In the automotive industry, there is a process of increased reinvestment even in the context of the imposition of tariffs by the United States, which has served as an opportunity to strengthen integration in the sector, highlighted Gabriel Padilla , general director of the National Auto Parts Industry (INA) .
At the presentation of the 3rd International Automotive Industry Supply Summit , which will take place in Querétaro on May 7 and 8, the executive indicated that the auto parts industry in Mexico has maintained steady growth, consolidating itself as a fundamental pillar of the national economy.
“This sector alone generates more than 880,000 direct jobs and operates two thousand plants throughout the country, generating more than $106 billion in foreign currency, a figure that positions this sector as the country’s main source of income,” he emphasized.
At a press conference, he noted that this highlights the importance of the sector, and pointed out that in 2024, auto parts production will reach $121.693 billion , representing a 1.20% increase compared to the previous year.
Padilla recalled that among the top 10 states in national production, Querétaro ranks fifth . He also noted that Mexico is the fourth-largest producer of auto parts globally and the first in Latin America, ahead of countries like Brazil. “Our country is the main supplier of auto parts to the United States, accounting for 87% of our exports.”
Regarding the event, which will take place in May, he noted that it has established itself as a key platform for strengthening the automotive industry’s value chain in Mexico and North America.
In his participation, Francisco González , executive president of INA, stated that the region’s strength lies in the collaboration between companies, governments, academia, and associations in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, countries that promote competitiveness and sustainable development in the sector.
“The elephant in the room is the tariff issue,” González said, referring to the tariff war promoted by US President Donald Trump. He added that the 25% tariff he initially announced applies to all Mexican exports. “Those that comply with and apply for the benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are exempt .
He indicated that they have held meetings with the Ministry of Economy , an institution to which they have explained the situation of the sector, and specified that, despite the tariff outlook, investments for this industry remain in place , and announced that a company based in Querétaro will produce the first electric brakes for North America.
Regarding the third edition of the International Automotive Industry Supply Summit , he said the event is aligned with Plan Mexico and seeks to attract more investors. He noted that they are working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) , part of the World Bank .
“I am confident that the conversations and alliances that will emerge from this forum will be decisive for the future of the automotive sector in our region and will also contribute to prosperity,” González added.
For his part, René Mendoza , national president of the Value Chain for Industry in Mexico (Capim) , pointed out that for many years there has not been a union between all the actors in the industry, and he emphasized that the event that will take place on May 7 and 8 is a specific instrument to achieve the mission of the Federal Government, which is the Plan Mexico.
“You’ll find everything from car manufacturers looking for someone to manufacture auto parts, to Tier 1 manufacturers looking for someone to perform this production process, and also companies looking for technology companies,” he explained.
He assured that key players in the sector will participate in the event, and noted that there will be top-level exhibitors and authorities. He added that last year they achieved more than 6,840 business connections , and they aim to expand them in 2025.
Meanwhile, Marco Antonio Del Prete , Secretary of Sustainable Development of Querétaro , indicated that the state is a national and international benchmark as a producer and supplier of automotive systems.
He emphasized that the 3rd International Automotive Industry Supply Summit is aligned with Plan Mexico, promoted by the Federal Government, and that this event will produce innovative ideas and significant projects for this industry.
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