Secretary Naig to Lead Trade Mission to Mexico 

Visit aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities 

DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 14, 2020) - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will lead a trade mission delegation to Mexico February 16-20. The mission, coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), is focused on increasing exports of manufactured products and agriculture goods. 

“I led a trade mission to Mexico in 2017, as the U.S. was starting to talk about updating NAFTA. We are fortunate to be returning only weeks after the signing of the USMCA,” said Secretary Naig. “I expect a sense of excitement and optimism among the representatives from both countries, and I look forward to engaging in positive and productive conversations that help grow this critical market for Iowa ag exports.” 

Iowa companies exported $2.1 billion in goods to Mexico in 2018. Mexico is Iowa’s second-largest export destination and the leading export market for corn, exporting $547 million in corn in 2018. In addition, Mexico is the largest destination for animal feed and sugars. In 2018, Mexico imported $229 million in animal feed and $190 million in sugars from Iowa. 

Mission participants include members of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn, Iowa Pork Producers Association, manufacturing industry representatives and IEDA staff. Iowa companies will participate in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs.  

The IEDA’s International Trade Office connects Iowa companies with markets for their products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting, and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa. To learn more about these services or other trade missions the IEDA is planning, visit iowaeda.com/missions.