The world is going through a new era of international competition in which logistics, technology, and supply chains have become the central axes of power, according to Claudia Ávila , general director of Customs Services and International Affairs at Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM) .
During his participation in the conference “Customs and Logistics Competitiveness in Fragmented International Trade ,” organized by the Mexican Intermodal Transport Association (AMTI) , Ávila emphasized the urgency of understanding the structural changes that are transforming global trade.
“We are obliged to know what is happening in the world, how it impacts our country and, ultimately, us as business owners and individuals,” he said.
To illustrate his point, Ávila reviewed history: in the world wars, the objective was to control territories; in the Cold War, it was to dominate nuclear power; with globalization, it was to guarantee access to markets. Today, he said, the new battlefield is the control of supply chains and the logistical infrastructure that supports them .
He emphasized that seemingly distant conflicts, such as tensions in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, or the trade dispute between the United States and China , have a direct impact on Mexican trade.
Examples such as the water crisis in the Panama Canal or attacks on ships in the Red Sea have demonstrated that global routes are vulnerable, while the rise of organized crime and cyber threats add new risks to the movement of goods.
“We’re no longer just talking about smuggling or drugs; today we’re facing a 4.0 crime, capable of infiltrating digital systems and generating logistical chaos,” Ávila warned.
He also noted that supply chains are no longer exposed only to physical delays, but also to technological disruptions.
Amid this “logistics and technology war ,” Mexico has gained prominence thanks to the nearshoring phenomenon , where sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and medical devices are leading the flow of investment to the country, backed by its proximity to the United States, its manufacturing expertise, and the potential to strengthen intermodal transportation.
“Mexico has the opportunity to become a strategic pivot in global logistics,” he said.
He emphasized that the country should not be content with simply being a neighbor of the United States, but should position itself as an indispensable partner in the reconfiguration of value chains.
Furthermore, Ávila insisted that customs offices should stop being viewed solely as tax collection points and instead become fundamental components of logistics competitiveness.
In this regard, he emphasized that companies seek certainty, agility, and transparency , while authorities must guarantee legality and security.
“You’re asking for certainty and speed; we must guarantee legality and security. The key is to find a balance and dance this tango together,” he said.
During his participation, he also shared ANAM’s progress in digitalization and trade facilitation, with the goal of offering more agile and transparent processes. He emphasized that, in addition to technology, the institution promotes ethics and integrity programs to combat corruption and change the customs culture.
“International trade is entering a new era, and Mexican customs must rise to these challenges. Mexico is not just a transit point: it can and must become a strategic player in global logistics,” he emphasized.
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