Amid geopolitical tensions, disruptions in supply chains and a growing regionalization of trade, Mexico finds itself in an unprecedented strategic position, specialists agreed during the panel More than logistics: the new exporting Mexico and the reconstruction of its supply chains , held within the framework of The Logistics World Summit & Expo .

Enrique Llaca, Corporate Commercial Director of TRAXION , set the starting point of the debate by emphasizing that Mexico is experiencing a decisive moment within the commercial dynamics of North America.

He emphasized that, beyond the geographical proximity to the United States, the real challenge lies in how to transform the current context into a competitive advantage. In this regard, he stressed that logistics has ceased to be merely an operational support and has become a strategic enabler capable of driving industries forward, provided that supply chains become more efficient, resilient, and collaborative in the face of current challenges.

Mexico has positioned itself as the United States’ main trading partner, a factor that opens up opportunities but also raises the bar. For Luis Aguirre, vice president of the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (Index) , the challenge is not new, but it is more complex.

“We live in an environment of constant uncertainty, with regulatory changes, compliance requirements, and security challenges. However, logistics has proven to be a resilient and adaptable sector,” he noted.

In that regard, he stressed that the country must capitalize on its strategic location through greater integration of logistics services, evolving towards more complete and higher value-added solutions.

From an industrial perspective, César Pedrero, Director of Commercial Vehicle Logistics at Daimler Truck , stressed that Mexico and the United States must move beyond the logic of competition and embrace a complementary vision .

“If we coordinate properly, both economies can strengthen. The United States has leadership in innovation and capital; Mexico, in costs, flexibility, and efficient manufacturing,” he explained.

However, he warned of a growing risk: the shortage of technical talent. “If we don’t invest in education and training today, we will face a bottleneck in the future ,” he cautioned.

For Ana Paula Ordorica, journalist and international analyst, the real challenge for Mexico is not only to maintain its commercial position, but to consolidate itself as a reliable partner.

“Mexico’s centrality does not equate to protection. What is needed is operational certainty: infrastructure, energy, regulatory compliance, and traceability,” he stated.

Furthermore, he anticipated that the next review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be more complex than previous ones, incorporating issues such as supply chain security, rules of origin, and the relationship with China.

Companies: From Reaction to Anticipation

Given this environment, the panelists agreed that companies must adopt a more strategic approach.

Key recommendations include mapping risks and dependence on critical inputs, diversifying suppliers and logistics routes, strengthening customs and documentary compliance, and integrating into chambers and associations to influence the public agenda.

“Getting to the USMCA review with the least possible vulnerability will be key,” Ordorica noted.

According to Pedrero, one of the most relevant changes in the industry is the evolution in the relationship with logistics providers.

“We’ve moved from a transactional relationship to a strategic collaboration. Today we’re looking for partners who share information, technology, and responsiveness,” he explained.

Digitalization, real-time visibility, and operational resilience have become central elements for maintaining competitiveness.

The panel’s consensus was that logistics has ceased to be an operational area and has become a strategic enabler of economic development.

In an environment where disruption is the norm, the ability to anticipate, adapt, and collaborate will determine whether Mexico consolidates its position as a global export hub .

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Within the framework of a scenario where there is a slowdown in production and exports due to the drop in demand from the main market, the United States, the domestic market maintains a positive pace, although there are “screws to tighten.”

In this context, the prospects for the industry that participates in the national market have challenges ahead, which must be addressed head-on, expressed specialists within the framework of the AMDA 2024 Forum , organized by the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA) .

Regarding the outlook for the industry and global competition, Many Katakis, senior analyst at  S&P Global Mobility, reiterated that Mexico is a crucial source of light and heavy vehicle production, surpassing countries such as Japan and Germany in volume.

However, he warned about growing competition from China, especially in the export from this territory of trucks and buses with alternative fuels such as natural gas and electricity.

Katakis also noted that Chinese truck imports have increased significantly, with 25% of mid-size commercial vehicles being alternative fuels. This growth in Chinese imports poses a challenge for Mexico, which is heavily dependent on the US market.

He noted that big players such as PACCAR ,  TRATON and  Daimler Truck will continue to dominate the market in 2024.

Likewise, Jorge Arturo Gordillo Arias, director of Economic and Stock Market Analysis at  CI Banco , highlighted the importance of nearshoring for attracting investments in Mexico , estimating that it should exceed 40 billion dollars.

In addition, Gordillo mentioned that production and inputs in the automotive sector are performing well, but emphasized the need to improve conditions to attract more investment and compete globally.

In the perspective of Guillermo Rosales, executive president of AMDA, despite the adverse movements in production and exports, the domestic market showed a notable recovery, with the marketing of 22,052 units of heavy commercial vehicles, which represents a increase of 10.1% compared to the previous year and 24% more than in May 2019.

“By the end of 2024, sales could exceed 56,000 units, very close to 57,000 units, establishing a new sales record in Mexico, surpassing the 2007 record,” Rosales said.

At the end of last May, the production of heavy units in Mexico decreased 15% compared to the same cycle in 2023, totaling 79,900 units produced. Meanwhile, exports had a decrease of 15.8% to reach 63,404 units sent abroad in the same cycle.

A point to highlight is Mexico’s position as a world leader in the production of heavy vehicles, emphasized Virginia Olalde, director of Foreign Trade and Economic Studies of the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor Producers (ANPACT) . In 2023, the industry broke a record with the production of 222,813 units, of which 177,541 were for export.

“Mexico remains the world’s leading exporter of tractor-trailers and the fourth largest exporter of heavy vehicles. This industry generates employment and social development in more than 10 states of the republic, with 12 manufacturing plants in operation,” Olalde clarified.

However, he stressed the need to renew the vehicle fleet and improve environmental regulations to continue being competitive globally.

The AMDA 2024 forum made it clear that , despite the current challenges , the projections for the automotive sector in Mexico are positive. The combination of a robust domestic market, leadership in the production of heavy vehicles and the commitment to the renewal and improvement of environmental regulations, positions Mexico to continue being a key player in the global automotive industry.

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