The beginning of 2026 confirms a more complex business environment for companies involved in international trade . Tariff changes , regulatory adjustments, and increased import and export controls are altering how costs, timelines, and routes are planned in a scenario where certainty is no longer the norm.
During the last few months, global trade has seen a sustained increase in measures that directly impact business operations .
According to data from the World Trade Organization (WTO) , between October 2024 and October 2025, more than a thousand new measures were implemented in this area, many of them related to imports and tariff adjustments, confirming an environment of high regulatory volatility.
This context is already reflected in concrete operational decisions within companies. One of the first steps has been to identify whether the products they import are subject to new tariffs , particularly those from countries with which Mexico does not have free trade agreements .
As a result, companies face decisions such as absorbing the additional cost , seeking alternative suppliers , or rethinking their supply schemes .
The impact of these changes goes beyond the final price of the product . They have also resulted in longer customs processing times, delays in the release of goods, and increased pressure on delivery schedules, especially for operations that depend on constant flows to maintain their profitability, warned Ilan Epelbaum, CEO of Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) in Mexico.
Given this scenario, the specialist commented that financial and operational planning have become more important. Companies are conducting more detailed profit and loss analyses to determine if their business models remain viable under the new market conditions.
At the same time, he explained that a more conservative inventory strategy is beginning to emerge , with additional margins to absorb unexpected delays or adjustments, even if this implies a higher financial cost .
Routes and safety, with greater operational pressure in 2026
The reconfiguration of entry routes into the country is already a reality, Epelbaum said. Recent experience has shown that relying on a single crossing point , port , or transport provider increases operational risk , leading companies to diversify entry points and routes to reduce their exposure to regulatory changes.
Adding to this situation is the concern about the security of goods in transit . The increase in thefts on highways and strategic corridors has forced the reinforcement of measures such as cargo insurance, accurate declaration of value, and greater attention to packaging, particularly for higher-value shipments, explained Epelbaum.
According to data from the National Association of Vehicle Tracking and Protection Companies (ANERPV) , in the second quarter of 2025, nearly 90% of cargo thefts reported nationwide were concentrated in 10 states. Puebla (23.5%) and the State of Mexico (20%) accounted for 43.5% of the incidents. These were followed by Guanajuato (8.3%), Michoacán (6.3%), Jalisco (6%), Veracruz (5.3%), Hidalgo (5.3%), San Luis Potosí (5%), Querétaro (4.3%), and Nuevo León (3.5%).
Security remains a critical factor for the competitiveness of trade in Mexico , especially as the country seeks to consolidate its position as an investment destination through nearshoring (relocation of production lines). Certainty regarding highways , customs , and border crossings is key to maintaining the flow of goods and attracting foreign investment .
The message from the start of 2026 is that it’s not a year of less commercial activity , but rather one of more demanding commerce with less room for error. The companies that adapt best will be those that incorporate scenario planning, risk diversification, and operational flexibility in an environment where the rules of the game continue to evolve.
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