The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) officially opened its newest Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Guadalajara, Mexico on March 11, 2024. This expansion strengthens the agricultural trade relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, which reached a record $76 billion in 2023.

With Dengue cases on the rise in Mexico, the potential of a new vaccine – Butantan-DV - offers hope, considering the 368% increase in infections in February. This Brazilian-developed, single-dose vaccine demonstrated promising preliminary results in a Phase 3 trial involving participants aged 2 to 59.

A U.S. citizen, Julie Qashu, recently returned 13 archaeological items to the Mexican Consulate in Tucson, Arizona. These artifacts, dating back to between 200 AD and 1521 AD, come from Mexico's Central Highlands. Experts say they represent various cultures from that region.

Monday, March 18 is a National Holiday, with banks, government offices and many businesses closed as Mexico celebrates Benito Juárez, who rose from humble origins to occupy the Presidency of the Republic on several occasions during the turbulent second half of the 19th century.

Mexico's inflation rate dropped in February, reversing a four-month upward trend and bolstering the likelihood of the Bank of Mexico lowering its benchmark interest rate later this month. Year-over-year inflation reached 4.40% in February, down from 4.88% in January, according to the national statistics agency INEGI.

Mexico's auto industry hit a record high in February, exporting 22.6% more light vehicles than the same month last year. Domestic production also rose, fueled by the start of electric vehicle assembly. While some manufacturers faced challenges, Mexico remains a major player, ranking 4th in exports and supplying 18% of the US car market.

For February 2024, the total number of terminal passengers at GAP’s 12 Mexican airports increased by 1.1%, compared to February 2023. Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato, Los Cabos, and Guadalajara presented an increase in passenger traffic of 7.7%, 5.3%, 1.7%, and 0.6%, respectively, compared to February 2023.

Mexico is seeking to phase out genetically modified corn imports, a move that has sparked tension with the US. Corn originated in Mexico nearly 10,000 years ago and remains a cornerstone of the country's culture and agricultural traditions. This deep-rooted legacy explains the Mexican government's desire to preserve its native varieties.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador recently inaugurated the Cancún-Playa del Carmen section of the Mayan Train, a monumental step forward for the railway project aimed at interconnecting Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Campeche, Tabasco, and Yucatán.

The U.S. State Department advises spring breakers heading to Mexico to pack not just their sense of adventure, but also a healthy dose of common sense. Their annual travel advisory serves as a helpful resource to help travelers make informed decisions & have fun.