COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK COMMERCE OF THREE COUNTRIES (MEXICO, CHINA AND CANADA), WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (1990-2011)

The commercial flow of agricultural and livestock products towards the United States of America (US) from three of its primary commercial partners, was analyzed. During the last three years, China has become the principal commercial supplier for the US, in detriment to Canada and Mexico. The 2008 economic crisis impacted agricultural and livestock exports, especially Canada's. In spite of this, that country and Mexico lead the agricultural and livestock imports to the USA, and present greater specialization than China. In the future, and taking into account the high growth indexes of the latter, a higher competition is to be expected, particularly in products with longer shelf-life, which affects mostly Canada. Mexico continues to be leader in category 08, and no competition from China can be foreseen.