Mexico Minor Mustard Player

VANCOUVER - May 18/07 - SNS -- Mexican mustard imports totalled just 1,3400 metric tons (MT) in 2006, reports Agriculture Canada's Stan Skrypetz in a recent Bi-Weekly Bulletin.

Although Statistics Canada data shows only minor Canadian exports to Mexico, the majority of the imported mustard seed is of Canadian origin, having been transhipped through the US. Mustard seed is used as an ingredient in food production.

Mexico is a significant producer of sesame seed, although the seeded area fell sharply in 2006. However, production increased slightly to 18,000, as lower abandonment more than offset the drop in seeded area.

Mexico also imports a significant volume of sesame seed, with 21,000 MT imported in 2006. The imports were mainly from India and Venezuela. Mexico also exports sesame seed, 10,000 MT in 2006, mainly to the US, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia. Sesame is crushed for oil or used as an ingredient in baking and snack food.