In an interview with the news outlet RIA Novosti published on Saturday, the Mexican ambassador to Russia, Eduardo Villegas Megias, said that Mexico is actively seeking ways to increase bilateral trade with Russia.

The diplomat noted that presently Mexico is looking to increase its purchases of Russian fertilizers, which it presently buys through intermediaries.

He said, “This is a necessary condition for the development of agriculture. The government allocates considerable sums for fertilizers.

“The export of this commodity from Russia used to take place through certain intermediaries, private entrepreneurs… but the Mexican government wants to consider buying large amounts of fertilizers for agriculture with the support of the Russian authorities,” he went on, adding that Mexico is also looking at how to increase imports of Russian steel to fuel the development of Mexico’s manufacturing sector.

At the same time, he said his nation would like to increase its exports of Tequila to Russia.

Megias said, “I would be happy to increase [tequila exports] by 200-300%, because it is very well established in the market… Increasing tequila exports to Russia is the easiest way to boost mutual trade.”

He added that most of the tequila which is produced by the major distilleries in Mexico is already allocated to other markets, primarily the United States. However he noted Mexico is rich in smaller manufacturers and agave plantations, which the government would like to see selling more of their products to Russia.

Megias noted that Mexico produces many other products which are presently being overlooked in trade between the two countries, but which could be used to help boost mutual trade. Presently the Mexican government is in talks with Russian liquor producer Kristall over supplies of vanilla extract, which can be of use in producing alcohol products. Mexico is also exploring the opportunity to supply vanilla extract to confectionary factories in Russia, and it is preparing to negotiate the export of cocoa to Russia as well.

Russian Federal Customs Service data showed that Russo-Mexican bilateral trade in 2022 amounted to roughly $3.8 billion. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said earlier this year that Russia was eager to boost trade with Mexico, and join with Mexican companies on joint projects in the fields of energy, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.