Alaska’s overall exports to Mexico increased 30 percent to $147 million for 2004, driven by $130 million in seafood exports. Mexico has maintained a top five spot in the list of Alaska’s trading partners for several years. In 2004, sales to Mexico accounted for five percent of Alaska’s total exports.

Agrium’s plant on the Kenai Peninsula fueled a rise to over $100 million for Alaska exports to Mexico. Alaska’s fertilizer exports increased 45 percent in 2004 to $90 million, compared with $63 million in 2003 and $35 million in 2002. The Agrium plant has a tidewater terminal from which product is shipped directly to global markets.

Mexico is an interesting major trading partner for Alaska because it imports very little seafood. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Alaska’s proximity to the Pacific coast of Mexico present real opportunity to expand the trade relationship in the future.