revised list includes 54 agricultural products, valued nearly $1.7 billion, such as 

pork products, cheeses, pistachios, oranges, grapefruits, apples, ketchup, rolled or 

 

3 Carriers with OP-2 Authority (DOT 2010) refers to motor private carriers who are registered to transport property 

only in municipalities in the United States on the United States-Mexico international border or within the 

commercial zones of such municipalities.

4 Power units: identifies the number of trucks, tractors, hazardous material tank trucks, motor coaches, and school 

buses owned, term leased, or trip leased by the motor carrier. 

5 The area around a port of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border in which motor carriers, domiciled in Mexico, with an 

approved Form OP-2 can operate.

6

In 2001 a ruling by a NAFTA dispute-settlement panel gave Mexico the right to retaliate against U.S. products 

entering Mexico, citing that the blanket exclusion of Mexican trucking firms violated U.S. obligations under the 

NAFTA (DOT 2007).
6

flaked oats, chewing gum, chocolate, and others. Tariffs range from 5–25 percent

(FAS 2010).

Table 1. Value of U.S. Merchandise Shipments with Mexico by Mode of 

Transportation, 2007-2009, Millions of current U.S. dollars

Mode of 

Transport

Exports to Mexico Imports from Mexico Total Trade

2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009

Land modes:

Truck 93,047 100,264 89,417 137,037 134,224 117,787 230,084 234,488 207,204

 Truck

 % share 68.1 66.2 69.3 65.0 62.2 66.7 66.2 63.8 67.8

Rail 19,340 21,965 15,291 27,060 25,265 19,303 46,400 47,230 34,593

 Rail 

 % share 14.2 14.5 11.9 12.8 11.7 10.9 13.4 12.9 11.3

Pipeline 787 1,250 788 169 193 155 956 1,444 943

Other and 

unknown 

total1

5,581 6,107 4,882 2,696 2,717 2,175 8,277 8,824 7,057

Foreign 

Trade Zones 

(FTZs)2

0 0 0 751 1,079 1,156 751 1,079 1,156

Mail 3 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 1

Total by land 118,758 129,587 110,378 167,713 163,478 140,576 286,472 293,065 250,954

Land 

% share 87.0 85.5 85.6 79.6 75.7 79.6 82.5 79.8 82.1

Air 6,824 7,030 7,183 4,684 5,952 7,704 11,508 12,982 14,888

Vessel 10,959 14,921 11,436 38,401 46,485 28,257 49,360 61,406 39,693

 Vessel 

 % share 8.0 9.8 8.9 18.2 21.5 16.0 14.2 16.7 13.0

Total by air 

and vessel 17,783 21,951 18,620 43,086 52,437 35,961 60,869 74,388 54,581

Air and 

vessel % 

share

13.0 14.5 14.4 20.4 24.3 20.4 17.5 20.2 17.9

Total, 

all modes 136,541 151,539 128,998 210,799 215,915 176,537 347,340 367,453 305,535

1

"Other" includes other modes, for example: flyaway aircraft and vessels moving under their own power, where 

the conveyance itself is the shipment.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of 

Transportation Statistics, Transborder Freight Data as of April 14, 2010
7

Table 2. Top U.S. land ports by value of U.S.-Mexico land mode trade, 2009

(Millions of current U.S. dollars)

Ranked 

by all 

land 

modes

Port

Total 

land 

modes

Truck Rail Other

Truck 

as a 

percent 

of total 

land 

modes

Rail as a 

percent 

of total 

land 

modes

1 Laredo , TX 95,096 79,781 14,990 325 83.9 15.8

2 El Paso, TX 42,261 37,457 4,328 477 88.6 10.2

3 Otay Mesa, CA 28,594 28,213 0 381 98.7 0

4 Hidalgo, TX 19,087 18,823 0 265 98.6 0

5 Nogales, AZ 16,224 11,121 5,097 6 68.5 31.4

6 Eagle Pass, TX 12,483 3,795 8,687 1 30.4 69.6

7 Brownsville, TX 9,738 8,254 1,152 332 84.8 11.8

8 Calexico-East, CA 8,402 8,212 131 58 97.7 1.6

9 Santa Teresa, NM 4,444 4,415 0 29 99.3 0

10 Del Rio, TX 2,284 2,283 0 2 99.9 0

Notes: NAFTA=North American Free Trade Agreement. "Other" includes pipeline and mail. Numbers may not add to 

totals due to rounding.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of 

Transportation Statistics, Transborder Freight Data as of April 9, 2010

Modal Share 

Modal share is the portion of grain tonnages moved by each mode of transport. 

Rail, truck, and ocean shares are presented as percentages (Marathon, VanWechel, 

and Vachal 2006). Transport modes are determined from major export terminals to 

Mexico. The reported modal shares are based on total quantities exported to 

Mexico. 

Total Exports 

Total grain and soybean export data were obtained from USDA’s Global Agricultural 

Trade System (GATS) Foreign Trade Statistics, published by USDA’s Foreign 

Agricultural Service (FAS). The data on the FAS website came from the U.S. 

Department of Commerce’s Foreign Trade Statistics, a publication of the U.S. 

Census Bureau. 

Ocean Exports 

Ocean tonnages represent grain inspected for export by USDA’s Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). 

Rail Exports 

Rail totals were estimated by collecting primary data from Burlington Northern 

Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, Union Pacific (UP) Railroad, and Kansas City Southern 

(KCS) Railway Company.

Methodology and Sources of Data 
8

Methodology for Estimating Modal Tonnages and Share 

(1) Total Exports in tons from Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, 

Foreign Trade Statistics. 

(2) Truck Exports = Total Exports - (Ocean Exports + Rail Exports).

 

United States–Mexico Agricultural Trade 

Mexico was replaced by China as the second largest destination of U.S. agricultural 

exports after Canada, estimated in fiscal year (FY) 2010 at $12.8 billion (ERS 2011; 

Flake 2010; FAS 2011). The appreciation of the dollar against the Mexican peso, 

Mexico’s import duties on U.S. horticultural products, and heavy Chinese purchases 

of U.S. agricultural products such as soybeans, cotton, soybean oil, and red meats,

caused U.S. agricultural shipments to China to grow at a faster rate than shipments 

to Mexico (FAS 2011; Flake 2010). China is forecast to surpass Mexico again in FY 

2011 (ERS 2011).

Bulk commodities accounted for 65 percent of the total 28 million metric tons 

(mmt) of U.S. agricultural products exported to Mexico in 2010, and coarse grains 

59 percent of the bulk agricultural shipments (FAS 2011). Soybeans and wheat 

accounted for 20 and 14 percent of the 17.9 mmt of bulk exports, respectively. 

Almost 70 percent of Mexico agricultural exports to the United States consist of 

fresh and prepared fruit and vegetables, and horticultural products (FAS 2011). 

Trucks are the primary transportation mode used in Mexico’s agricultural trade,

accounting for nearly 76 percent of Mexico total agricultural exports (SIAP 2011). 

However, 84 percent of Mexican agricultural imports enter the country by train or

vessel (SIAP 2011).

The Caribbean Gulf ports are the main entry points of bulk grain and soybean 

shipments to Mexico. Most of these originate in the United States—76 percent in 

2008 (SCT 2008 and Piers 2009). Veracruz is the top receiving port, followed by 

Progreso, Coatzacoalcos, Tuxpan, and Altamira. The Pacific Ocean ports received 

about 24 percent of shipments. They consisted of safflower imports from Argentina 

through the port of Guaymas, Sonora, followed by canola and wheat imports from 

Canada through the ports of Manzanillo, Colimas, and Lázaro Cardenas, 

respectively (SCT 2008). The port of Manzanillo is the top port for containers, 

followed by Lázaro Cardenas and Altamira (AMS 2010; and Piers 2009). 
9

Mexico is the fifth largest world corn producer after the United States, China, the 

European Union (EU-27), and Brazil. In most years, Mexico is the world’s second

largest corn importer after Japan but, in the last two years, South Korea imported 

slightly more than Mexico. Mexico produces different varieties of corn, with white 

and yellow corn varieties being the most important and accounting for 92.9 and 6.9 

percent of Mexican corn production in 2005 (SAGARPA/SIAP 2007). The largest 

white-corn producing States are Sinaloa, Jalisco, Michoacán, Chiapas, Guerrero, 

Estado de México, Guanajuato, Veracruz, and Puebla. Yellow corn production is 

concentrated in the States of Chihuahua, Jalisco, Tamaulipas, and Chiapas. Mexico 

processes much of its production of white corn into human food products, such as 

flour, traditional tortillas in rural areas, and other products.7 In 2006, about 83 

percent of white corn was used for human consumption and 17 percent for animal 

feed. About 80 percent of yellow corn was used for animal feed and the remainder 

was made into corn starch, cereals, and snacks. Approximately 23 percent of 

Mexico’s corn is imported, almost all of it from the United States. It consists of 

yellow corn for livestock feed to support increased meat production and a small 

amount of white corn for human consumption (SAGARPA/SIAP 2007). Lower feed 

demand, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso, and higher 

domestic production kept the 2010 U.S. corn exports to Mexico below 2008 levels 

(FAS 2010 and WASDE 2010) despite the elimination of corn Tariff Rate Quotas 

(TRQs). 

Corn Modal Share

Most corn shipped from major export facilities to Mexico is moved by rail (tables 3 

and 4, and figure 1). From 2007 to 2010, rail hauled 59 percent of U.S. corn to 

Mexico, ocean vessels moved 36 percent, and trucks carried 5 percent. In 2010, 

rail corn shipments increased despite higher rail rates caused by increases in fuel 

surcharges and traffic demand compared to ocean rates (table 5) (AMS 2011). 

Over the last 2 years, rail has gained market share at the expense of ocean and 

truck carriers. 

Texas is the major entry point for rail corn shipments to Mexico, via Brownsville, 

Laredo, El Paso, and Eagle Pass. The Port of Veracruz is the major entry point into 

Mexico for ocean vessels (figures 2 and 3, and table 6). All U.S. corn shipped by 

ocean originates from ports along the U.S. Gulf8(table 4 and figure 4). About 42

percent of the corn shipped to Mexico by ocean moves down the Mississippi River; 

another 56 percent travels from North Texas. Figure 4 shows that since January 

2008 the U.S. corn exports to Mexico spread throughout the year because of the 

elimination of corn TRQs. Mexico imported almost all of its corn from the United 

States, with a small amount coming from Argentina, Guatemala, and France. 

 

7 Atoles, tamales, pozole, etc.

8 U.S. Gulf includes East Gulf, Mississippi River, North Texas, and South Texas.

Corn Exports to Mexico 
10

Table 3. Tonnages (mt) and modal share for U.S. corn exports to Mexico

Year/type 

of 

movement

Mode of transport Total 

U.S. 

exports 

to 

Mexico

Ocean (U.S. Gulf) Rail Truck*

Quantity Percentage Quantity Percentage Quantity Percentage

2007 3,041,478 37 5,112,052 62 50,162 1 8,203,692

2008 3,429,594 37 4,484,686 49 1,238,250 14 9,152,530

2009 2,789,423 39 4,145,593 58 224,778 3 7,159,794

2010 2,281,045 31 5,063,241 68 118,404 2 7,462,690

Average 

07-10 2,885,385 36 4,701,393 59 407,898 5 7,994,677

Source: USDA/GIPSA, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Dept. of 

Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau

Figure 1. U.S. corn exports to Mexico by mode

Source: USDA/GIPSA, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Dept. of 

Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau
11

Table 4. U.S. corn exports to Mexico by route, 2007-2010 (mt)

Route 2007 2008 2009 2010

Maritime

 U.S. Gulf

 East Gulf 0 55,407 42,802 0

 Mississippi River 2,101,086 2,376,181 1,576,470 951,447

 North Texas 924,223 832,589 944,646 1,284,222

 South Texas 16,169 165,417 225,505 45,376

Total 3,041,478 3,429,594 2,789,423 2,281,045

Maritime as % of total exports 37 37 39 29

Overland 5,162,214 5,722,936 4,370,371 5,610,891

Overland as % of total exports 63 63 61 71

Total U.S. Exports 8,203,692 9,152,530 7,159,794 7,891,936 

Source: Dept. of Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau/Foreign Trade Statistics and USDA/GIPSA
12

Table 5. Ocean and rail rates per metric ton (mt) from selected U.S. rail routes 

and the U.S. Gulf to Mexico, 2006−2010

Quarter

U.S. Gulf to 

Veracruz Corn Sorghum Wheat Soybeans

Ocean bulk 

rates* Rail rates (tariff + fuel surcharge)**

--US$/mt--

2006

1st quarter 7.45 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 

2nd quarter 8.98 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 

3rd quarter 11.66 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 

4th quarter 12.99 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 

Average 2006 10.27 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 

2007

1st quarter 14.31 59.76 50.19 47.46 61.19

2nd quarter 18.81 60.74 51.51 48.75 62.09

3rd quarter 23.04 61.78 53.29 51.11 63.59

4th quarter 30.03 65.75 56.16 53.62 69.00

Average 2007 21.54 62.01 52.79 50.24 63.97

2008

1st quarter 22.84 67.76 57.57 55.26 70.66

2nd quarter 27.41 70.10 59.34 56.86 72.98

3rd quarter 28.38 73.81 62.67 61.30 76.63

4th quarter 11.58 71.74 61.71 59.26 73.86

Average 2008 22.55 70.85 60.32 58.17 73.53

2009

1st quarter 11.46 63.73 55.40 54.76 64.28

2nd quarter 15.46 61.54 54.04 53.66 61.91

3rd quarter 17.78 62.44 55.03 55.24 63.60

4th quarter 20.22 64.56 57.79 58.48 68.09

Average 2009 16.23 63.07 55.57 55.54 64.47

2010

1st quarter 20.75 65.23 58.29 59.73 68.74

2nd quarter 22.34 65.81 58.77 60.80 70.06

3rd quarter 21.64 66.08 58.98 62.28 70.50

4th quarter 19.83 68.08 61.08 64.19 71.80

Average 2010 21.14 66.30 59.28 61.75 70.28

n.a.=not available

*Ocean rates from 2006 to March 2008 are estimated on the data obtained from the Baltic Exchange; from AprilDecember 2008 are from O'Neil Commodity Consulting

**www.bnsf.com, www.uprr.com, www.kcsouthern.com; rail rates are based upon published tariff rates for high 

capacity shuttle trains: IA=Iowa, TX=Texas, KS=Kansas, JA=Jalisco, and GJ=Guanajuato
13

Table 6. U.S. grain and soybean exports to Mexico by port, 2010

Port

Corn Sorghum Soybeans Wheat

Percentage share

Veracruz 58 57 75 85

Progreso 14 31 25 5

Coatzacoalcos 19 8 - 2

Tuxpan 9 3 - 7

Manzanillo 0 - - 0

Altamira 0 - - -

Mexico - - - -

Lazaro Cardenas 0 - - -

Merida - - - -

Total 100 100 100 100

Source: Port Import Export Reporting Service (PIERS), Journal of Commerce 2010

Figure 2. Major rail entry points to Mexico
14

Figure 3. Major origin-destination shipments of U.S. grains 

to Mexico by ocean, 2010

Source: Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transporte, Mexico and Port Import Export Reporting Service (PIERS), 

Journal of Commerce 2010

Figure 4. Mexico’s average monthly corn imports

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Total corn imports 06-09 5.0 6.9 9.7 9.9 8.2 7.1 6.8 8.4 9.8 8.5 9.9 9.6

U.S. corn 06-09* 4.6 6.8 9.6 9.4 8.1 6.4 5.7 8.2 10.2 10.0 10.4 10.4

U.S. corn 2010 7.9 8.7 11.4 12.6 9.6 9.3 7.2 8.4 7.5 5.0 7.1 5.5 Percentage

Total corn imports 06-09

U.S. corn 06-09*

U.S. corn 2010

*The United States’ share of total Mexican corn imports is almost 100 percent

Source: SIAP/SAGARPA
15

Mexico is the world’s fourth largest sorghum producer after Nigeria, the United 

States, and India, and the second largest world consumer after Nigeria. Mexico 

sorghum production is not enough to satisfy its demand; Mexico imported more 

than 25 percent of its total sorghum consumption last year (FAS 2011). Mexico 

imports declined due to tight U.S. supplies, lower feed demand, and increased 

domestic production (FAS 2011; WASDE 2011). Sorghum is used exclusively for 

animal feed in Mexico (Adcock, Rosson, and Varela 2007). Mexican feeders were 

accustomed to feeding sorghum because corn imports were limited by Mexican 

government policies, TRQs, (Hoffman et al 2007). The top Mexican destinations for 

U.S. Sorghum in 2004 were Puebla, Yucatan, Jalisco, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi, and 

Nuevo Leon (Adcock, Rosson, and Varela 2007). 

Sorghum Modal Share

The United States supplies almost all of the sorghum imported by Mexico. Over the 

last 2 years, ocean transportation gained market share over truck and rail sorghum 

shipments. On average, 49 percent of U.S. sorghum was exported to Mexico by 

ocean, 30 percent by rail, and 21 percent by truck. U.S. sorghum was exported to 

Mexico by ocean through the U.S. Gulf, mostly from North Texas, South Texas, and

the Mississippi River (tables 7 and 8, and figure 5). The port of Veracruz is the 

major ocean point of entry. However, rail is losing market share to ocean due to

the lack of rail service in the U.S.-Mexico border region, high rail tariff rates, and 

fuel surcharges (table 5), as well as the location of the major production areas 

along the border in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Trucks compete with rail for 

shipments between 300 and 600 miles (AMS 1998). However, according to the 

Association of American Railroads (AAR), since 2005 the Class I railroads’ average 

length of grain haul is more than 1,000 miles with sorghum averaging 1,017 miles 

in 2008 (AAR 2010). There is a lack of rail service in the border region, especially in 

areas located within the rail average-haul length, forcing shippers to use trucks 

(Salin 2008). Trucks are the mode of choice when freight shipments both weigh 

less than 50,000 pounds and travel fewer than 500 miles (USDA and DOT 2010; 

AMS 1998). However, high fuel prices increase rail and barge relative distance cost 

advantage over trucks (USDA and DOT 2010).

The top rail destinations for U.S. sorghum exports to Mexico in 2005 were Nuevo 

Leon, Veracruz, Estado de Mexico, Jalisco, and Guanajuato (Adcock, Rosson, and 

Varela 2007). Texas (Laredo and El Paso) and Arizona (Santa Cruz) are the main 

rail entry points (figure 2). The ports of Veracruz and Progreso are the major entry 

points by vessel (table 6 and figure 3). Before the elimination of the corn TRQs, 

half of the year’s sorghum exports to Mexico occurred between January and May, 

reaching a peak in April (figure 6). This trend has changed since 2008 and

sorghum exports are now spread throughout the year, reaching their peak in April

and August.

Sorghum Exports to Mexico 
16

Table 7. Tonnages (mt) and modal share for U.S. sorghum exports to Mexico

Year/type 

of 

movement

Mode of Transport Total U.S. 

exports to 

Mexico

Ocean (U.S. Gulf) Rail Truck*

Quantity Percentage Quantity Percentage Quantity Percentage

2007 694,599 39 723,074 41 356,949 20 1,774,622

2008 540,709 35 539,889 35 468,174 30 1,548,772

2009 1,407,959 57 529,840 22 512,923 21 2,450,722

2010 1,423,464 63 524,384 23 328,049 14 2,275,897

Average 

07-10 1,016,683 49 579,297 30 416,524 21 2,012,503

Source: USDA/GIPSA, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Dept. of 

Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau

Table 8. U.S. sorghum exports to Mexico by route, 2007-2010 (mt)

Route 2007 2008 2009 2010

Maritime

 U.S. Gulf

 East Gulf 0 0 0 0

 Mississippi River 47,973 168,738 136,066 29,281

 North Texas 562,059 220,540 1,076,561 1,099,737

 South Texas 84,567 151,431 195,332 294,446

Total 694,599 540,709 1,407,959 1,423,464

Maritime as % of total exports 39 35 57 63

Overland 1,080,023 1,008,063 1,042,763 852,433

Overland as % of total exports 61 65 43 37

Total U.S. Exports 1,774,622 1,548,772 2,450,722 2,275,897

Source: Dept. of Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau/Foreign Trade Statistics and USDA/GIPSA
17

Figure 5. U.S. sorghum exports to Mexico by mode

Source: USDA/GIPSA, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Dept. of 

Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau

Figure 6. Mexico's average monthly sorghum imports

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Total sorghum imports 06-09 7.8 8.3 10.0 9.9 8.6 6.6 9.3 10.6 9.6 5.7 6.8 6.7

U.S. sorghum 06-09* 7.7 9.0 10.1 10.4 9.5 6.5 8.7 10.6 8.7 6.0 6.3 6.5

U.S. sorghum 2010 7.4 11.5 10.6 12.5 13.3 6.1 6.0 10.6 5.3 7.0 4.2 5.4 Percentage

Total sorghum imports 06-09

U.S. sorghum 06-09*

U.S. sorghum 2010

*The United States’ share of total sorghum imports was 100 percent in 2010

Source: SIAP/SAGARPA 
18

Although Mexico grows some wheat, it relies on imports to satisfy its demand. The 

United States and Canada are its major suppliers (figure 7). In 2010, the United 

States accounted for 70 percent of Mexican wheat imports (SAGARPA/SIAP 2010). 

The U.S. share of Mexico’s wheat market varies annually because of Canadian 

competition (figures 7 and 8), which is based on quality and price. Wheat exports 

consist mostly of hard red winter (HRW) wheat due to the proximity of the HRWwheat-growing areas in the Southern Plains to the Mexican border. Wheat is used 

almost entirely for human consumption (Adcock, Rosson, and Varela 2007). The 

wheat is milled to make bread, cookies, cakes, and prepared flours (Ag-Canada 

2006). As a result of NAFTA, there are no tariffs on U.S. and Canadian wheat 

exports to Mexico. In 2010, U.S. wheat exports to Mexico increased but were 

below the 2008 levels (FAS 2011; WASDE 2011).

Wheat Modal Share 

In 2010, marine transportation was the route of choice for shipping U.S. wheat to 

Mexico (tables 9 and 10). Ocean has gained a greater share because of a decline in 

truck shipments (figure 9). During this period, ocean vessels and rail transported 

more than 90 percent of U.S. wheat exports to Mexico. Railroads haul 66 percent 

of wheat to U.S. export markets (USDA and DOT 2010). Estado de Mexico was the 

major rail destination of U.S. wheat exports by rail, followed by the Distrito Federal 

(DF), Nuevo Leon, Jalisco, Puebla, Coahuila, Guanajuato, and Queretaro (Adcock, 

Rosson, and Varela 2007). Texas, via Laredo, El Paso, Eagle Pass, and Brownsville, 

and Santa Cruz, via Arizona, were the major entry points of wheat by rail 

(figure 2). 

In 2010, almost of all of U.S. wheat shipped by ocean originated in the Gulf, mostly

from North Texas regions and the Mississippi River (table 10). The ports of 

Veracruz, Tuxpan, and Progreso were the major points of entry into Mexico (figure 

3 and table 6). Figure 7 shows that Mexico’s wheat imports are spread throughout 

the year. The peak of Mexican wheat imports from the United States occurred in 

August; the Canadian peak was in October. 

Wheat Exports to Mexico 
19

Figure 7. Mexico's average wheat and morcajo9 monthly imports

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Total wheat imports 06-10 8.3 7.9 9.2 8.6 7.2 7.0 9.8 9.0 8.6 9.1 7.7 7.8

U.S. wheat 06-10 6.1 6.8 7.5 5.9 5.3 5.0 6.9 7.5 6.2 5.6 5.2 5.4

Canadian wheat 06-10 3.6 1.3 3.3 4.7 3.2 3.3 4.6 2.4 4.0 5.6 2.7 2.8 Percentage

Total wheat imports 06-10

U.S. wheat 06-10

Canadian wheat 06-10

Figure 8. Mexico wheat and morcajo 3 year average* monthly imports

*Average: 2008-2010; morcajo is a mix of wheat and rye that produces grey and dark flour

Source: SIAP/SAGARPA 

 

9 Morcajo is a mix of wheat and rye that produces grey and dark flour. Source: SIAP/SAGARPA
20

Table 9. Tonnages (mt) and modal share for U.S. wheat exports to Mexico

Year/type of 

movement

Mode of Transport Total 

U.S. 

exports 

to 

Mexico

Ocean (U.S. Gulf) Rail Truck*

Quantity Percentage Quantity Percentage Quantity Percentage

2007 1,114,388 44 1,047,907 42 354,204 14 2,516,499

2008 1,180,247 42 1,063,986 38 560,132 20 2,804,365

2009 1,194,638 62 616,551 32 110,066 6 1,921,255

2010 1,697,784 70 n.a. n.a. 2,433,924

Average 07-10 1,296,764 55 909,481 37 341,467 13 2,414,040

* Residual; n.a.: not available

Source: USDA/GIPSA, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Dept. of 

Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau

Figure 9. U.S. wheat exports to Mexico by route

Source: USDA/GIPSA, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Dept. of 

Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau
21

Table 10. U.S. wheat exports to Mexico by route, 2007-2010 (mt)

Route 2007 2008 2009 2010

Maritime

 U.S. Gulf

 East Gulf 0 25,844 0 0

 Mississippi River 675,232 612,086 597,542 707,451

 North Texas 438,913 465,839 559,547 839,115

 South Texas 30,695 103,795 167,467 107,628

 Subtotal 1,144,840 1,207,564 1,324,556 1,654,194

 Lakes

 Toledo 0 0 0 0

 Duluth-Sup 0 0 0 0

 Chicago 20,243 51,853 19,156 10,593

 Subtotal 20,243 51,853 19,156 10,593

 Atlantic

 North Atlantic 0 0 0 0

 South Atlantic 0 0 0 32,997

 Subtotal 0 0 0 32,997

Total 1,165,083 1,259,417 1,343,712 1,697,784

Maritime as % of total exports 46 45 70 70

Overland 1,351,416 1,544,948 577,543 736,140

Overland as % of total exports 54 55 30 30

Total U.S. Exports 2,516,499 2,804,365 1,921,255 2,433,924

Source: Dept. of Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau/Foreign Trade Statistics and USDA/GIPSA
22

Mexico is the world’s third largest soybean importer, after China and the EU-27. 

Mexican domestic production has almost been displaced by U.S. imports because of 

reform in Mexico’s domestic crop support program, the elimination of soybean 

tariffs due to NAFTA, and improvements in rail transportation links at the border 

(Ash, Livezey, and Dohlman 2006). In addition, strong income growth among 

Mexican consumers has boosted consumption of meat and vegetable oils,

increasing the demand for soybeans as a feed ingredient. In 2008, however, U.S. 

soybean exports to Mexico dropped because of the slowdown in the Mexican 

economy and the international financial crisis (Banco de Mexico 2010; FAS 2008; 

2009a); they increased again in 2010 (FAS 2011).

Soybeans are crushed into meal and oil in Mexico. Major soybean crushing facilities 

are located in Merida, Yucatan, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 

northern Mexico City, Guanajuato, and near the ports of Veracruz and 

Coatzacoalcos (Adcock, Rosson, and Varela 2007). Soybean meal is an important 

protein feed for livestock, dairy, poultry, and aquaculture. Small portions are used 

as a baking ingredient and as meat substitutes (Ash, Livezey, and Dohlman 2006, 

and American Soybean Association 2000). 

Soybean Modal Share 

Railroads are the largest transport mode for shipping soybeans to Mexico (tables 11 

and 12, and figure 10), especially to the North and Central regions (Gonzalez Diaz 

2010). Rail is the preferred mode because of:

Increased railroad efficiencies for high-capacity shuttle trains, 75–110 cars. 

Moreover, tariff rates for high-capacity shuttle trains are more stable than for 

smaller shipments. Users must unload and return the rail cars on the same 

day, creating incentives to build shuttle train terminals. 

Increased penalties for thefts from railcars reduced grain losses and quality 

damages caused by leaving railcars open.

From 2007 to 2010, rail hauled 57 percent of U.S. soybean exports to Mexico; 

ocean and truck moved 38 and 5 percent, respectively. In the last 2 years, ocean 

has gained market share at the expense of truck carriers. In 2010, ocean rates 

were lower than rail rates, averaging $21.14/mt in 2010, (table 5). Truck is the 

preferred carrier at the border region. Importers and processors in the center such 

as Puebla, Chiapas, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, and Tamaulipas have the option 

to ship by rail or vessel depending of the rates, receiving time, and availability 

(Gonzalez Diaz 2010).

The ports of Veracruz, Tuxpan, and Progreso were the major ocean points of entry 

of soybeans into Mexico (figure 3 and table 6). Almost all soybean exports 

originated in the Gulf, having been shipped down the Mississippi River (table 12). 

Texas (Brownsville, Eagle Pass, El Paso, and Laredo) was the major entry point for 

Soybean Exports to Mexico 
23

rail shipments (figure 2). The major rail destinations were Guanajuato, Nuevo 

Leon, Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, Jalisco, and San Luis Potosi (Adcock, Rosson, and 

Varela 2007). Figure 11 shows that U.S. soybean exports are spread throughout 

the year, reaching peaks in April and October. 

Table 11. Tonnages (mt) and modal share for U.S. soybean exports to Mexico

Year/type 

of 

movement

Mode of Transport Total U.S. 

exports to 

Mexico

Ocean (U.S. Gulf) Rail Truck*

Quantity Percentage Quantity Percentage Quantity Percentage

2007 1,433,189 39 2,021,928 55 208,017 6 3,663,134

2008 1,094,491 31 2,161,948 61 293,615 8 3,550,054

2009 1,428,594 44 1,794,334 55 58,336 2 3,281,264

2010 1,424,208 40 1,997,522 56 165,102 5 3,586,832

Average 

07-10 1,345,121 38 1,993,933 57 181,267 5 3,520,321

Source: USDA/GIPSA, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Dept. of 

Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau

Figure 10. U.S. soybean exports to Mexico by mode

Source: USDA/GIPSA, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern Railway, and Dept. of 

Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau
24

Table 12. U.S. soybean exports to Mexico by route, 2007-2010 (mt)

Route 2007 2008 2009 2010

Maritime

 U.S. Gulf

 East Gulf 13,825 0 0 0

 Mississippi River 1,343,835 1,007,779 1,351,639 1,341,596

 North Texas 75,529 86,712 76,955 72,167

 South Texas 0 0 0 10,445

 Subtotal 1,433,189 1,094,491 1,428,594 1,424,208

 Atlantic

 North Atlantic 0 0 0 0

 South Atlantic 0 0 0 0

 Subtotal 0 0 0 0

Total 1,433,189 1,094,491 1,428,594 1,424,208

Maritime as % of total exports 39 31 44 40

Overland 2,229,945 2,455,563 1,852,670 2,162,624

Overland as % of total exports 61 69 56 60

Total U.S. Exports 3,663,134 3,550,054 3,281,264 3,586,832

Source: Dept. of Commerce/U.S. Census Bureau/Foreign Trade Statistics and USDA/GIPSA

Figure 11. Mexico’s average monthly soybean imports

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

All soybean imports 06-09 9.4 7.9 8.1 10.1 9.3 8.9 7.5 7.4 5.4 11.4 8.4 6.2

U.S. soybeans 06-09* 9.4 7.9 8.1 10.1 9.3 8.6 7.5 7.4 5.4 11.4 8.4 6.2

U.S. soybeans 2010 7.0 6.9 11.1 10.0 9.1 6.9 6.9 5.9 6.0 15.4 7.9 6.9 Percentage

All soybean imports 06-09

U.S. soybeans 06-09*

U.S. soybeans 2010

Source: SIAP/SAGARPA 
25

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