The growth of e-commerce has ceased to be a complementary strategy for major  retail  players and has become a constant source of pressure on their supply chains. In this context, The Home Depot Mexico has had to redesign a significant portion of its logistics operations to respond to customers who now demand not only product availability, but also faster deliveries, real-time tracking, and a seamless omnichannel experience . 

Salvador Muñoz, the company’s Vice President of Supply Chain, acknowledges that Hot Sale, for example, has become one of the most complex periods for the  retailer ‘s logistics operations , even with characteristics distinct from Buen Fin. While the latter maintains a mass-market and generalist profile, Hot Sale requires a focus on technological capabilities and digital responsiveness. “Where we really need to shine is with our online customers ,” he states in an interview. 

Preparation begins long before the start of the sales campaigns. Muñoz explains that the company works up to a year in advance to define products, validate standards, packaging, and certifications, especially for imported goods. But the real challenge lies in forecasting and distribution capabilities . “We have to identify the right demand to determine where it will be available and in which stores it will be sold,” he points out. 

The logic behind The Home Depot’s operating model is based on bringing inventory closer to the customer and leveraging the extensive network of its 143 stores nationwide as  fulfillment points . This involves balancing inventory, avoiding premature stockouts, and responding accurately during peak demand seasons . In parallel, the company has strengthened its technology platforms to offer real-time order tracking and expand its delivery capabilities. 

The company has added new parcel delivery partners and opened more dispatch points to avoid bottlenecks during peak demand. The goal is to maintain increasingly aggressive delivery promises, even on weekends. “We always aim for next-day delivery,” explains the executive, detailing that the strategy already includes Saturday and Sunday deliveries through more regionalized logistics networks . 

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Enrique Duarte Rionda  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo The challenge behind the click apareció primero en T21.

The rapid growth of e-commerce in Mexico continues to test the country’s logistical capacity, especially during periods of high demand such as Hot Sale and the 2026 World Cup , which this year coincide with other commercial and holiday campaigns.

According to Antonio Torres, CEO of Lievant , the national logistics infrastructure is still not progressing at the same pace as e-commerce, which maintains growth rates close to 20% annually.

“The logistics infrastructure is definitely not keeping pace with the growth of e-commerce , and it’s unlikely to ever do so. We’ve been growing at rates of 20% and above for several years now, and this year it’s estimated that we’ll be close to 20% again. So, there’s simply no infrastructure that can keep up,” he stated.

According to the executive, during Hot Sale days, last mile orders increase between 40% and 50% per day compared to a normal month, a situation that generates saturation in both fulfillment centers and delivery networks.

As a result, major marketplaces have had to extend their delivery times.

“Amazon and Mercado Libre typically double their delivery times during this season. That slightly affects user satisfaction,” he commented.

Unlike previous years, Torres pointed out that in 2026 the Hot Sale promotions are combined with the World Cup, the commercial campaigns of self-service and department stores, as well as purchases related to Father’s Day.

“We recommend that our customers view it all as one big season that could last until the end of June,” he said.

While it anticipates a moderation in order volume after the Hot Sale (which ended on June 2), it believes that demand will remain high for several weeks due to the interest generated by the World Cup.

The last mile presents the greatest challenges

For Lievant, the most pressured link in the logistics chain remains the last mile, which currently represents about 50% of the total cost of delivering a product to the end consumer.

“When you have an event like Hot Sale, there isn’t enough transportation, independent delivery drivers, and logistics companies to deliver that last mile,” he explained.

He also noted that the costs of this stage have increased by about 15% in the last 12 months due to the increase in fuel, wages and other operating factors.

“These costs have ended up being absorbed by the business, in the best-case scenario, or in the worst-case scenario the end consumer ends up paying an extra fee for the delivery of their product,” he added.

Given this scenario, the CEO of Lievant recommended that companies rely on specialized logistics centers and take advantage of the fulfillment infrastructure of large marketplaces for high-turnover products.

However, he acknowledged that keeping delivery promises has become increasingly difficult.

“I can tell you openly that it is very complicated because the logistics infrastructure of even the largest marketplaces is not keeping pace with the growth of e-commerce ,” he said.

Despite this, he considered that during promotional seasons Mexican consumers prioritize other factors over delivery speed .

“If you were to ask me what the first obstacle is for a user to buy from your online store, today it won’t be the delivery time, but the promotion you have,” he explained.

Reverse logistics also increases the pressure

Another effect of peak demand is the increase in returns and refunds.

According to Torres, in categories such as fashion, returns usually represent between 8% and 15% of sales, a percentage that can increase to 50% during high-demand campaigns.

“Reverse logistics costs three times more than initial logistics,” he warned.

Therefore, he recommended that companies consider a significant increase in these costs in their financial planning.

Domestic challenges are compounded by those related to cross-border e-commerce.

Torres indicated that during 2025 more than 30% of e-commerce sales in Mexico came from cross-border operations , mainly from China and the United States.

“When you’re talking about 30% of the product sold coming from abroad, then you have a very significant challenge at the customs level,” he stressed.

However, he explained that regulatory changes and new tariffs have begun to modify this dynamic, gradually favoring a greater share of domestic trade.

Automation advances

Regarding technological adoption, the executive acknowledged progress in automation within Mexican logistics centers , although he considered that the pace is still lower than that observed in the United States.

“Automation will help you with errors and will help you reduce costs. It’s just that in Mexico it’s a little slower,” he commented.

He attributed this difference to the lower labor costs that still exist in the country, which reduces the economic urgency to replace manual processes.

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El cargo Peak seasons put pressure on a logistics infrastructure that is already operating at its limit: Lievant apareció primero en T21.

Mercado Libre announced an investment of four billion 6 billion dollars (USD) in Mexico during 2026 , an amount that represents an increase of 35% compared to the previous year and that will be focused on strengthening its logistics infrastructure, technological development and financial services, in addition to boosting job creation.

The company detailed that the resources include both capital investment and operating expenses and will be directed towards strengthening the Mercado Libre and Mercado Pago ecosystem , with special attention to logistics operations, technological innovation and the expansion of its financial solutions.

As part of this plan, the company will create 8,500 new jobs, primarily to strengthen its logistics operations, as well as its business and corporate areas. This will bring the company’s workforce in Mexico to over 42,000 employees by the end of 2026.

“More than a record figure, this reflects our commitment to continue leading the transformation of the Mexican digital ecosystem. We are strengthening our logistics infrastructure, the innovations and financial solutions we offer that allow millions of Mexicans, entrepreneurs, and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to grow, and ensuring our users have the best possible experience. At Mercado Libre, we continue to deliver the best for Mexicans and thus consolidate the engine of the digital economy that undoubtedly drives the country’s economic development and progress,” said David Geisen, General Manager of Mercado Libre Mexico and SVP of Commerce for Hispanics.

With this new capital injection, the company will have allocated more than $14 billion to the country between 2020 and 2026 , consolidating Mexico as one of the company’s strategic markets and one of the main growth drivers in the region.

Mexico is Mercado Libre’s second most important market in Latin America. Furthermore, the platform has become the primary source of income for 45% of Mexican SMEs operating on its marketplace .

Currently, more than one million SMEs use Mercado Libre and Mercado Pago solutions, which has helped expand opportunities for e-commerce and financial services in the country.

The announced investment also reinforces the company’s commitment to continue expanding its logistics network in Mexico, a key component to sustain the growth of e-commerce and meet the increasing demand for fast deliveries and digital financial services.

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El cargo Mercado Libre steps on the gas in Mexico with record investment; focuses on logistics apareció primero en T21.

Automation has ceased to be a futuristic promise and has become a central component of Walmart Mexico and Central America’s logistics strategy. The company announced the integration of robotic technology at its Megapark in Tepotzotlán, State of Mexico, a move aimed at accelerating e-commerce order fulfillment , improving operational accuracy, and strengthening a logistics network that already distributes millions of items nationwide .

The stakes are high. The technological solution installed at the e-commerce-focused distribution center involved an investment of over 400 million pesos (MXN) and will quadruple order fulfillment productivity, at a time when the growth of e-commerce is increasingly putting pressure on supply chains to respond with speed and accuracy.

“What we are inaugurating here today is much more than new technology. It is a new way to grow, to collaborate, to better serve Mexico,” said Gastón Wainstein, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Real Estate for Walmart Mexico and Central America, during the event held at the logistics complex in the State of Mexico.

The executive explained that the operation incorporates “goods-to-person” and “pick-to-person” systems , whereby robots transport products directly to associates, avoiding long journeys within the warehouse and concentrating tasks at consolidation and dispatch stations. “This allows us to prepare many more orders faster, more safely, and with complete accuracy, combining the best of automation with the talent of our people,” he stated.

The automation of the Megapark is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Walmart’s logistics infrastructure in Mexico, supported by a network comprised of three Fulfillment Centers located in the State of Mexico (Tepotzotlán), Guadalajara, and Monterrey, in addition to five omnichannel distribution centers in Mexicali, Chihuahua, Culiacán, Villahermosa, and Mérida. These facilities not only process e-commerce orders but also supply physical stores in their respective regions . Furthermore, 61 Last Mile Hubs are responsible for connecting merchandise with the end consumer daily.

From Tepotzotlán, along with its fulfillment centers and omnichannel network, the company distributes millions of items to e-commerce customers throughout Mexico. In the State of Mexico alone, Walmart operates distribution centers in Cuautitlán, Chalco, San Martín Obispo, Santa Bárbara, and its own Megapark, in addition to more than 460 stores.

Cristian Barrientos, CEO and president of Walmart Mexico and Central America, stated that this logistical transformation responds to the need to more intelligently connect the company’s physical, technological, and human network . “The automation here at the Megapark e-commerce distribution center is precisely that connection made real. It marks a turning point in how we supply and deliver to our millions of customers,” he noted

The executive noted that Walmart has more than 3,300 stores in over 600 cities across the country and more than 200,000 associates in Mexico, a structure that is now seeking to enhance itself with technology to support the growth of e-commerce. In this context, he highlighted that the company announced investments of 43 billion pesos in Mexico and Central America this year, directed towards infrastructure, new stores, supply chain, and technology.

Part of that investment will be concentrated in the State of Mexico. Barrientos announced that Walmart will invest more than four billion pesos in the state during the 2026-2027 period , where it currently employs approximately 33,000 associates. More than two thousand people work at the Megapark e-commerce distribution center alone .

The logistical importance of the State of Mexico was also underscored by state authorities. Laura González, the state’s Secretary of Economic Development, described the project as “a materialized investment that transforms the way e-commerce operates in our country,” while also defending the state’s position as “the logistical heart of the country . “

The official highlighted that the logistics sector in the State of Mexico grew 12.8% annually during 2024, exceeding the national average, and that it comprises 2,945 logistics-related businesses and more than 716,000 jobs. “We not only participate in national logistics, but we lead its expansion,” she stated.

Similarly, Horacio Duarte Olivares, Secretary General of the Government of the State of Mexico, affirmed that every investment in logistics infrastructure represents greater job opportunities and economic dynamism for the state . “Thank you very much for trusting in the State of Mexico and making it possible for our economy to grow,” he expressed.

Beyond automation, Walmart made it clear that the goal is to build a scalable operation to support the growth of e-commerce in Mexico. “Today, this opening marks the transition from traditional logistics to automated and robotic logistics ,” Wainstein summarized. “I think I’m not mistaken in saying that there is no other operation with this level of automation in the country.”

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Enrique Duarte Rionda / @GrupoT21

El cargo Walmart de México is robotizing its Megapark in Tepotzotlán apareció primero en T21.

In the heart of Polanco, behind a discreet, signless facade, something happens that doesn’t resemble a supermarket, although, in essence, it is. There are no shopping carts, no cash registers, and no customers strolling through aisles; there is silence, concentration, and a precise choreography that begins with a sound : the sound of an order being placed on a cell phone.

There, in that dark store , begins the story of an alliance between Selecto Chedraui and Rappi Turbo that seeks to redefine how Mexicans shop.

What happens inside is designed to remain hidden. It’s part of a model that, as its name suggests, operates in the shadows of traditional retail .

But what is revealed upon entering is anything but opaque: compact shelves, routes calculated down to the millimeter, and a logistics system that responds not to display, but to speed .

The model has a physical base, but its logistics are entirely digital. These dark stores function as logistics hubs where inventory, data analytics, and last-mile delivery converge.

In other words, the store ceases to be a point of sale and becomes a cog in a network that responds in real time to demand.

There are more than 80 stores of this type planned in eight cities across the country: Mexico City, Querétaro, Puebla, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Saltillo, Mérida and Cancún ; with an investment of more than five million dollars (mdd) to strengthen technological and logistical infrastructure.

In each store, the selection can range from five thousand to seven thousand products, tailored to the specific micro-zone. Algorithms determine what sells best, at what time, and in which neighborhood. In this way, the supermarket becomes personalized without the user even noticing.

“We designed the assortment to sell, not to display,” summarized Dennys Espinoza, deputy director of Omnichannel at Chedraui.

The new promise of retail

For years, e-commerce has faced a dilemma: speed or price. Immediacy usually meant higher costs. This alliance seeks to break that trade-off .

“You can have a complete basket, at a competitive price, with the immediacy of Rappi,” Espinoza said.

The formula combines Chedraui’s more than 100 years of retail experience with Rappi Turbo’s technology and logistical capabilities . The result is a model that competes not only with traditional e-commerce , but also with convenience stores and, in some cases, with brick-and-mortar supermarkets.

And that is beginning to be reflected in consumer behavior.

“When you have this option, you no longer hesitate about going out or not. It starts to change the habit,” warned Andrés Palacio, director of Rappi Turbo for Mexico.

But behind the 10-minute promise lies a complex machine : artificial intelligence that predicts demand, systems that assign orders and routes in real time, temperature control to guarantee cold products, and a logistics network that is constantly adjusting.

Even the most everyday details are thought out: avocados at different stages of ripeness, already cold beer, or the development of a solution to deliver hot tortillas.

Everything happens in a space that isn’t in the city center, but on its strategic periphery. From there, the invisible store supplies entire neighborhoods.

The alliance between Rappi Turbo and Selecto Chedraui opened the doors of one of its dark stores to witness the active scene, which begins when an order comes in. Nayeli, who works as a picker, takes out her cell phone, follows the route indicated by the system, and in less than a minute, has a product ready.

The standard, the team explained, is around one minute and ten seconds. After that, the order is passed on to a delivery driver who is already on their way, because everything happens simultaneously here.

That is the heart of the alliance, an operation that promises to deliver a complete supermarket basket in less than 10 minutes, without sacrificing price or assortment.

“What we are building is the future of retail ,” Dennys Espinoza emphasized.

And it doesn’t present it as an incremental evolution , but as a change of logic: stop thinking about planned purchases and start attending to immediate, almost impulsive needs, but with the depth of a complete supermarket.

Because this isn’t just about “forgetting” items or last-minute purchases. The goal is more ambitious: to cover all consumption occasions throughout the day. From a missing breakfast, an unprepared avocado, a mid-afternoon craving, or even medication in the middle of the night.

Towards frictionless retail

The alliance, which has been in development for more than a year, comes at a key moment in an environment of high consumption and events such as the 2026 World Cup that will increase the demand for convenience.

The goal is to expand rapidly, cover more cities, and continue pushing a model that, for now, hasn’t reached its peak.  “We continue to grow every day,” the team acknowledged.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21

El cargo The invisible supermarket: Rappi and Chedraui’s bet on 10-minute deliveries apareció primero en T21.

In an environment of geopolitical tensions, tariff adjustments and constant regulatory changes, Rody Camacho , Global Channels & Alliances Director at Livingston International , said that the foreign trade landscape is “complex, but nothing that hasn’t been faced before . ”

The executive explained that factors such as international conflicts, disruptions in shipping routes and the increase in oil prices are impacting key variables such as exchange rates and logistics costs globally.

“Any international movement affects the economy of most countries, and Mexico is no exception,” he noted.

In this context, he highlighted that tariff volatility is not new, particularly since the first administration of US President Donald Trump , which has forced companies and governments to strengthen their capacity to adapt.

The expert emphasized that the key lies in regulatory compliance.  This includes everything from modifications to foreign trade rules to tariff adjustments affecting sectors such as automotive, textiles, footwear, and toys .

He explained that industries such as the automotive sector—the backbone of manufacturing in Mexico—are particularly sensitive to these changes, especially in schemes such as the bonded warehouse, where any adjustment can impact costs and inventories .

Camacho believes Mexico has demonstrated its ability to adapt to recent changes, including updates to customs legislation and foreign trade rules . However, he anticipates that these adjustments will continue in the short and medium term.

“This isn’t something new; it’s a trend that’s here to stay, so both companies and authorities must constantly evolve,” he stated.

In parallel, the company is moving forward with the integration of services with Purolator , a Canadian firm specializing in courier and transport, with the aim of offering comprehensive logistics solutions that combine consulting, customs clearance and transport.

Rody Camacho indicated that although transportation services in Mexico are currently operated by third parties, the expectation is to develop their own infrastructure in the future to strengthen their presence in the country.

The executive considered that the accelerated growth of e-commerce has increased the complexity of logistics operations by involving multiple actors, from courier services to last mile delivery.

He also highlighted strategies to avoid the impact of US tariffs , such as logistical schemes that allow goods to be moved between Asia, Mexico and Canada without generating triangulation or loss of origin, taking advantage of current trade rules.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21

El cargo The international trade landscape is complex, but manageable: Livingston International apareció primero en T21.

In an economic environment of global uncertainty, geopolitical pressures and an internal slowdown, access to reliable information has become the main strategic asset for the wholesale channel in Mexico, said Rolando Contreras , partner and director of the Grocery Division of ISCAM .

During his presentation at GS1 Mexico ‘s Business Factory , the specialist posed an analogy: operating without data in the sector is like “being in an unknown city, without language and without tools to make decisions” .

In that sense, he pointed out that two decades ago the wholesale sector in Mexico faced precisely that scenario: a market with high potential, but without the visibility or intelligence to measure it.

“If you don’t have information, you can hardly survive,” he stressed.

Contreras explained that the evolution of the wholesale channel has been closely linked to the generation of market intelligence. 

Today, the channel not only has aggregated data, but also detailed transactional information that allows us to understand who is buying, how they are buying, and what trends are prevailing. This has been key to consolidating wholesale as a pillar of consumption in Mexico .

Currently, the channel represents about 1.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) , distributes about 80% of the goods  that arrive at the corner store and serves more than 600,000 traditional points of sale.

A channel that didn’t disappear, but transformed

Contrary to predictions from decades ago, when its disappearance was anticipated in the face of large stores, wholesale not only survived, but adapted .

Among its main transformations are the evolution towards formats such as cash & carry , greater proximity to the end customer, integration with marketplaces and e-commerce and diversification of self-service points of sale.

“Today, wholesalers are stepping out of their comfort zone to become more competitive and reduce logistical and security risks,” he explained.

The executive warned that the current environment is marked by trade tensions led by the United States, restrictive monetary policies to contain inflation, and reduced liquidity and economic slowdown.

For Mexico, this translates into an estimated growth of just 3.3% by 2026 , a drop in investment stemming from political and trade uncertainty, a decrease in remittances, and weak consumer confidence.

Furthermore, factors such as insecurity and regulatory changes continue to affect investment decisions.

Despite the environment, consumption, which represents about 60% of GDP, remains resilient, although with significant changes.

Consumers are shifting towards cheaper products , prioritizing essential goods, and decreasing the frequency of purchases, but increasing the volume per visit.

In 2025, the wholesale channel registered a growth of 3.7% in value and barely 0.5% in volume , reflecting a market driven more by price than by real demand.

By 2026, ISCAM projected a growth of 4.3% , driven mainly by inflation, exchange rate stability, events such as the World Cup and the strength of the traditional channel.

However, Contreras emphasized that it will be a “defensive” year, with significant risks such as insecurity, weakening remittances, logistical pressure, and high dependence on external factors.

“Consumption will remain, but it will be more cautious. We won’t see aggressive expansion, but rather a market that seeks to sustain itself,” he stressed.

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El cargo Key aspects of the wholesale channel in a “defensive” 2026 apareció primero en T21.

Uncertainty surrounding US trade policies and geopolitical conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, will continue to affect air cargo this year, particularly in terms of rates; however, high-value products and e-commerce will drive growth in air freight.

Rubén Mascaraque, Corporate Airfreight Product Manager at TIBA , emphasized that the demand for high-value products—such as iPhone smartphones and sensitive goods (pharmaceuticals and perishables)—will continue to drive e-commerce, despite the contraction from China and the challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

In addition to the growth of semiconductors , which are fundamental to artificial intelligence (AI), and developments in the automotive industry, during the webinar “Air Cargo Outlook 2026 ,” it was suggested that the impact on maritime transport will benefit air transport.

Leonel Ortiz, Vice President of Operations at Avianca Cargo , explained that air cargo has registered constant growth since 2024, while in 2025 it reached record levels.

He recalled that in January of this year, moderate growth was expected, driven by e-commerce , disruptions in maritime transport, nearshoring (relocation of production lines) and high-value perishables, where Latin America only handles 3% globally; however, the value is significant and “that makes it more attractive.”

He mentioned that, in the case of Colombia, the export of flowers, perishables and pharmaceuticals , and, in terms of imports, e-commerce, technology and consumer goods have made this country a key player in the air transport market.

“ E-commerce is changing the game. Recent growth has been close to 30%. Now there are more shipments, smaller and more frequent, which changes operations. We’ve gone from consolidation to a constant flow. E-commerce will continue to drive demand for air cargo in the coming years,” he said.

William Rojas, Director of Cargo and Platform at El Dorado Airport in Colombia, commented that as part of the supply chain and ecosystem, an integrated model is required, a public policy for the development of procedures and regulations that facilitate cargo handling.

“We know that there are risks associated with the logistics chain and this is what we would seek to anticipate, identify and map as ecosystems, although we do not disregard the good practices carried out in other airports such as the ONE Record initiative of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for predictability,” he explained.

In 2025, El Dorado Airport handled 829,000 tons of cargo , a 2.4% year-on-year increase, primarily in the transport of flowers and perishable goods. It also has 24 cargo airlines operating in Bogotá.

Impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Rubén Mascaraque mentioned that the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran has caused a loss of approximately 13% in air capacity, although in some weeks it has reached up to 18% , in addition to route changes that have increased operating costs. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has impacted fuel supplies, cutting off 20% of the global supply.

 “ Fuel prices are rising, and this is something we will continue to see impacting fares in the coming weeks or months; congestion at other airports, we are not aware of it happening right now, but there will be a rebound effect in the coming weeks because there is a lot of demand from the Asian market to Europe, the United States and the Latin American market, which will bring more complications to an already strained supply chain,” he stated.

He noted that in 2025, global air cargo grew by 3.7% year-on-year , led by the Asia-Pacific region with an increase of 4.2%, while Latin America increased by 2.3%, with Peru and Panama driving this growth, in addition to Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, which hold 60% of the market share.

Meanwhile, the United States was one of the countries that fell, largely due to its tariff policies which, starting in April 2025, complicated e-commerce, also for the part of China that diverted cargo.

“There was sufficient capacity, but aircraft production isn’t progressing at the desired pace, resulting in a significant backlog of orders that represents almost 60% of the active fleet. This often means that airlines have had to ground aircraft for repairs, adjusting their fleets, and this has also negatively impacted capacity. It is expected that the situation will begin to normalize and that these pending aircraft will be delivered by the beginning of 2030,” Mascaraque stated.

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El cargo They predict that e-commerce and high-value products will boost global air cargo. apareció primero en T21.

LIMA, PE.- The imposition of tariffs by the United States generated an increase in global air cargo at the beginning of 2025, as  companies brought forward their shipments and restructured supply chains to reduce the impact.

“In 2025, companies faced the threat of these tariffs as well as political changes and uncertainty in the United States. To manage these risks, many businesses brought forward their shipments. At the same time, companies were restructuring their supply chains to reduce their exposure to tariffs. Global exporters redirected shipments to other markets, such as Europe,” explained Julia Seiermann, Head of Industry Analysis at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) .

Presenting the report  “Air Cargo, Trade and Economic Growth in 2025 ” at the IATA World Cargo Symposium 2026 (WCS) in Lima, Peru, Seiermann emphasized that the above also contributed to the creation of new routes for e-commerce and “played a critical role” in supporting the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and its investments.

“The message is clear: cargo is not just a means of transport, it is an essential infrastructure for the global economy,” he stated.

Average US tariffs rose by about 17% , a level not seen since the 1930s, though these increases were not the only source of friction. Measures, including the de minimis exemption—a provision that for years facilitated e-commerce and low-value cross-border purchases—further restricted market access.

“Before that, (tariffs) had been more or less below 3% all-time. So it really was a big increase. And then, for 2026, the outlook on tariffs is still actually uncertain,” he commented.

Seiermann mentioned that, although some tariffs were reversed with the US Supreme Court ruling on February 20, visibility and future trade policy remain limited , and this uncertainty itself is part of the problem.

“This trajectory shows direct political uncertainty and, as we can see, it spiked in 2025 and remains at record levels in 2026; from a business perspective, uncertainty is often much harder to navigate than the tariffs themselves,” he emphasized.

According to the document, in the first quarter of 2025, U.S. imports increased by $193 billion year-over-year, representing a 26 percent increase. The value of imports grew 81 percent year-over-year, reaching a total of $157 billion .

The specialist indicated that the capacity of air cargo to allow the rapid geographical reallocation of high-value and time-sensitive trade, in response to political shocks, was clearly demonstrated.

“During the period from April to December 2025, air cargo benefited much more from the expansion of trade routes than from those that were affected by the contraction of those routes,” he explained.

He explained that as  investment in AI increased in 2025 , air cargo efficiently and reliably delivered high-value, time-sensitive equipment such as servers, data storage units, and chips.

IATA reported that more than two-thirds of the value of AI-related trade was transported by air during the period, and that air cargo shipments of AI-related goods grew by 20% year-on-year.

“The rapid increase in demand for AI-related goods in 2025 was met by air freight, allowing investment to translate into economic activity rather than being constrained by logistics. As economies become increasingly and strategically dependent on high-value technology goods, air freight will continue to play a critical role in ensuring their timely delivery,” Seiermann stated.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  / Correspondent /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Tariffs generated changes in supply chains: IATA apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican printing industry has always been a strategic ally of the automotive sector , where printed materials guarantee quality and safety in technical manuals, dashboards and vehicle customization processes, explained Héctor Yáñez, president of the National Association of Industrialists and Distributors for the Graphic Industry (Anidigraf) .

Yáñez indicated that the automotive sector demands high-resistance printed materials capable of withstanding heat, grease, and gasoline .Even modern speedometers rely on specialized printing processes using high-performance engineering plastics.

“The automotive industry is very sensitive to the quality of the printed material because it conveys the quality and values ​​of the product they sell to customers,” he noted.

During the presentation of Expográfica 2026 , which will be held by Anidigraf from May 6 to 9 at Expo Guadalajara, the contribution of the graphic arts industry to the country’s economy was highlighted.

“ The printing industry in Mexico consists of approximately 20,000 economic units, according to the latest Mexican census; these are real, hard facts, meaning there are 20,000 printers in Mexico . This generates around 120,000 direct jobs and represents 1.9% of Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with a value of 463 billion pesos (MXN), and contributes an economic impact of 44,619 million pesos (MXN),” explained Héctor Yáñez. 

This industry has enabled domestic printers to supply products that were previously imported from Asia, such as specialized packaging and technical literature for the US market, reducing delivery times from weeks to just hours .

On the other hand, e -commerce is transforming the printing business model . Although the traditional market still dominates, digital platforms have imposed a standard of “immediacy and compliance,” forcing printers to modernize their file reception and delivery logistics processes .

“Today more than ever, immediacy is part of our daily lives, and the printing industry is no exception. E-commerce is also present in the industry, and it’s doing so with quality, especially in terms of delivering on promises. As part of these conferences, we’ll have success stories of how great entrepreneurs have achieved highly successful printing businesses guided solely by e-commerce ,” highlighted Lorena Escandón, Vice President of Communications at Anidigraf.

At the event, it was noted that the Mexican printing industry has contributed to the evolution of packaging in the logistics sector towards smart solutions with real-time traceability.

Expográfica 2026 will be held in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and will bring together 250 national and international brands. An attendance of 15,000 industry professionals is expected across 22,000 square meters.

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El cargo Mexican graphic arts industry, ally of the automotive and logistics sectors: Anidigraf apareció primero en T21.