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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | May 2008 
Mexico Lifts Import Tariffs on Staple Foods
 Adriana Barrera - Reuters
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 |  | We want to be able to bring these basic products to Mexico from any part of the world at the best price for Mexican consumers.
- President Felipe Calderon |  | | | |
Mexico City - Mexican President Felipe Calderon said on Sunday he would eliminate import tariffs on corn, rice, wheat, sorghum and other products to prevent shortages amid pressure in global food markets.
Calderon also announced an import quota for beans and said he would seek agreements with the food industry to avoid sharp price rises in basic products.
"We want to be able to bring these basic products to Mexico from any part of the world at the best price for Mexican consumers," Calderon said after announcing the measures.
Mexico, like many countries, has felt steep price rises in basic foods in recent months due to rising demand from fast-developing nations like China and India, soaring oil prices and the diversion of grain to make biofuels.
Corn, used in tortillas, and rice are staples in Mexico.
A jump in tortilla prices sparked street protests last year, and price hikes this year in rice, tortillas and chicken have driven Mexican inflation at its fastest clip in more than three years.
Calderon, who has pledged to both protect poor families from higher food costs and support the country's farmers, also announced measures to facilitate more fertilizer imports.
(Editing by Leslie Gevirtz) |
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