Mexico has 14 free trade agreements covering 52 countries, according to the count reported by Uno TV in 2025. For a food importer, that network decides one thing that shows up on every invoice: whether a seasoning made in Mexico pays duty when it arrives. This guide maps the agreements that matter most for seasoning buyers and what you need to claim the benefit.
Which trade agreements does Mexico have?
| Agreement | Partners |
|---|---|
| USMCA (T-MEC), in force since July 1, 2020 | United States, Canada |
| EU-Mexico Global Agreement (2000), modernized version approved by the EU Council in 2026 | European Union |
| EFTA (2001) | Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland |
| Japan (2005) | Japan |
| CPTPP (2018) | Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom since its accession took full effect on September 1, 2026 |
| Pacific Alliance (2012) | Chile, Colombia, Peru |
| Bilateral agreements | Israel, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Panama |
| Central America (1998) | Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua |
Agreement list and years as reported by Uno TV (2025). UK accession date: CTPA, September 2026.
What does USMCA mean for seasoning buyers in the United States?
Mixed seasonings are classified under HTSUS heading 2103.90. Subheading 2103.90.90 carries a general duty rate of 6.4%, while goods that qualify as originating under USMCA can enter free of duty (source: hts.usitc.gov). Qualifying depends on the product meeting the USMCA rules of origin for its classification. The importer claims the benefit with a certification of origin, and your customs broker confirms the classification.
At FISA Lab, a certificate of origin is issued when the blend qualifies, and a COA ships with every batch.
What about Europe?
The original EU-Mexico agreement has been in force since 2000. A modernized agreement, approved by the EU Council in 2026, eliminates most remaining customs duties between the two sides and enters into force after both parties complete their internal procedures. Until then, the 2000 agreement applies. Your importer or broker confirms the duty treatment for the specific product before the first order.
And Asia?
Japan has its own agreement with Mexico (2005) and is also part of CPTPP, together with Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Australia and New Zealand. South Korea has no free trade agreement with Mexico, so seasonings from Mexico pay the standard rate there. For Korean buyers, the decision rests on profile, consistency and landed cost rather than on a tariff preference.
What does an importer need to claim a preference?
- The correct tariff classification of the product, confirmed by the importer's broker.
- Proof that the product qualifies as originating under the agreement, with the certification or declaration the agreement requires.
- The commercial documents the destination market asks for. For seasonings from FISA Lab: a COA with every batch, and the spec sheet and allergen statement on request.
Send us your market's document list and we confirm what we can supply before you place an order.
Frequently asked questions
How many trade agreements does Mexico have?
Mexico has 14 free trade agreements covering 52 countries, including USMCA, the agreement with the European Union, CPTPP and the agreement with Japan.
Do Mexican seasonings enter the United States duty free?
Seasonings that qualify as originating under USMCA can enter free of duty. Mixed seasonings under HTSUS 2103.90.90 otherwise carry a 6.4% general rate. Qualification depends on the USMCA rules of origin and is claimed with a certification of origin.
Does Mexico have a trade agreement with South Korea?
No. Seasonings from Mexico pay the standard Korean rate, so the decision rests on profile, consistency and landed cost.
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