But there is still no clear estimate of sales abroad for 2024, because the first quarter is just closing. “We have to see above all the component of how tequila exports are behaving compared to last year, that is going to be very important,” he said at a conference.
According to data from the Ministry of Economy, national sales of liquor and spirits abroad reached 4,422 million dollars in 2023, an increase of 1.7% compared to 2022 (4,349 million).
It was a much smaller growth compared to the 31% that grew in 2022.
Quiroga explained that the low increase observed in 2023 was derived from a slowdown in the US market, which is expected to recover this year.
According to the CIVyL, Mexico represented 43% of international tequila purchases made by the United States in 2023, this is 3 percentage points compared to 2022 and double compared to 2019.
USA is the main buyer of tequila of Mexicowith 8 out of every 10 liters.
Another important market for Mexico is Canada, which ranks sixth as an importer of Mexican tequila.
Tequila is the second most exported product. According to information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, its commercial value was 4,085 million dollars in 2022.
Quiroga highlighted that the wine and liquor segment has an important contribution to the exports of the agri-food sector, contributing more than 20% of its total value.
Mexico ranks as the fourth country that exports the most alcoholic beverages worldwide.
