Mexico s 2000 output of NDM is expected to remain stable as limited milk supplies are utilized in the more profitable products. Imports of NDM and WMP are expected to be near the 1999 level as the growing general economy keeps demand strong. Cheese consumption during 2000 is forecast to increase compared to the revised estimate for 1999 as a result of population growth, ant the improving economic situation. On the import side, demand focuses on high-quality cheeses, which generally are not produced domestically. That demand niche is expected to remain stable since these cheeses are consumed mainly by families with incomes above the national average.
Fluid milk is an exception to the general pattern of growth for exports of most U.S. dairy products.
As more of Mexico s domestic milk production has gone into the fluid market, U.S. fluid milk exports to Mexico dropped from 36 million liters in 1997 to 12 million in 1999. These figures compare with the pre-devaluation level of more than 61 million liters. These micro companies represent around 80-90 percent of the number of companies, but less than 40 percent of the total production value. There are approximately 1,500 registered local producers of candies and confections in Mexico of all sizes. The trade publication, Dulcelandia, publishes an annual Directory of Mexican candy producers which includes the top 600 companies across the country.