The state of Zacatecas is moving to diversify its economic portfolio by seeking to expand the export of local artisanal and agricultural products to the United States. While the region’s current exports are heavily dominated by mining and automotive manufacturing, state officials are now focusing on leveraging traditional crafts and local produce to reach new international markets.

Jorge Miranda Castro, the Secretary of Economy for Zacatecas, highlighted that the “arracada jerezana”—a traditional piece of jewelry—has already seen significant success within the U.S. market. The product currently enjoys high demand among the migrant community, particularly in California, where it is sold through online platforms and established physical retail points.

To capitalize on this demand and preserve the traditional craft, the Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Artesanal is currently training 10 to 15 young people in the traditional making of the arracada jerezana. The goal is to scale production to meet both domestic and international demand while ensuring the technique is passed down to future generations.

Targeting Agricultural Growth
The state’s expansion strategy also extends to the agricultural sector. Farmers producing onions, garlic, chilies, and tomatoes recently participated in a commercial mission to Texas. During this trip, they received vital guidance on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and requirements, a necessary step for these products to enter the American market legally and competitively.

The Migrant Economic Connection
Officials noted that the migrant community represents a primary gateway for these goods. Many paisanos (countrymen) purchase traditional handicrafts during their visits to Zacatecas to take back to their homes in the United States, creating a natural and steady supply chain.

Despite the prevailing political rhetoric surrounding migration, Secretary Miranda Castro emphasized the vital role that the U.S. plays in Zacatecas’ economy. The state receives between 30 billion and 35 billion pesos in annual remittances from the United States—a figure nearly equivalent to the state’s entire annual budget. By formalizing the export of local goods, the government aims to transform this existing cultural and economic connection into a more structured and diverse commercial opportunity.