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The potato-shaped loophole in free trade

Planet Money

2025/01/03
Planet Money

Planet Money

2025/01/03

Shownote

Ever since free trade opened up between the US and Mexico in the 1990s, trillions of dollars of goods have been going back and forth between the two countries, from cars to strawberries to MRI machines to underwear. But one major exception has been fresh A...

Highlights

The story of the American potato trade with Mexico is a tale of persistence, politics, and the complexities of international commerce. For decades, American potato farmers faced a seemingly insurmountable barrier: a vast, untapped market just south of the border that remained off-limits due to trade disputes and local opposition. This episode dives into the 26-year saga of how American potatoes finally broke through, revealing the intricate dance between free trade agreements and national interests.
06:37
American potato farmers face significant barriers in exporting to Mexico despite NAFTA's promises.
21:33
Mexican Supreme Court overturns ban on U.S. potato imports, allowing negotiations on pest regulations.
25:31
American potatoes entered the Mexican market after a 26-year trade dispute, resolved under the USMCA agreement.

Chapters

Why Were American Potatoes Blocked from Mexico?
00:00
The Legal Battle: Overcoming Trade Barriers
10:00
How Diplomacy Finally Opened the Mexican Market
25:31

Transcript

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