PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- In late September 2023, a delegation of business leaders and state government officials from South Dakota took a trade mission trip to Mexico.

State Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Secretary Hunter Roberts says Mexico is South Dakota’s second largest trade partner having an export value of approximately $600 million in 2022.

Roberts says South Dakota exports “a little bit of everything” to Mexico.

Roberts says the situation at the US-Mexico border is causing some disruptions in transportation logistics.

One area of potential export growth he sees is ethanol.

Roberts says they were frequently asked about biotechnology’s role in feeding the world.

Another area South Dakota excels in that Roberts sees potential in for exporting to Mexico is crushed oilseeds.

South Dakota Trade used grant funds from the US Small Business Administration to support the trip. For more information on South Dakota exports visit https://southdakotatrade.com/trade-in-sd.

Joining Roberts on the trade mission trip to Mexico were Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, as well as representatives from South Dakota Trade, Advanced Sunflower, Inc., Agropur US, C.A.W Industries, Houdek, Schumacher Enterprises, North Start Liquids and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.