In a global context marked by political and economic uncertainty, as well as tensions with the new United States government, headed by President Donald Trump , who could impose tariffs on key export industries, the International Chamber of Commerce Mexico (ICC Mexico) estimated that 2025 will be full of challenges and opportunities for the Mexican business sector.
Despite the complex environment that is looming, with a Mexican economy affected by the slowdown attributed to internal and external factors, in addition to an expected growth of just 1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the organization indicated that key areas are also emerging that could boost competitiveness.
He highlighted sectors such as the automotive and technology sectors , as well as the relocation of production lines in Mexico ( nearshoring ), which could become a “springboard towards greater competitiveness and business development.”
To address this situation, ICC Mexico noted that the public and private sectors must work in political synergy to strengthen competitiveness , human capital development and infrastructure improvement.
He said that the Mexico Plan , which seeks to increase investment and promote strategic projects, could be an important “catalyst” to boost several industries, “although its effective implementation and operational details will be key to generating confidence among investors.”
In the commercial field, he estimated that there would have to be a diversification of export markets , to reduce dependence on the US market and explore opportunities in Europe, Asia and Latin America, taking advantage of existing free trade agreements.
“Mexico faces the challenge of diversifying its export markets because currently 83% of Mexican exports are destined for the United States, which leaves the country vulnerable to changes in the trade policy of its main economic partner. However, there are also significant opportunities in sectors such as the automotive industry,” he said.
In addition, nearshoring should be leveraged in order to capitalize on the global trend of relocating supply chains to North America, which would consolidate Mexico as a key partner in manufacturing and logistics .
Another point that ICC Mexico highlighted is to promote the adoption of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and electromobility, especially in sectors with high global demand for technological components.
In light of recent reforms such as those of the Judiciary and the disappearance of autonomous bodies, he suggested strengthening the rule of law with the aim of improving the conditions for doing business, which will help foster the confidence of national and foreign investors .
He also indicated that trade relations with partners of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) should be strengthened to promote its advantages and prepare for the review of this agreement in 2026.
Regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), he stressed that it is expected to remain stable at levels of approximately 30 billion dollars (mdd) , which will be possible due to the projects announced in recent years, particularly in sectors such as logistics, data centers and energy.
“However, uncertainty regarding US policies could limit further growth in this area, which is why ICC Mexico emphasizes the importance of generating conditions of certainty and confidence in investments to encourage greater participation of foreign capital in the national economy,” he said.
According to ICC Mexico, given the complicated outlook, the country must strengthen its trade relations to face the difficulties that may arise in the negotiation of the T-MEC, as well as the possible imposition of tariffs scheduled for February 1.
He also indicated that one of the industries that could represent an opportunity to strengthen the Mexican economy is the automotive industry, which, according to data from the Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry (AMIA) , this sector reached a new historical record in 2024 with the production of three million 989 thousand 403 units , surpassing the previous maximum of three million 933 thousand vehicles in 2017.
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