Uzbek Dried Fruit Producers Explore New Export Opportunities in the Mexican Market
Mexico City, June 2026 – A delegation of Uzbek small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specializing in dried fruit production is participating in a study tour to Mexico to explore new export opportunities and establish business partnerships with Mexican importers. The study tour is organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the Trade Promotion East (TPE) Project, in cooperation with the Association of Processors and Exporters of Fruit and Vegetables of Uzbekistan (UZPEX).
The primary objective of the mission is to provide participating companies with first-hand knowledge of the Mexican dried fruit market, including consumer preferences, distribution channels, and import requirements, while identifying potential business partners interested in sourcing premium dried fruits from Uzbekistan.
During the first two days of the visit, the Uzbek delegation toured Central de Abasto (CEDA) in Mexico City, one of the largest wholesale food markets in the world and Mexico's principal distribution hub for agricultural products. The visit gave participants valuable insights into the structure of the Mexican wholesale market, current product offerings, quality and packaging requirements, pricing, and distribution practices.
The delegation also held business meetings with leading Mexican importers and distributors of dried fruits and nuts. The B2B discussions focused on market demand, import procedures, logistics, product specifications, and opportunities for establishing long-term commercial partnerships.
The meetings confirmed strong market interest in several key Uzbek products, particularly raisins, prunes, and dried apricots. Mexican importers highlighted growing demand for these products across both the retail and food processing sectors.
One of the key findings of the study tour was the strong price competitiveness of Uzbek dried fruits. Mexico currently imports most of its raisins and prunes from the United States and Chile, where wholesale prices range between USD 6.0 and 6.5 per kilogram. By comparison, current export prices for similar products from Uzbekistan average USD 3.5–3.8 per kilogram, creating a significant opportunity for Uzbek exporters to enter the Mexican market with competitively priced, high-quality products.
Beyond competitive pricing, Mexican buyers expressed interest in diversifying their supplier base by identifying reliable partners capable of ensuring consistent quality, stable supply, and attractive commercial terms. Uzbekistan's favorable climate, centuries-old fruit-growing traditions, and modern processing capacities position the country as a promising supplier for the Mexican market.
The study tour represents an important step in strengthening trade and economic ties between Uzbekistan and Mexico while supporting the diversification of export destinations for Uzbek agrifood products beyond their traditional markets.
Held on 15–16 June, the study tour was organized under the International Trade Centre's Trade Promotion East (TPE) Project, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The ITC's Trade Promotion East (TPE) Project continues to support Uzbek small and medium-sized enterprises in improving their export competitiveness, identifying new international market opportunities, and building direct business connections with overseas buyers. Through initiatives such as this study tour, the Project contributes to increasing the international presence of Uzbek exporters and promoting sustainable growth of the country's agrifood sector.
UZPEX remains a key partner in supporting Uzbekistan's fruit and vegetable processors and exporters in accessing new international markets and expanding the global presence of the country's high-quality agricultural products.
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