When you hear Mexico, you are reminded of things like its cuisine, beaches, ruins, and celebrations. From Chichén Itzá to Tacos – it is very popular among the tourists. But another thing that is indeed Mexico known for is its coffee.
The country has been exporting coffee to most of the other regions in the world including the USA. In the year 2022, Mexico exported $66M in coffee which makes it the 19th largest exporter of coffee in the world. The main destination of coffee experts from Mexico are United States which amounts to an export of $455M, other countries include Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and France.
According to a report by Statista, in 2023, the export value of coffee from Mexico amounted to 433.83 million US dollars.
This is a chance for the exporters who are looking for opportunities to export coffee outside Mexico. And the best part about it is that there are online b2b platforms available that help you to start trading without much effort.
So, let’s explore how you can export coffee from Mexico to the USA.
Table of Contents
7 Steps to Export Coffee from Mexico to the USA
Here, we have brought the simple steps to export coffee from Mexico to the USA.
I. Analyze Your Market with Proper Research
As an export you have to understand that research is the main aspect of start exporting coffee from Mexico. You will be able to understand the demand for Mexican coffee in the USA, identify the potential buyers, and assess the competitors with proper analysis.
Also, you have to determine the specific preferences of American consumers regarding coffee varieties, flavors, and packaging. The groundwork will inform your export strategy and help you in offering coffee that meets the market demands effectively.
II. Get the Right Documentation
Exporting coffee from Mexico to the USA needs essential documents to make sure compliance with regulatory requirements is met. These documents are;
- Certificate of Origin: certifies the country of origin of the coffee beans.
- Phytosanitary Certificate: It verifies that the coffee beans meet the phytosanitary regulations of the importing country.
- Bill of Landing: A receipt issued by the carrier acknowledging receipt of the cargo.
- Commercial Invoice: Details the transaction between exporters and the importers including the description and value of the goods.
- Export Permit: Obtained from Mexican authorities, authorizing the export of coffee beans.
You have to make sure that all documentation is accurately completed and validated to prevent delays or complications during the export process.
III. Check Quality Control
Maintaining high-quality standards is essential when exporting coffee to the USA. You have to make sure that the coffee beans undergo strict quality control measures to meet the expectations of American consumers.
Also, proper packaging is essential to preserve the freshness and flavor of the beans during transit. You have to consider the packaging options that provide adequate protection against moisture, light, and air, such as vacuum-sealed bags or foil-lined containers.
IV. Take Care of Transportation
It is also important that you choose the right transportation method for the timely and efficient delivery of coffee beans to the USA. There are options including sea freight, air freight, or land transportation – it depends on factors such as cost, transit time, and volume of goods.
You should partner up with reliable logistics providers experienced in handling perishable goods because it will organize the transportation process and minimize the risk of delays or damages.
V. Customs Clearance
Be aware that navigating the customs clearance process is a vital aspect of exporting coffee from Mexico to the USA. You have to familiarize yourself with the customs regulations and requirements of both countries to facilitate the smooth clearance of your shipment.
Also, provide them (customs authorities) with all necessary documents including the certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, and commercial invoice. Be prepared for any potential inspections and make sure to comply with import duties and taxes that are imposed by the US Customs.
VI. Market Entry to Distribution
Once the coffee beans have cleared customs, you have to focus on the market entry and distribution strategies in the USA. For this, you can establish partnerships with importers, distributors, or retailers who can help you in introducing your Mexican coffee to American consumers.
In addition to this, you can consider participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, or promotional events to showcase your products and build brand awareness. You should develop marketing campaigns that highlight the unique quality and flavor of Mexican coffee to attract buyers.
VII. Compliance with Regulations
Maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements is an ongoing responsibility when you export coffee from Mexico to the USA. You should stay informed about any changes or updates to import regulations, labeling requirements, or food safety standards.
Regularly assess and update your export procedures to make sure that you are sticking to the legal and regulatory framework in both countries. You can build trust with customers and secure the reputation of your brand in the American market by prioritizing compliance.
5 Platforms to Export Coffee from Mexico to the USA
Here is the list of the 5 top platforms that you can join and connect with the importers to start exporting coffee from Mexico to the USA.
1. eWorldTrade
eWorldTrade is one of the best B2B platforms that can help you export coffee. Right now, it has been catering to over 500,000 users and constantly working on increasing its database. It offers a wide range of options to its users to expand their business through its global audience.
2. Amazon
Amazon is another platform that is known in the b2b industry and offers a wide range of services to its users. From there, you can easily list the coffee and connect with the buyers or importers from the USA. With the simple interface and easy onboarding process – it makes your business visible to almost everyone.
3. Ali Express
Ali Express is a leading B2B platform that has a global presence and is known all over the world. Through its vast categories, you can easily contact importers from the USA and export coffee without any difficulty. The platform makes sure to provide ease to the users through its additional services.
4. Global Sources
Global Sources is not a new name in the B2B industry. It has been launched for years and provides the finest platform from where you can easily create an account and connect with the users. The platform focuses on transparency which leads to trustworthiness among the platform and its users.
5. Ali Baba
Ali Baba is a simple B2B marketplace acting as a bridge between buyers and sellers. You can easily join the platform and have instant growth in your business. The best thing about the platform is that it is free to join, which means you can start your venture without any cost.
Wrapping It Up
So, this is how you can easily export coffee from Mexico to the USA. These platforms mentioned above are the right choice if you do not want to take risks as they are the finest portals to grow your business worldwide. Apart from these, go through this guide properly to know the intricacies of exporting coffee from Mexico.