Objective:

The objective was to analyze the behavior of the fruit and vegetable export from Mexico to the United States of America, and the elaboration of the horticultural export function of the Mexican Republic; the period analyzed was from 1993-2013.

Methodology:

The existing fruit and vegetable commercial situation between Mexico and the United States of America was characterized and the model used was the maximum likelihood method.

Results:

The results showed a horticultural trade surplus of Mexico over the period analyzed; in the model, it was found that the real price elasticity per ton of exports was 2.41 %, the income elasticity was 1.41 % and the real exchange rate of 1.02 %. The variable that had the greatest impact on horticultural exports was the price; an increase in the international price causes the growth of fruit and vegetable exports.

Limitations:

Variables such as distance and environmental factors were missing to explain the export of fruit and vegetables.

Conclusions:

It is expected that the surplus horticultural trade balance of Mexico will continue in medium term. The most effective trade policy instrument that the Mexican government can use to influence increasing exports in the short term is the real exchange rate. Mexico could diversify export markets if it takes advantage of the different commercial agreements that currently owns.

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