During 2011 Mexican producers from 19 states of the country exported over 210,325 tons of meat, worth an estimated $937 million, the National Health Service, Food Safety and Food Quality (SENASICA) reported, which meant an increase of 41 per cent relative to 2010.

SAGARPA stated that this is due to the efforts made by producers and state governments to maintain a high health status.

This status has enabled Mexico to diversify its markets. In 2011, Mexico expanded into new destinations such as Angola, Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Kazakhastan.

Currently, products and by-products of bovine, porcine, caprine, equine and poultry sold in 33 countries including America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Importantly, for the first time, in 2011 Japan was ranked as the main buyer of Mexican meat 78 000 292 tonnes, followed by the United States, with 66 000 463, Russia with 541 and 28 000 16 000 217 Korea.

Meat products were exported from Federal Establishment Inspection Type (TIF) institutions of the country, led by Sonora that sold 53,140 tonnes, 25,797 Michoacan, Sinaloa 21,864, 20,256 Yucatan, Jalisco 20,110, Baja California 12,583 and Nuevo Leon 11,604 tonnes of meat products.

SAGARPA explained that beef generated $532 million, pork $323 million, poultry, $16 million, other species accounted to $34 million and other meat products around $32 million.

SAGARPA noted that among the largest increases, with respect to that recorded in 2010, were exports of frozen beef meat with 188 per cent and poultry with 54 per cent.

In terms of annual rate increases, foreign sales of fresh pork showed an increase of 19.1 per cent, compared to that reported in 2010.