With the participation of more than 250 leaders, businesswomen, executives and representatives from the public and private sectors, the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) held the Women Exporters Forum , a space designed to promote networking , dialogue and collaboration around greater participation of Mexican women in international markets.

The meeting brought together voices from the government, business organizations and representatives of the export ecosystem to discuss one of the pending challenges of foreign trade: closing the gaps that limit the access and growth of women-led businesses .

The event was attended by Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources; José Medina Mora, President of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) ; Altagracia Gómez Sierra, Coordinator of the Advisory Council for Regional Economic Development and Relocation (CADERR); Sergio Contreras Pérez, Executive President of Comce; Leonardo Poblete Galván, Head of the Institutional Promotion Unit of the National Bank of Foreign Trade (Bancomext) ; and Susana Duque Roquero, General Director of Comce.

In his welcoming message, Sergio Contreras Pérez emphasized that the country’s export growth cannot be understood without greater incorporation of female leadership.

“Mexico will not be able to reach its full export potential without fully incorporating the leadership, capacity, and vision of women in foreign trade. Our country can become the eighth largest exporting power, but to achieve this goal, women must not be spectators: they must be protagonists,” she asserted.

For her part, Alicia Bárcena linked sustainable development with women’s economic participation and highlighted that foreign trade also represents a way to project identity and values ​​to the world.

“Exporting is about projecting our identity; it’s about telling the world who we are, what we produce, and what values ​​underpin our economy,” he said.

From the business sector, José Medina Mora acknowledged progress in terms of gender parity, although he warned that significant challenges remain at the management levels.

“Although gender parity exists at entry levels, women are underrepresented in management, director, and general management positions. The key to achieving parity is to recognize talent and create opportunities equitably,” she noted.

One of the key findings of the discussion was the disparity between the participation of women-led and men-led businesses in international trade. According to the forum, in Latin America, less than a quarter of businesses are headed by women, and this gap is also reflected in export activity.

While 10% of women-led businesses export, the proportion reaches 14% for those led by men . This difference is partly due to structural factors: women-led businesses tend to be smaller, younger, and concentrated in the service sector, while men-led businesses tend to be larger and more focused on international trade in goods.

The forum also addressed the particular context of Mexico, where female representation in business leadership continues to be lower compared to other markets in the region.

With this meeting, Comce reaffirmed its commitment to opening spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity building that will allow for greater participation of women in foreign trade and accelerate their access to new internationalization opportunities.

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El cargo Comce places female leadership at the center of foreign trade apareció primero en T21.

With the participation of more than 250 leaders, businesswomen, executives and representatives from the public and private sectors, the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) held the Women Exporters Forum , a space designed to promote networking , dialogue and collaboration around greater participation of Mexican women in international markets.

The meeting brought together voices from the government, business organizations and representatives of the export ecosystem to discuss one of the pending challenges of foreign trade: closing the gaps that limit the access and growth of women-led businesses .

The event was attended by Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources; José Medina Mora, President of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) ; Altagracia Gómez Sierra, Coordinator of the Advisory Council for Regional Economic Development and Relocation (CADERR); Sergio Contreras Pérez, Executive President of Comce; Leonardo Poblete Galván, Head of the Institutional Promotion Unit of the National Bank of Foreign Trade (Bancomext) ; and Susana Duque Roquero, General Director of Comce.

In his welcoming message, Sergio Contreras Pérez emphasized that the country’s export growth cannot be understood without greater incorporation of female leadership.

“Mexico will not be able to reach its full export potential without fully incorporating the leadership, capacity, and vision of women in foreign trade. Our country can become the eighth largest exporting power, but to achieve this goal, women must not be spectators: they must be protagonists,” she asserted.

For her part, Alicia Bárcena linked sustainable development with women’s economic participation and highlighted that foreign trade also represents a way to project identity and values ​​to the world.

“Exporting is about projecting our identity; it’s about telling the world who we are, what we produce, and what values ​​underpin our economy,” he said.

From the business sector, José Medina Mora acknowledged progress in terms of gender parity, although he warned that significant challenges remain at the management levels.

“Although gender parity exists at entry levels, women are underrepresented in management, director, and general management positions. The key to achieving parity is to recognize talent and create opportunities equitably,” she noted.

One of the key findings of the discussion was the disparity between the participation of women-led and men-led businesses in international trade. According to the forum, in Latin America, less than a quarter of businesses are headed by women, and this gap is also reflected in export activity.

While 10% of women-led businesses export, the proportion reaches 14% for those led by men . This difference is partly due to structural factors: women-led businesses tend to be smaller, younger, and concentrated in the service sector, while men-led businesses tend to be larger and more focused on international trade in goods.

The forum also addressed the particular context of Mexico, where female representation in business leadership continues to be lower compared to other markets in the region.

With this meeting, Comce reaffirmed its commitment to opening spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity building that will allow for greater participation of women in foreign trade and accelerate their access to new internationalization opportunities.

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El cargo Comce places female leadership at the center of foreign trade apareció primero en T21.

Logistics costs in Mexico have ceased to be an operational issue and have become a structural problem affecting the country’s competitiveness, according to Javier Cendejas Meneses, president of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) Northeast chapter . He explained that while internationally logistics costs range between 5% and 35% of revenue, in Mexico they can reach up to 60% of sales .

“This is not just another expense. It is a factor that defines the very viability of competing in global markets,” he noted while presenting a diagnosis of the challenges facing Mexican foreign trade.

According to the analysis presented by the business organization, the transportation structure in Mexico reflects imbalances. 69% of exports and 46.7% of imports are transported by road , while ports handle 33% of imports.

However, these flows are not symmetrical. “Trucks leave full and return empty. Ships arrive loaded and leave with less volume. There is a clear inefficiency that we must correct,” Cendejas warned.

The diagnosis revealed a sustained deterioration in logistics-related costs. Between 2015 and 2025, transportation and storage costs increased by 72% , according to the National Producer Price Index (INPP) of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .

“This is compounded by the 48.8% increase in fuel prices in recent years, as well as the accumulated impact of tolls, transportation services and other indirect costs,” Cendejas Meneses noted.

He explained that shipping a container from Shanghai to Manzanillo costs around $3,312 and takes 16 days . In contrast, transporting it from Manzanillo to Monterrey can cost over $4,500 for a 30-hour journey. With tolls and delays, the total cost rises to approximately $8,585. “The problem isn’t the distance, but how we manage the final logistical leg within the country,” he explained.

“The underlying message is clear: Mexico has a historic opportunity to integrate itself with greater leadership into global value chains, but that opportunity will not materialize if logistics continues to be a bottleneck,” he warned.

For Comce Noreste, this link —which connects the ports with the industrial centers— has become the most vulnerable point in the chain.

According to the study, in 16 years Mexico only increased by 0.1 points and fell back 10 places in the World Bank ‘s logistics performance ranking .

Faced with this situation, Cendejas proposed strengthening investment in infrastructure, advancing the digitization of processes, consolidating logistics corridors, and developing safe rest stops for carriers .

“Logistics is not an add-on. It is the bridge between what we produce and the market. Making its cost more competitive is a strategic decision for Mexico’s economic development,” explained the president of Comce Noreste.

Cendejas called for improved transport planning, optimized packaging , advance customs documentation, and more efficient inventory management.

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El cargo Logistics costs impact Mexico’s commercial competitiveness: Comce Noreste apareció primero en T21.

One of the challenges of revising the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be addressing trade instruments such as Section 232, which have generated distortions in some productive sectors, said Kenneth Smith, president of the Mexico-United States Bilateral Business Committee of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) , who emphasized that the private sector’s objective is to preserve completely tariff-free trade within North America , provided that the rules of origin are met

During the forum “100 Days After the USMCA Review ,” Smith explained that, in the current trade environment, goods originating in the region continue to benefit from zero tariffs , while products from other economies face tariffs that can reach 10%, 25%, or even 50% in sectors such as steel, aluminum, or strategic minerals.

“This difference, he noted, reinforces the importance of strengthening North American production integration and expanding regional content in strategic industries such as automotive, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing,” a statement said.

In his remarks, he stressed that strengthening North America requires a regional strategy based on technical information , business coordination, and economic analysis that supports the treaty’s relevance to the governments of the three countries.

In that context, he presented the North American Trade Coalition (NATC) initiative , a trilateral platform that brings together representatives from industry and academia in Mexico, the United States, and Canada with the goal of generating analyses and proposals that demonstrate the economic impact of the USMCA.

Sergio Contreras Pérez, CEO of COMCE, emphasized that North America has consolidated its position as the most integrated manufacturing region in the world , operating as a single manufacturing platform. He indicated that bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States is close to one trillion dollars annually, while total trade within the USMCA—including services such as transportation, tourism, and financial services—is approaching 1.8 trillion dollars.

For his part, Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Economy , stressed that the participation of the private sector will be crucial in the review process.

He reported that the formal start of discussions is scheduled for March 16 and added that priority issues include rules of origin, strengthening regional supply chains, and substituting extra-regional inputs with production within North America.

“We believe that at the end of the treaty review we will have a trilateral agreement in which Canada is a fundamental part. Our vision, and I believe it is Canada’s vision as well, is a regional one. If we are together, we are stronger,” he added.

During the forum, Juan Cortina Gallardo, representative of the Mexican Business Council , noted that the private sector of the three countries is working together to preserve the trilateral nature of the agreement. He recalled that 13 million jobs in the United States depend on trade with Mexico and Canada, and emphasized that the region’s productive integration is one of the pillars of its global competitiveness .

The forum also included a panel focused on regional competitiveness, technological innovation, and supply chains. Sofía Pérez Gasque, general director of the Mexican Association of the Information Technology Industry (AMITI) , emphasized that the information technology sector plays an enabling role for multiple industries.

Among other business leaders and specialists, Carlos García, president of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico , pointed out that the economic integration between Mexico and the United States is reflected in the regional production structure. He indicated that approximately 40% of the value of Mexican exports incorporates U.S. content, demonstrating the high degree of interdependence between the two economies.

Comce reaffirmed its commitment to contribute its technical capacity, international experience and knowledge of the commercial environment to support companies and authorities in the process of reviewing the agreement.

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El cargo Private sector seeks to preserve tariff-free trade in USMCA review: Comce apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) indicated that Mexico’s exports reached a historic performance in 2025, registering a record of 664 billion 837 million dollars (USD), representing an increase of 7.6% compared to the accumulated total for 2024 , according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) . Therefore, it suggested that this strength could translate into opportunities to boost greater domestic economic growth.

“Mexico is an exporting powerhouse that holds leading roles globally and is the United States’ main trading partner. It exports more than $1.26 million per minute. Furthermore, the country ranks among the world’s most open economies, with foreign trade now equivalent to 75% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reflecting a high level of integration into global value chains,” highlighted Sergio Contreras, executive president of COMCE.

The organization specified that, despite the performance of the external sector, GDP growth in 2025 was only 0.39%, reflecting a gap between export volume and its impact on the domestic economy . In response, Contreras proposed strengthening domestic content and production chains to generate greater added value in exports.

According to figures from INEGI, over 90% of Mexican exports are manufactured goods, totaling US$608.818 billion, primarily in the automotive and electronics sectors . However, a significant portion of the inputs are imported, which limits the multiplier effect of foreign trade on domestic growth.

Comce noted that sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, advanced electronics and specialized machinery offer opportunities to increase national content and expand regional productive integration, with the goal of turning export leadership into an engine of sustained growth .

Contreras concluded that  strengthening the correlation between exports and economic growth will allow  Mexico to translate its commercial strength into long-term well-being and development.

In the context of the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , scheduled for this year, the Comce called for coordinated efforts between authorities and the private sector to evolve towards a more integrated and competitive production model.

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El cargo Foreign trade, an opportunity to boost the Mexican economy: Comce apareció primero en T21.

With the aim of anticipating the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities that will mark the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026, the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) convened business leaders, specialists and representatives of strategic organizations at the meeting “Mexico on the path of USMCA review and the impact of tariffs” , held in Mexico City.

Through its USMCA Technical Strategy Committee, the organization opened a space for analysis on the North American trade environment, tariff risks, and the need for a coordinated stance between the private sector and government.

During the meeting, Sergio Contreras Pérez, CEO of COMCE, underscored the region’s strategic importance, noting that the USMCA represents approximately 30% of global GDP and $1.93 trillion in regional trade. In this context, he emphasized the importance of building a shared vision among Mexico, the United States, and Canada to expand the opportunities generated by more than three decades of economic integration.

The geopolitical dimension of the review was addressed by Roberta Jacobson, former U.S. ambassador and founding partner of Dinámica Américas, who warned that the process will be decisive for the region’s future. She noted that Mexico must rely on its institutional strengths to navigate a complex environment, while reaffirming its role as a key partner for U.S. global competitiveness.

From a bilateral perspective, Kenneth Smith Ramos, president of the Mexico-United States Bilateral Committee of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE), maintained that Mexico must stand firm against potential tariff pressures , noting that Mexico is the primary destination for U.S. exports. In this regard, he emphasized that technical preparedness and responsiveness will be decisive factors during the review of the trade agreement.

Sectoral analysis also played a central role. Juan Acra, president of the Mexican Energy Council , emphasized the urgent need for a regional policy that strengthens energy security and provides certainty for infrastructure investments. In the legal sphere, Mario Valencia, partner at Galicia Abogados , explained that the review of the USMCA will be a technical exercise focused on compliance with environmental, energy, and labor commitments.

In strategic industries, Antonio Ortiz Mena, president of the USMCA Committee of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE), noted that North America has the conditions to move toward self-sufficiency in steel and aluminum through greater trilateral coordination. Meanwhile, Armando Ortega, president of the Mexico-Canada Bilateral Committee, raised the opportunity to promote a chapter on critical minerals that would ensure the regional supply chain, key to the energy transition, artificial intelligence, and technologies related to national security.

The automotive sector reaffirmed Mexico’s position within the bloc. Francisco González Díaz, executive president of the National Auto Parts Industry (INA) , emphasized that the country remains an indispensable supplier for U.S. automakers , a strength that should be reflected in the negotiation strategy.

The international vision of Comce was presented by Juan Pablo Cervantes Sánchez Navarro, president of the North American International Section, who stated that regional competitiveness will depend on deepening integration and building a common agenda that transforms the review of the USMCA into a structural opportunity for the region.

From the federal government, Ismael Ortiz, head of the Global Economic Intelligence Unit of the Ministry of Economy , assured that Mexico is entering the review process strengthened thanks to its industrial capacity, innovation ecosystem and competitive talent , elements that can turn the review into a factor of greater certainty and trade fairness.

The meeting also included the participation of José Medina Mora, president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) , as well as representatives from the  Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) , the Mexican Business Council , the financial sector, customs agents and international trade specialists, who contributed different perspectives to the debate.

The forum called for strengthened regional and business coordination to transform the challenges of the USMCA renegotiation into long-term advantages. COMCE reiterated its commitment to supporting the Mexican private sector, boosting foreign trade, strengthening investment attraction, and promoting innovation through 2026.

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El cargo Comce and the business sector outline Mexico’s strategy for the USMCA review apareció primero en T21.

Kenneth Smith, president of the Mexico-United States Bilateral Business Committee of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) , warned that the review process of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will formally begin in 2026, will be complex, although he emphasized that there is broad support in the United States for extending the trade agreement

Smith, who participated last week in the hearing organized by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) , explained that the public consultation process received approximately 1,500 letters, of which “ more than 75% specifically address the need to extend the treaty for another 16 years .” Only 2% called for its cancellation.

However, he stressed that even sectors that support the USMCA raised concerns and areas for improvement.

“The vast majority of the comments are favorable, but they also include very specific recommendations on how to improve their operation and ensure compliance in all three countries ,” he said.

Among the points highlighted by US business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable and the National Association of Manufacturers, is the monitoring of constitutional reforms in Mexico and their impact on the investment climate.

The report that the USTR is due to submit to the U.S. Congress in January is key to understanding the scope of the review. But today, its contents remain unclear. Smith indicated that there is tension between the administration and Congress , which is demanding transparency and a written document .

“We don’t know if the government will deliver a detailed report or if there will only be closed-door hearings. That is the question Congress has at this time ,” he emphasized.

That means the uncertainty could continue through the first quarter of 2026 and this could take all year or even extend into annual reviews in 2027 and 2028

In response to recent statements by US President Donald Trump about a possible withdrawal from the agreement, Smith emphasized that it is a low probability , and considered these messages as tools of negotiating pressure, rather than real threats.

In this regard, regarding the process, the specialist insisted that Mexico should not improvise .

“If the United States raises the issue, we can’t start thinking about what we’re going to do then. We have to work on it now ,” he said.

He also emphasized that Mexico, the United States, and Canada can use the review to promote common policies on two fronts: combating unfair trade practices and boosting strategic investments in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, medical equipment, and data centers .

“Mexico is indispensable for the United States to be able to compete successfully in the future with China and other regions of the world ,” he stated.

For his part, Antonio Ortiz Mena, president of the USMCA Technical Strategy Committee of Comce, complemented the vision.

“We have to see the USMCA review as riding a crazy mouse. There will be ups and downs and stops, but we’re going to reach our destination ,” he said.

For Ortiz Mena, Mexico’s central objective should be to reduce the uncertainty caused by unilateral actions by the United States , such as tariffs under section 232 or restrictions due to economic emergencies.

“Maintaining zero tariffs would be of little use if the United States continues to use these instruments; we need real certainty ,” he added.

He considered that, paradoxically, the international context opens up great opportunities for Mexico , where providing certainty and privileged access will be vital to being one of the most important destinations for foreign investment.

Both specialists agreed that the review of the USMCA does not imply an imminent risk of breakdown , but it does imply a prolonged period of intense negotiation.

“We don’t foresee a collapse of the treaty. We see a complex process, with political pressure, but also with a clear agenda to strengthen North American competitiveness ,” Smith emphasized.

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El cargo Mexico must “buckle up” ahead of the USMCA review: Comce apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) presented its vision on the economic and trade landscape that Mexico will face in 2026, a year marked by the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , the advance of nearshoring (relocation of production lines) and the recomposition of global value chains

During the meeting, Susana Duque, general director of Comce, highlighted that the country is closing the year with solid economic foundations that support its strategic role in global trade.

“Mexico is today the 13th largest economy in the world, the tenth largest exporter and importer, and a country where 90% of exports come from manufactured goods,” he highlighted.

That industrial strength, he said, has allowed the country to consolidate its position as the main trading partner of the United States and as a relevant destination for new investments.

Duque recalled that Mexico recently reached a record for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) , with 40.906 billion dollars (USD), a figure that reinforces global confidence in the country and stressed that in 2025 there was growing interest in productive integration, energy transition, digitalization of trade and relocation of operations, factors that will continue to shape the economic agenda for next year.

For his part, Sergio Contreras, executive president of Comce, presented the macroeconomic projections for 2026.

For next year, the agency anticipated a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 1.29% , while inflation was expected to be around 3.9%, after a decline compared to 2024.

Regarding exports, Comce estimated a close of 660 billion dollars for 2025 and a projection of 700 billion dollars for 2026, despite a global environment that could slow down.

Contreras pointed out that Mexico is maintaining a steady progress that could even raise it from the tenth to the ninth largest exporter in the world.

Contreras emphasized that the country remains the fifth largest recipient of FDI globally, according to international estimates. The United States contributes approximately 40% of these flows, followed by Spain, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada.

By 2026, Comce projected between $40 billion and $45 billion in FDI, driven by global industrial repositioning, the relocation of companies ( nearshoring and friendshoring ), the broad Mexican manufacturing base , and the possibility of co-investments between Mexican and international firms.

The manufacturing sector accounts for 37% of recent FDI, followed by financial services, trade, transport and construction.

Contreras highlighted that Mexico’s manufacturing structure, supported by a highly skilled workforce, particularly in STEM areas (science , technology, engineering and mathematics ) , continues to be the pillar of foreign trade.

Sectors such as automotive, electrical-electronic, machinery, medical devices and digital technologies will continue to lead export flows.

Among the factors with the greatest potential for 2026, Comce identified nearshoring and international co-investment, given the reconfiguration of tariffs and global chains; the energy transition, which will attract new megaprojects; regional value chains, especially in North America; as well as diversification towards the European Union (EU), with the modernization of the EU-Mexico trade agreement.

In the automotive sector, he emphasized that 42% of the US industry depends on Mexican auto parts and manufacturing , evidence of a deep integration that will be a determining factor in the review of the USMCA.

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El cargo Comce anticipates a decisive 2026 for foreign trade and foreign investment in Mexico apareció primero en T21.

Within the framework of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Singapore , business leaders and authorities from both countries inaugurated the First Mexico-Singapore Business Forum , a meeting that seeks to promote new alliances in manufacturing, technology, logistics, innovation and sustainable development .

Francisco Cervantes,  president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) , emphasized that the meeting comes at a key moment for trade diversification. He noted that Singapore has become Mexico’s second-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with annual trade reaching nearly four billion dollars .

“Mexico is a country fully integrated into global trade and a natural partner for Singapore. The quality of Mexican labor, our cultural richness, and our connection to North America make our country an attractive destination for investment,” Cervantes stated.

He noted that the proximity to the United States, with a border of 3,156 kilometers (km) and a daily trade flow of 1,200 million dollars , opens up opportunities for joint projects that take advantage of both the North American and Asian markets.

In his speech, Sergio Contreras , executive president of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) , presented an overview of the importance of foreign trade in Mexico , highlighting that it is the 13th largest economy in the world , in addition to ranking tenth as an exporting and importing country  , and that foreign trade represents 75% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Exporting manufactured goods requires very strict standards. Mexico has built a robust and competitive industrial base over decades,” he emphasized.

Contreras highlighted that Singapore is a global leader in competitiveness and innovation , as well as the most important port operator in the world.

“Mexican manufacturing and Singaporean innovation are a natural combination. Together we can lead global markets,” he emphasized.

He also celebrated Singapore’s imminent appointment as the first associate member of the Pacific Alliance , a step that will expand productive integration between Asia and Latin America.

For her part, Yong Hsin Yue , vice president of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) , said that her country’s business community sees Mexico as a strategic partner for expanding in America.

After leading a business mission in Mexico City, he highlighted that the Mexico Plan , promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has given confidence to the Singaporean private sector by defining priority sectors and streamlining administrative processes for investment.

“This forum is more than a symbol. It’s a platform for building the future. We want to foster long-term business relationships, understand local regulations, and adapt solutions to the Mexican market,” he stated.

He also emphasized that Mexico and Singapore are natural gateways to their respective regions, Mexico to America; Singapore to Asia.

In a speech that evoked the history of the Manila Galleon and the circulation of Mexican silver through Asia 500 years ago, Tharman Shanmugaratnam , President of the Republic of Singapore, emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has deep roots that are being revived today in a new economic context .

“Mexico and Singapore believe in being open societies. We know that our well-being is built by connecting with the world,” he stated.

This also comes in the context of the announcement that Singapore will open a resident embassy in Mexico City in 2026 , its first in a Spanish-speaking country and its second in Latin America.

Tharman Shanmugaratnam assured that this will strengthen direct contacts, business alliances, and cooperation.

“The global economic order is uncertain, but opportunities lie in diversification and regional networks. Mexico and Singapore are well-positioned to lead this new reality,” he emphasized.

The shared vision is to build a transpacific economic route , where Mexican manufacturing and Singaporean technology are integrated to access global markets.

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QUERÉTARO, QRO. – With the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on the horizon and an increasingly competitive international environment, Mexico must prepare itself with intelligence, coordination, and a long-term vision to strengthen its position in North America , specialists agreed at the panel “ Connecting Markets: Disruptive Strategies for Successful Trade . ”

The meeting, held within the framework of the XXXI Mexican Foreign Trade Congress , organized by the  Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce Nacional) , put on the table the issues that will mark the Mexican trade agenda towards 2026: subnational diplomacy, tariff policy, regional competitiveness, talent and technological transition .

States, key in the USMCA review

Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, head of the  Secretariat of Sustainable Development of Querétaro , stressed that state governments play a strategic role in strengthening production chains and economic diplomacy.

“We are promoting regional integration in eight areas of the country, the development of suppliers, and the professionalization of public officials in foreign trade,” he emphasized.

The official recalled that the 32 heads of economic development recently met at the invitation of the Ministry of Economy , headed by Marcelo Ebrard, to define state contributions in preparation for the treaty review.

“Each state must contribute what makes it strong; the country is diverse, and in that diversity lies our strength,” he stated.

For his part, Kenneth Smith , president of the Mexico-United States Bilateral Business Committee of Comce and partner of AGON , warned that, although the USMCA does not automatically contemplate a renegotiation, there are clear signs from Washington that point towards a deep review under the new US administration.

“Mexico must be ready for an administrative review or even a partial renegotiation. The private sector can support the government with information and proposals in bilateral consultations,” he explained.

Smith considered it would be “ideal to reach the review process in 2026 without tariff pressures” and acknowledged the importance of aligning trade and security policies to maintain the principle of free trade.

“Mexico’s position must be clear: to maintain free and competitive trade that strengthens North American production chains in the face of China,” he stressed.

Automotive sector: an example of regional success

For Francisco González Díaz , executive president of the National Auto Parts Industry (INA) , the auto parts sector is the best reflection of the success of integration in North America.

“The future of the sector is extraordinary. Electromobility, artificial intelligence, and added value will redefine automotive manufacturing, and Mexico is ready to lead that transition,” he stated.

González revealed that INA works with the World Bank , Bancomext and the Mexican Association of Private Industrial Parks (AMPIP)  to train suppliers and certify companies, with an emphasis on technical talent and micro-credentials.

“It’s no longer just about assembling, but about designing and developing technologies. Today, Mexico is part of the global innovation ecosystem,” he noted.

For his part, Del Prete maintained that education is the foundation of economic development.

“We train more than five thousand engineers a year in Querétaro. The challenge is to move from ‘pressing the button’ to designing it. Only then will we be competitive,” he commented.

The official highlighted that Querétaro is committed to new industries, such as aerospace, data centers and space , with a focus on sustainability and technological innovation.

“We want innovation, logistics, supplier development and environmental care to be part of a new stage: moving from local pride to global leadership,” he added.

Regarding tariff policy, Kenneth Smith warned that raising generalized tariffs can cause more harm than good.

“We must use precision-firing tools – such as anti-dumping measures – and not a ‘shotgun blast’ that affects allied countries like Korea or Brazil,” he explained.

He also proposed moving towards a trilateral trade defense policy and regulatory convergence to address unfair practices in a coordinated manner.

Proactive agenda for USMCA 2.0

Smith outlined four strategic lines that Mexico could promote during the review:

1. Sectoral trilateral cooperation in areas such as food, medical equipment and ICT.
2. Joint regulation in artificial intelligence.
3. Acceleration of renewable energies.
4. Real boost to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through mirror financing in the three countries.

González Díaz, in turn, warned that although the term nearshoring has lost prominence, it will return when there is political and regulatory certainty.

“We must prepare ourselves with talent, infrastructure, energy, and legal certainty. If we achieve that, Mexico will be the big winner of this industrial reconfiguration,” he asserted.

The panel made it clear that Mexico faces a crucial juncture: shifting from a defensive stance to a proactive agenda that solidifies its role as a strategic partner in North America. With education, innovation, coordination, and certainty, the country could not only navigate the USMCA renegotiation but also strengthen its industrial leadership on the world stage.

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El cargo Mexico faces the challenge of the USMCA review apareció primero en T21.