Mexico Sets Bean Import Quota

MEXICO CITY - Dec 15/11 - SNS -- The Mexican government will allow 100,000 metric tons (MT) of dry edible beans to be imported from outside the North American Free Trade (NAFTA) zone under special import quota, extended until 2012.

The announcement by the Economic Secretariat of the Mexico's International Trade Commission (COCEX) is intended to "supplement the availability of beans which is being affected by drought in the north, the main producing region and help stabilize prices for this product, which have been making gains in recent weeks."

In a press statement, the federal department stressed, "On the other hand, SAGARPA through the National Health Service Safety and Quality (SENASICA) has taken steps to ensure that, where appropriate, native beans of the world's leading producers and potential sources of supply for Mexico, to comply with health regulations in force in the country and this so ensure that the extension of the validity of the quota, in its role in complementing domestic supply and reduce pressure on prices.

"The Ministry of Economy has begun to publish administrative and implementation of the quota, which will be distributed by direct allocation mechanism. 90% of the quota will be allocated exclusively to applicants with a background in bean import quotas and 10% for all other stakeholders.

"In terms of its powers, the Ministry of Economy will monitor the quota is allocated in a transparent manner in accordance with the provisions of the FTA and, in coordination with the SAGARPA will continue to monitor the timely availability of beans and behavior of prices, to take the measures required to ensure timely supply of the commodity and avoid pressures prices may affect consumers."