International trade is a highly dynamic and regulated sector, where proper documentation and regulatory compliance are essential to avoid financial and legal risks , according to Felipe Chapula , partner at Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton .
Chapula emphasized the importance of exporting and importing companies having solid legal support to avoid unnecessary penalties, delays, and costs.
The partner emphasized that international trade goes far beyond the simple exchange of goods and services; it involves a legal framework that includes elements such as tariffs, import regimes, certificates of origin, and Incoterms , which determine the responsibilities of buyers and sellers.
“All of this must be properly reflected in contracts to avoid conflicts and maximize the benefits of trade agreements,” he explained.
One of the most costly mistakes in international transactions is the lack of proper documentation , as this can result in unnecessary customs duties, fines, or even confiscation of goods.
Impact of US tariffs on trade with Mexico
In the current context, the United States has toughened its tariff stance , which directly impacts Mexican exports.
Chapula mentioned that, although the details of the new tariffs promoted by the US administration have not yet been defined, it is clear that strategic sectors such as the automotive industry will be the most affected.
He explained that the proposed tariffs will apply only to components that do not originate in the USMCA region .
That is, if a car or truck manufactured in Mexico contains 75% of inputs from the region (Mexico, the United States, or Canada) , it will not be subject to additional tariffs.
However, any imported input from other regions could face tariffs of up to 25% , which would impact the competitiveness of Mexican companies in the U.S. market.
Furthermore, he emphasized that a lack of proper documentation , such as correct certificates of origin or import declarations with accurate information, can result in a product being considered “foreign” and therefore subject to these new taxes.
In this regard, Chapula warned that Mexico is beginning to close ranks in its trade regulations to align itself with the interests of the USMCA region.
This has led to increased control over inputs from Asia and stricter enforcement of regulations such as Rule Eight , which regulates the import of inputs for the manufacturing industry.
Despite the regulatory challenges, Chapula emphasized that Mexico is the country with the most free trade agreements in the world, so taking advantage of these agreements allows companies to reduce tariff costs and access strategic markets, provided they comply with documentation and origin requirements.
One of the key mechanisms for optimizing these benefits is the acquisition of origin through tariff-hopping , which allows inputs from various sources to be transformed into final products of Mexican origin.
This facilitates preferential access to markets such as the United States and Canada , provided that the supporting documentation is in order.
Chapula emphasized that international trade is a constantly evolving sector, where companies must stay up-to-date and rely on specialized advice to avoid risks and maximize opportunities.
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