QUERÉTARO, QRO.- In a global environment marked by technological disruption, environmental pressure, and the reconfiguration of production chains, industry leaders agreed that logistics is facing a structural transformation that will define Mexico’s competitiveness by 2030. This was the message conveyed during the panel “Global Trends in Logistics: Evolution, Challenges, and Innovative Solutions ,” held as part of the 31st Mexican Foreign Trade Congress , organized by the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment, and Technology (Comce Nacional) .

The conversation, moderated by Adriana Huerta, brought together key voices from public policy and the private sector: Diana Elena Portilla Romero, from the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine ; Claudia Esteves, general director of the Mexican Association of Private Industrial Parks (AMPIP) ; Rodrigo Estrada, general manager of Canadian National Railway of Mexico ; and Verónica Valverde, president of the Querétaro Industrial Club . The starting point was clear: global logistics is evolving amidst digitalization, sustainability, and the regionalization of trade flows .

Huerta argued that automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability are no longer emerging trends, but rather key drivers reshaping operational efficiency, while nearshoring —which aims for greater regionalization of supply chains—is redefining the geography of trade. In this context, the panelists agreed that Mexico faces both the opportunity and the challenge of consolidating its position as a strategic hub for manufacturing and logistics in North America , even in the face of the significant challenge posed by a review or renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

From an industrial perspective, Claudia Esteves emphasized that tariffs do not hinder regional integration, but rather “make it more expensive and delay decisions ,” forcing companies to strengthen the missing links in the supply chain to comply with the USMCA’s rules of origin. She noted that 85% of Mexican exports are conducted under this agreement, solidifying the country’s position as a natural manufacturing hub. She stressed that industrial infrastructure must evolve in line with nearshoring : “Today, there are more than 477 industrial parks in operation, with 85 million square meters of warehouse space and more than 100 new developments under construction . This requires sufficient energy, 5G connectivity, natural gas, and security, not just square meters.” She also warned that, despite the tariffs and the uncertainty generated by the US government due to policy changes, “investments continue to arrive because Mexico maintains a strategic position within global supply chains.”

From the railway sector, Rodrigo Estrada argued that sustainability necessarily depends on rail. “A locomotive can move the equivalent of 300 trucks with just one gallon of fuel,” he explained, highlighting that rail reduces pollutant emissions by 75% compared to road transport. However, he warned that Mexico still faces structural shortcomings: “We have more than 26,000 kilometers of active track, much of it dating back to the Porfiriato. Technical modernization, double tracks, and bypasses are needed to alleviate pressure on strategic corridors such as the Bajío region and the northern border.”

The executive emphasized that digitalization and long-term planning are key to achieving a modern, competitive, and safe rail network. He also acknowledged the operational challenge of combining freight and passenger transport, a policy promoted by the current government, stating that it is “viable, but only with high-level technical and regulatory coordination.”

From the maritime sector, Diana Portilla offered a brief overview of port modernization . She explained that the country has identified six priority ports —Ensenada, Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Acapulco, Veracruz, and Progreso —where intermodal connectivity and logistics expansion projects are being promoted. She emphasized that the national port system reached a historic record in 2025 with more than nine million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) handled , demonstrating that logistics demand continues to rise despite global uncertainty. “The key is public-private coordination. We signed an agreement with COMCE, CANACAR , ANAM , and the Navy to resolve operational and customs issues directly with users,” she stated.

The statistical information issued monthly by the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine indicates that in the first nine months of this year, that is, from January to September, Mexican deep-water ports had handled just over 7.1 million TEUs .

Portilla also emphasized the urgency of strengthening the port-city relationship to achieve harmonious development. “Ports cannot grow in isolation from their urban surroundings. Social and multimodal infrastructure must evolve alongside port infrastructure ,” he said. He added that the port decarbonization strategy, which includes emissions inventories and new environmental regulations, will be crucial for moving toward cleaner and more efficient logistics. The official documents containing all this information are expected to be made public before the end of this year.

From a business perspective, Verónica Valverde positioned Querétaro as an example of a balance between industrial development and social stability . “Our security, talent development, and cluster policies have allowed us to attract global investment from sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and information technology,” she explained. The president of the Industrial Club emphasized that cooperation between government, industry, and academia—the so-called triple helix—has been essential in consolidating the state as a benchmark for regional competitiveness.

Valverde argued that post-pandemic regionalization can benefit Mexico if it leverages its location and productive diversity. “Our border with the United States is an opportunity, not a challenge. If we act with vision, Mexico can substitute imports and consolidate its position as a key player in international trade,” he stated.

The panel concluded with a consensus: the logistics transformation is already underway , and its success will depend on the country’s ability to align public policies, technological innovation, and private investment under a single objective: to build a more integrated, green, and resilient supply chain. In Huerta’s words, “the future of logistics will not only be faster and more digital, but also smarter and more sustainable.”

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