Mexican Farmers Demand Tariffs on Imported Milk Powder to Prevent Sector Collapse

The Mexican farming sector is urging the federal government to impose tariffs on imported milk powder to protect domestic production. Farmers argue that the unchecked entry of this foreign commodity, often subsidized or priced below Mexican production costs, is creating unsustainable competition.

Producers claim that the influx of imported milk powder is driving down the price of raw milk and threatening the financial stability of thousands of farms across the country. This issue is especially pressing as the imported product is frequently used by the processing industry, reducing demand for local raw milk.

The farmers' demand for tariffs is also coupled with a call for greater transparency and regulation in the use of milk powder within the food industry. They highlight the importance of preventing misleading labeling practices, where products made with imported solids are marketed as if made with fresh national milk.

The current policy of free importation is seen as fostering a dangerous dependence on an essential food. As a result, producers are urging processing companies to prioritize local raw materials and for the government to implement policies that favor food self-sufficiency over massive commodity imports.

The farmers' appeal includes the need for strategic tariffs not only as a protective measure but also as a necessary tool to level the commercial playing field and ensure fair purchase prices that guarantee profitability.

This development is critical as the response from the government will significantly impact the future of the country's agricultural sector.