Boosts U.S. Farm Exports - U.S. farmers were really helped by NAFTA. Food exports to Canada and Mexico grew 156%, compared to an increase of 65% to the rest of the world. To put this into perspective, farm exports to Canada and Mexico alone were greater than exports to the next six largest markets combined. It totaled $39.4 billion. NAFTA increased farm exports because it eliminated high Mexican tariffs. Mexico is the top export destination for U.S.-grown beef, rice, soybean meal, corn sweeteners, apples and beans. It is the second largest export destination for corn, soybeans and oils. (Source: U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service, NAFTA)