TIJUANA, BC.- The Cali-Baja region is one of the most dynamic logistics corridors in North America, derived from cross-border productive and commercial integration , where manufacturing, transportation and supply chains operate under increasingly specialized binational schemes, as well as with new regulations that impact the cross-border transport of goods.

In the panel “Key Issues for Better Cross-Border Logistics” , Alfonso Millán, delegate in Tijuana, Tecate and Rosarito of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) , pointed out that being in Tijuana near the border with California – a state of the United States considered the fourth largest economy in the world – represents a privilege.

However, he considered that this proximity puts constant pressure on Baja California’s transportation companies, so a balance must be sought.

During the second edition of the Cali-Baja Transportation and Logistics Meeting  (ETYL) , organized by Grupo T21, Juan Báez, CEO of Bali Express Services , said that the region faces competition from other corridors in Mexico that have greater installed capacity, which forces local companies to improve their processes, be more efficient, invest in technology, raise operational standards and professionalize transportation. 

In his presentation, he indicated that between 80% and 90% of the production of the maquiladora plants established in Baja California is destined for California.

He pointed out that this northern state has had its ups and downs, since this market does not have the purchasing power it did three or four years ago, so companies in the region now also export outside of California .

According to data from the International Trade Administration , Baja California has more than 900 export manufacturing companies, many of which are directly linked to supply chains in California.

In that regard, Millán specified that the automotive, electronics, and medical industries are leading cross-border integration and have the greatest growth potential in the next five years. 

For his part, Báez indicated that the 2026 World Cup has boosted television sales, a sector from which Bali Express has benefited, since 80% of its customers assemble this product.

Adjustments to cross-border transport

The dynamics of foreign trade between Mexico and the United States are going through a time of high operational pressure, marked by regulatory adjustments and sustained growth in the flow of goods. 

In that context, the logistics sector faces structural challenges, as indicated by Carlos Ochoa, executive director of the Supplier Compliance Audit Network (SCAN) Association, who pointed out that the infrastructure “is not at the level of growth that Mexico is experiencing.”

The transportation sector is directly affected by these shortcomings, as every hour of downtime at the border represents not only economic losses but also a risk to cargo. Furthermore, insecurity and staff shortages in critical areas such as inspection and surveillance foreshadow a complex scenario in the coming years, which could impact bilateral trade.

From a regulatory perspective, Ochoa indicated that being CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) or an AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) does not mean being completely safe, since although they are necessary certifications, they have limitations. 

However, digital transformation is emerging as a way to address these challenges. The adoption of artificial intelligence, process automation, and advanced traceability systems is redefining logistics management and inspection mechanisms.

Authorities such as  Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have begun implementing digital tools to process large volumes of information in real time, which anticipates a profound change in the oversight of foreign trade, the specialist indicated.

The panelists noted that the digital transition in Mexico faces particular challenges and that the region requires greater integration between public and private actors, as well as a long-term vision to ensure the continuity of regulatory and infrastructure processes that transcend political cycles.

They also warned about the tightening of visa criteria for operators and new requirements at border crossings in recent weeks, which is impacting the continuity of supply chains and the efficiency of foreign trade.

Alfonso Millán indicated that 70 visas have been withdrawn under the argument that the operators were crossing on foot into US territory to pick up their units. 

Adding to this is a new and controversial CBP regulation regarding the transit of dry vans , where return shipments were being used to send empty vans that would later be filled with raw materials. However, the U.S. authority has begun to penalize this practice under the premise that an empty dry van is merchandise in itself. This “ is going to reshape the entire logistics landscape ,” Millán stated.

Juan Báez added that the transport sector has adapted to the changes in the international and global market , “and I think that differentiates us from the rest of the industry sectors, where transport always has to adapt to different eventualities.”

In addition to geopolitical and regulatory adjustments on the northern border, freight transport is impacted on national routes due to insecurity and organized crime, the panel indicated, where  sections in states such as Puebla, Veracruz, Michoacán and Guanajuato were identified.

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El cargo Competition and regulatory adjustments impact transportation in Cali-Baja apareció primero en T21.

TIJUANA, BC – The Port of Ensenada seeks to reposition itself as a strategic hub for maritime trade in Northwest Mexico amidst a global environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, pressure on supply chains, and the need to accelerate investments in infrastructure, digitalization, and logistics coordination. This was one of the main conclusions of the panel “Challenges and Opportunities of Maritime and Port Connectivity,” held within the framework of ETYL Cali-Baja 2026 , organized by Grupo T21.

During the meeting, representatives from shipping companies, port terminals, trucking companies, logistics operators, and the port authority agreed that Ensenada’s growth has ceased to be an expectation and has become a reality that is beginning to strain the region’s infrastructure and operational processes.

José Cobos, Sales & Marketing Director of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) , affirmed that the shipping company maintains a long-term commitment to Ensenada despite the volatility generated by the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the tariff landscape in North America. “MSC is a company that invests in the future, with a perspective extending to the next 10 or 20 years,” he stated, while also highlighting the growth of industries related to technology, semiconductors, and data centers in northwestern Mexico.

The executive noted that Ensenada has also become a relevant alternative for alleviating congestion at other Mexican Pacific ports, particularly Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas . From his perspective, the immediate challenge will be to support the potential growth in demand with greater logistical and maritime capacity. “Mexico is in a strong position despite the current geopolitical situation… in 10 or 15 years this will be a very important region,” he pointed out.

The growth vision was also supported by Ollincuauhtli Méndez, general manager of Hutchison Ports EIT , who noted that the group will celebrate 30 years of operation in Ensenada in 2027 and that it recently completed an expansion of the port terminal . He also announced the arrival of a new container crane this year as part of a strategy that combines infrastructure, automation, and artificial intelligence.

“The focus in operational matters isn’t just on infrastructure, but also on modernizing operations to make them more agile and adapted to the world we live in,” he said. He even detailed that the new cranes operate with remote controls, artificial intelligence, and machine learning tools capable of learning from operations to seek greater efficiencies.

Méndez acknowledged that the pressure on infrastructure is beginning to be felt as the region becomes more attractive to cargo that currently moves via Long Beach or Los Angeles . “We have a lot of room to grow (…) the market is large,” he asserted, noting that the terminal maintains commercial and scouting strategies to attract new volumes.

From the port authority, Fidel Murillo, Operations Manager of the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Ensenada , explained that the port is making progress on projects to expand its maritime and land capacity. Among these, he highlighted the upcoming tender to extend the turning basin from 450 to 550 meters , as well as dredging works financed through the FIDEMAR trust.

The official maintained that the port offers competitive conditions for handling deep-draft vessels and highlighted the recent inauguration of a maritime traffic control center that will provide shipping lines with real-time information on draft, transit times, and operational conditions. “This makes us more efficient, ensuring the fastest and most efficient arrival of ships,” he commented.

Murillo also revealed that Ensenada’s logistics strategy includes projects outside the port area, particularly the development of an inland port in Jatay , about 25 kilometers from the port, where a 1,000-hectare industrial zone is planned. The goal, he explained, is to alleviate pressure on urban operations and expand regional logistics capacity.

However, while investments are progressing, participants acknowledged that the main obstacles continue to be operational coordination and administrative processes. Israel Delgado, CEO of Express Service Transport Inc. , warned that “the highest cost we face is inefficiency,” particularly due to red tape and the coexistence of different regulatory and logistics actors.

The businessman also warned of two growing pressures: the shortage of truck drivers and the problems with land access to the port. “Ensenada is growing significantly, and the infrastructure is being overwhelmed ,” he stated, emphasizing the need to work with local authorities to prevent the last mile from becoming an obstacle to regional growth.

Francisco Espinoza, commercial manager of Internaves de México , focused part of his presentation on the need to standardize logistics processes to serve time-sensitive industries such as IMMEX (the maquiladora and export manufacturing industry) and aerospace. “ Just-in-time is not something to aspire to, but a fundamental element for supply chains,” he stated.

Espinoza warned that some regulatory and customs changes implemented at the national level do not necessarily reflect the operational dynamics of Baja California. “ There are horror stories out there , but the flow of this operation can be streamlined by sitting down together to review our needs,” he said, calling for greater coordination among authorities, terminals, and service providers.

The discussion also addressed the uncertainty generated by trade tensions between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Although participants acknowledged that the market reacted nervously to the new US tariffs and the USMCA negotiations, an optimistic view prevailed regarding the logistical potential of northwestern Mexico.

“It is very easy to lose trust and very difficult to regain it,” acknowledged Ollincuauhtli Méndez, who considered it essential to avoid regulatory bottlenecks and take advantage of technological modernization to streamline reviews and processes.

In parallel, Asipona Ensenada announced new projects linked to a bonded warehouse for the development of a multi-purpose terminal for general cargo – which is expected to be put out to tender soon – as well as a new cruise terminal and a large-scale tourist marina, initiatives that seek to expand the economic and logistical diversification of the port.

At the close of the panel, the participants agreed that the main challenge for Ensenada will not only be to grow, but to do so in a synchronized way between infrastructure, regulation, connectivity and customer service.

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El cargo Ensenada accelerates its logistics strategy apareció primero en T21.

The transformation of supply chains in North America, driven by nearshoring (relocation of production lines) and the growing need to reduce dependence on Asia, positions local and regional suppliers as a strategic component for industrial competitiveness. In this context, Baja California seeks to strengthen its supply capabilities for the export-oriented manufacturing industry .

According to Alfredo Vega, director of the Supply Committee of the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (Index) Mexicali , the region is going through a historic moment in this matter.

“There is now an explicit demand from purchasing companies to map which inputs and services can be acquired locally or regionally and not depend on Asia,” Vega stressed, referring to the impacts of tariffs on Asian inputs, mainly from China, and the reconfiguration of global supply chains.

Supply chain: the cornerstone of export competitiveness

Baja California is a state with a strong export and manufacturing focus. The maquiladora sector reached record exports in 2025, with 390,972.9 million pesos (MXN) , representing a 14.7% increase compared to 2024, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) .

This figure reflects an environment in which the demand for local suppliers has become more relevant in the face of challenges such as volatility in international logistics and changes in trade policies , which have become increasingly frequent since Donald Trump’s arrival to the presidency of the United States for a second term.

Vega indicated that Baja California has one of the largest volumes of companies that are within the Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry Program (IMMEX) , which is made up of approximately 1,128 operating units, concentrating 17.3% of the national total, according to figures from Inegi in January 2026.

“We are in a strategic area that has always been so and now we must take greater advantage of it, which is the so-called Cali-Baja region, in addition to Arizona and Sonora, which is a region that is not only working in a coordinated manner in terms of product innovation and alliances, but also for the development of talent, the skilled workforce that the entity has,” the specialist emphasized.

In that sense, the area seeks to leverage the talent that has been developed to boost the IMMEX industry with local and regional suppliers, which is a strategic priority.

“Currently, there are agreements with universities in Arizona and California, along with universities in Baja California and Sonora, to address this specialized demand for talent, such as software engineering , specialized semiconductor engineering, and the aerospace industry,” Vega explained.

Supply Match Platform

To address this structural opportunity, Index Mexicali has developed a platform called Supply Match that centralizes key information on the capabilities of regional suppliers.

In an interview with T21, Alfredo Vega explained that the project, built over two years with support from the state government and a business trust, allows for the registration of suppliers and buyers; the display of certifications, production capacities and contacts, as well as facilitating the link between companies and decision-makers.

“We’ve already reached 100% registration of companies and suppliers, and we’ll begin working with success stories to monitor and support business connections. The platform is practically ready and already operational,” Vega stated.

In this way, the platform becomes a key tool for multinational companies with operations in Baja California —from the aerospace, semiconductor, metalworking, plastic injection, and other industries— to identify and connect with local suppliers capable of meeting quality requirements, delivery times, and certifications.

Compliance programs are also being developed to raise supplier standards ; financial tools are being implemented to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale their production capacity; and virtual and in-person events are being organized to connect buyers and suppliers. The goal is to increase the proportion of locally sourced inputs.

Currently, between 3% and 5% of the inputs for exporting industries are acquired within the country, a figure that the business sector considers insufficient given the regional potential, Vega noted, indicating that greater integration of national suppliers could improve resilience, reduce logistics costs and delivery times , especially in strategic industries facing global disruptions, such as the conflict in the Middle East.

Strengthening local suppliers is also linked to public policy objectives such as the Mexico Plan , which aims to ensure that 50% of the supply in strategic sectors – steel and aluminum; heavy and light vehicles; auto parts and others – is made in Mexico.

With these actions, Baja California is committed to a strategy to consolidate a more competitive local and regional production ecosystem , aligned with the needs of global supply chains. The Supply Match platform, along with training initiatives and buyer connections, represents a firm step toward regional integration to leverage the advantages of nearshoring , border logistics, and the export industry.

On May 14, these topics will be addressed at the second edition of ETYL Cali-Baja (Transportation and Logistics Meeting) , a forum organized by  Grupo T21  that will bring together industry leaders and nearly 200 attendees at the Real Inn Hotel in Tijuana.  For more information, visit https://baja.etylmx.com/ .

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Humberto Cruz Moya  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Baja California: A regional supply hub for the export manufacturing industry? apareció primero en T21.

The second edition of ETYL Cali-Baja (Transportation and Logistics Meeting) will take place on May 14th. This region, comprised of San Diego and Imperial counties in the United States and Baja California in Mexico, has established itself as one of the most dynamic economic and logistics corridors in North America . Its location and industrial focus position it as a strategic area for cross-border trade and the ongoing reconfiguration of the region’s supply chains .

Data from the US Census Bureau indicates that in 2025, trade between the United States and Mexico reached a new milestone, with $872.834 billion in merchandise exchange , representing a 3.9% increase compared to 2024. Much of this trade was transported by land, across the border between California and Baja California.

In that context, the second edition of ETYL Cali-Baja 2026 , a forum organized by Grupo T21 , will bring together industry leaders and nearly 200 attendees at the Real Inn Hotel in Tijuana .

During the event, industry specialists will analyze the challenges and opportunities in the binational logistics context and its impact on supply chains, through four panels and a networking session  to share success stories in transport, logistics and industry, with the aim of boosting competitiveness and innovation in the region.

The ETYL Cali-Baja 2026 program presents a robust and diverse agenda, with panels on current logistics, such as the one on Logistics Chains that are Redefining Cali-Baja , which will address the industries that are generating the real logistics demand: aerospace, electronics, medical devices and specialized manufacturing.

Factors such as specialized manufacturing in Mexico and research activities, as well as high-tech development and services in San Diego, have triggered a highly integrated binational ecosystem, according to the Binational Trade & Competitiveness Report 2025, prepared by the  World Trade Center San Diego .

In the panel “Challenges and Opportunities of Maritime and Port Connectivity ,” specialists will discuss how the growth of maritime trade has enabled the development of new infrastructure and improved process efficiency. They will also talk about the modernization of the Port of Ensenada, Baja California, which in 2025 handled 427,499 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), placing it fifth in the National Port System .

This port is relevant to binational trade, as a gateway to the industrial and production zones of the United States.

Key issues for improved cross-border logistics will be another panel at ETYL Cali-Baja 2026. It will address how the growth of bilateral trade has put pressure on border crossings, where peaks of more than 4,700 trucks are recorded in a single day between Tijuana and San Diego.

The infrastructure challenges at the Mexicali-Calexico crossing will also be discussed, as well as the progress being made in incorporating new infrastructure at Otay Mesa East .

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) , the Otay-Tijuana border crossing is the second most important in trade with Mexico, which in 2025 totaled $59,978 million, with trucking being the main mode of exchange.

Machinery, parts and electrical equipment, together with vehicles, represent 40% of trade in this region.

According to studies by the  San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) , it is projected that once fully completed, the aforementioned border crossing will reduce waiting times by up to 50% on average, which could generate a significant increase in the value of regional bilateral trade .

In the panel Customs, compliance and risks at increasingly demanding borders , specialists will discuss the new legal framework for foreign trade operations with new rules on security, documentation, inspection, traceability and risk management.

This issue takes on relevance within the framework of the new Customs Law, which came into force on January 1, 2026, among whose changes is the  strengthening of the Electronic Customs System  as the axis of all operations.

For more information about the ETYL Cali-Baja, you can visit  https://baja.etylmx.com/ .

Given this scenario, Tijuana’s manufacturing industry seeks to strengthen the Cali-Baja area to attract and retain investment, especially for the advanced manufacturing industry.

In that sense, the United States and Mexico share this region, which has its own commercial dynamics and particular activity, so it is necessary to take care of it and continue to make it grow.

“It is a region that cannot be understood in any other way than through a joint dynamic. It is two countries in a single region,” highlighted Alonso Ibarra Arellano, president of the  National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra) Tijuana .

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El cargo ETYL Cali-Baja 2026, seeking the next generation of the binational logistics hub apareció primero en T21.

TIJUANA, BC.- Borders are no longer crossed with paper, but with data. At a time when logistics has ceased to be solely physical movement and has become connected intelligence, the “Connecting Borders” panel at ETYL CALI-BAJA  brought together customs sector specialists, 3PL operators, and transportation leaders to analyze the breaking point facing the supply chain.

Israel Delgado, regional vice president of the  National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar) , was emphatic in describing the current situation of the trucking industry, where safety, operator shortages, and overregulation are constant.

“Today, 40 trucks are stolen every day in Mexico. They’re not just robbed anymore; they’re shot at, they’re threatened with guns. The operator no longer wants to risk his life,” he explained.

Delgado also warned that 86% of the national market is in the hands of micro-enterprises operating with vehicles between 18 and 20 years old.

“When a business owner has one, two, or three vehicles, their priority is to keep the customer from getting angry and the driver from dumping the load. Everything else takes a backseat,” Delgado said.

During the panel, experts noted that freight transportation , considered a true reflection of economic growth, is beginning to show signs of slowing along the California-Baja California border. Although this region accounts for a daily trade flow of nearly $440 million , freight volume has decreased by 25 to 30% in recent months.

They commented that this is a temporary decline, attributed to temporary factors. The speakers warned that it is time to strengthen customs and logistics capacity to be prepared when activity picks up again.

From an institutional perspective, Claudia Ávila, Director General of Customs Services and International Affairs at Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM) , stated that customs can no longer operate under traditional schemes.

“It’s no longer just about moving goods, but about anticipating risks, building technological interoperability, and ensuring real-time traceability,” Ávila emphasized.

He highlighted that only 7% of the world’s customs have reached the highest level of technological integration, according to data from the World Customs Organization .

The specialist explained that Mexico has 50 main customs offices and 271 points of contact , including checkpoints, sectional offices, and inspection points.

“We can no longer view customs as mere tax collectors, but as strategic nodes of national competitiveness. Every module, every scanner, is part of a system that impacts foreign investment,” Ávila stated.

For his part, Carlos Ceballos, president of SDL Group , offered an overview of the silent but profound change that the logistics sector is undergoing.

“Today, logistics companies are becoming technology companies. The main component of consumer products is no longer manufacturing, but the cost of moving the goods,” he explained.

For Ceballos, logistics is no longer limited to moving goods. He explained that logistics costs can represent between 30 and 35% of a product’s final price.

In this context, the real challenge for companies is not just transportation, but also having sufficiently versatile systems that can connect with their clients’ ERP software, access customs portals, and quickly adapt to changes.

One of the points that generated the greatest consensus among specialists was the impact that decisions made abroad have on the direction of national logistics . They warned that, as long as value generation and strategic decision-making are not carried out in Mexico, the country will continue to be subject to decisions made in distant offices, whether in Texas, Belgium, or Hamburg.

Hence the urgency of forming national companies with the real capacity to decide their export routes and act as key players within their own supply chains, the speakers explained.

During the panel, education was highlighted as a key factor for long-term logistics development. As an analogy, the panelists recalled the case of South Korea, which four decades ago was not among the major global players and today leads strategic sectors thanks to a determined commitment to training.

The conclusion was resounding: regional integration is irreversible, but geographic proximity alone isn’t enough. True competitiveness will come from an efficient, secure supply chain supported by technology, public-private partnerships, and skilled talent.

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El cargo ETYL CALI-BAJA and customs in the face of the new logistics order apareció primero en T21.

TIJUANA, BC – Achieving sustainable transportation isn’t always sustainable. In Mexico, current regulations, the imbalance between transportation standards and competitive conditions, as well as the alignment that must be achieved in the market, pose greater challenges to trucking companies, a situation that takes into account specific considerations by region.

Within the framework of the panel “Sustainable Transportation: Innovation and Governance in Regional Logistics” of ETYL Cali Baja, specialists debated the points previously addressed. It should also be noted that at the national level, there are regional advances and no single solution can be identified.

Juan Báez, CEO of Bali Express Services , described that as a company that has a focus on achieving zero emissions by 2035, it began in 2024 with the incorporation of electric and compressed natural gas tractor-trailers, and has been able to develop zero-emission routes with a fleet of 60 units between electric and CNG vehicles.

In part, this push for Bali Express Services was achieved through its alignment with incentives from the California government in the United States, where the state government identified that it was more feasible to generate this type of support for the transition away from fossil fuels, rather than continue investing in the public health impacts of pollution, Báez emphasized.

In Mexico’s case, greater communication between regulators and those regulated is needed to achieve greater consistency in the market, emphasized Miguel Elizalde, partner at Mobility Sustainable.

An example of Elizalde’s assertion is what happened with NOM-012 for diesel engine emissions, which was updated starting in January 2025, and where this requirement is not aligned with the ultra-low sulfur diesel (DUBA) regulation, where the government granted Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) the tolerance to comply with the regulation of this fuel nationwide until 2027.

In Mexico, in the area linked to California, Juan Báez and Miguel Elizalde agreed, there is a push toward sustainable transportation due to the link with the regulatory requirements in California , but which does not occur in other regions of the country.

For Alicia Zazueta, president of the Mexican Association of Service Station Suppliers (AMPES) , she identified that the energy transition requires several phases, the first being improving fuel quality, where Pemex, which is responsible for marketing 85% of diesel, does not fully comply with low-sulfur diesel.

In addition, Zazueta said, a level-playing energy policy is needed; “nothing has happened in energy policy in six years.”

The president of AMPES indicated that each region in Mexico must identify the best path to promote sustainability. Thus, there are areas where efforts are being driven by biofuels, others by natural gas, and in large cities, by electric mobility. However, there are others that are more behind the curve, such as the southeast, where fossil fuels are more widely available.

Juan Báez emphasized that, in addition to structural issues, the push toward electromobility within the company requires more efficient operations, since electric trucks must operate 24 hours a day. “We can’t have operational problems; we must be more competitive.”

These factors, in addition to fleet renewal and modernization, contribute to increasing the value of companies that opt ​​for electromobility.

Miguel Elizalde emphasized that one factor that must be identified is that there is no single solution, but rather the most viable option, where diesel is the alternative, or where technologies such as CNG or electric power should be the option.

Where participants did agree is that hydrogen seems to be the technology that is furthest from adoption.

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El cargo The “sharp curve” facing sustainable transport apareció primero en T21.

TIJUANA, BC.- With the urgency of an industry that does not stop, the first edition of the Transportation and Logistics Meeting (ETYL) CALI-BAJA 2025 was inaugurated , a space that aims to connect specialists, open business bridges and recognize that logistics, when communicated, transforms.

Osiel Cruz Pacheco, CEO of Grupo T21 , was the first to speak, thanking the region’s business leaders for believing in this vision for more than two years.

“This event would not have been possible without the drive, support, and encouragement that entrepreneurs in this region gave us,” said Cruz Pacheco.

He emphasized that ETYL was born with the mission of strengthening communication as a strategic pillar in the industry: “Logistics is communication and connection. At T21, we believe that shared knowledge not only adds value, it multiplies,” he said.

He was joined on the podium by key figures from the region: Israel Delgado Vallejo, vice president of the northeast region of the  National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar) ; Alfonso Millán, Canacar delegate in Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito; and Captain Manuel Fernando Gutiérrez Gallardo, head of the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine (CGPMM) .

With his characteristically direct and approachable tone, Israel Delgado recalled how the idea of ​​bringing the event to Baja California came about.

“Not everything has to happen in the center of the country. Here, too, there is vision, passion, and commitment. This event is proof that Tijuana has logistical and business strength that deserves to be visible,” he explained.

He insisted that the supply chain is only efficient when each link understands its role and works together: “We have to talk about opportunities, not just challenges. The time is now ,” he asserted.

The institutional presence was led by Captain Gutiérrez Gallardo, who in his participation highlighted the support of the Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles.

In his message, he emphasized that Mexico remains the United States’ main trading partner , with trade exceeding $215 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

“This volume wouldn’t be possible without efficient and sustainable logistics chains. That’s why we’re here, to build more agile and environmentally friendly routes,” he explained.

The port coordinator highlighted the growing role of the Port of Ensenada , which handled 3.96 million tons and 434,000 containers in 2024, establishing itself as a key hub for the region and the country’s main destination for cruise passengers.

“Under Admiral Robinson’s leadership, Ensenada is successfully combining its commercial and tourism vocation. We’re aiming for more with the expansion of the port of El Sauzal and a new maritime traffic control center,” said Gutiérrez Gallardo.

Following the formal ceremony, the first panel of the program, titled ” Modernization of the Port of Ensenada, the Railroad, and Beyond ,” took place. Throughout the day, two other panels will address nearshoring , border infrastructure, and strengthening the logistics chain between both sides of the border.

This event, which also includes networking sessions and a cocktail reception at sunset, brings together transporters, logistics operators, officials, and academics in a dynamic that prioritizes dialogue and the exchange of experiences.

The atmosphere at ETYL Cali-Baja is one of collaboration, with attendees having the opportunity to open business opportunities and discuss industry trends.

“We want to get to know each other, to get to know each other better so we can improve logistics,” Osiel Cruz said in his speech.

The second day of the event will continue tomorrow with new panels and more opportunities for discussion. Expectations are already high for the proposals that will emerge from these discussions, with logistics as the guiding principle and the path forward.

Comment and follow us on X: @karinaquintero / Sent / @GrupoT21

El cargo ETYL Cali-Baja kicks off with a call for logistics connection apareció primero en T21.

Tijuana, Baja California, will host the Transportation and Logistics Meeting (ETYL) CALI-BAJA 2025 , due to its positioning as a strategic hub in the logistics and transportation field of Mexico that mainly serves the maquiladora and export manufacturing industry located there , thanks to its proximity to the United States and its privileged access to the Pacific Ocean.

The event, organized by Grupo T21, seeks to strengthen cooperation between the economies of Mexico and the United States, promoting the development of new transportation routes, port infrastructure, and customs operations .

Program

ETYL CALI-BAJA 2025 will feature various panels with logistics and transportation specialists, where critical topics will be addressed, such as the relocation of production lines in Mexico, known as nearshoring , and digitalization and sustainability in logistics.

The panels and speakers will be grouped as follows:

* Inauguration

• Israel Delgado. Vice President of the Northwest Region of the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar) .
• Manuel Fernando Gutiérrez Gallardo, Head of the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine (CGPMM) .

* Panel 1: Modernization of the Port of Ensenada, the Railroad and Beyond.

• Luis Javier Robinson Portillo Villanueva, Director General of the National Port System Administration (Asipona) in Ensenada .
• Mateo Cepeda Jaramillo, Senior Manager of Sales & Logistics at Cosco Shipping Mexico .
• Javier Rodríguez Miranda, General Manager of Ensenada International Terminal (EIT) .
• Osiel Cruz Pacheco , CEO of Grupo T21 (moderator).

* Panel 2: Sustainable Transport: Innovation and Governance in Regional Logistics.

• Alicia Zazueta, President of the Mexican Association of Service Station Providers (AMPES) .
• Miguel Elizalde H. Lizarraga. Partner at Mobility Sustainable .
• Juan Báez, CEO of Bali Express Services Inc.
• Enrique Beltrán, General Manager of Logistics Assistance (moderator).

* Panel 3: Connecting Borders: Customs Technology and 3PL in the New Era of Logistics.

• Carlos Ceballos, President of SDL Group .
• Claudia Ávila Connelly, Director General of Customs Services and International Affairs at the Mexican National Customs Agency (ANAM) .
• Israel Delgado. Vice President of the Northwest Region of the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar) .

* Panel 4: Success Story: The Electronics Industry.

* Panel 5: Automotive Logistics.

• Alfonso Millán Chávez, Director of Security and Institutional Relations at Mexlog .
• Rodrigo Treviño, Director of Purchasing and Supply at PACCAR Mexico .
• Javier Valadez, Director of Operations at PACCAR Mexico .
• Didier Ramírez Torres, Editorial Director of Grupo T21 (moderator).

* Panel 6: Mexico on the Global Map: Logistics and the Impact of Tariff Policies.

• Victor Garcia. Managing Director of Chain Solutions .
• Daniel Covarrubias. Director of Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development .
• Rebeca Sánchez. Professor at the Center for Technical and Higher Education (CETYS) University.

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El cargo ETYL CALI-BAJA 2025 is coming up; learn about the themes and personalities that will be present. apareció primero en T21.

The border city of Tijuana, Baja California, will serve as the setting for an analysis of the current trade situation, primarily with the United States, in addition to generating key alliances and high-level discussions aimed at boosting the logistics competitiveness of a region that connects two economies and opens new routes for the transportation industry, port infrastructure, and customs operations.

The Cali-Baja edition of the Transportation and Logistics Meeting (ETYL) will be held in the northwest of the country for the first time. The meeting will bring together key industry leaders on May 14 and 15 in Tijuana . The meeting will explore the region’s strategic role in foreign trade and logistics collaboration between Mexico and the United States, one of the continent’s most dynamic trade routes.

Based in northwest Mexico, ETYL CALI-BAJA will also offer a key platform for dialogue on sustainable transportation, the electronics and logistics industry, trucking, and more .

The inauguration will be led by authorities such as Captain Manuel Fernando Gutiérrez Gallardo, head of the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine (CGPMM) , Israel Delgado Vallejo, regional vice president of the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar) and CEO of Express Service Transport Inc. , among others.

The event, created by T21 in 2003 , has consolidated its national presence with editions in cities such as Mexico City, Querétaro, León, Veracruz, and Puebla. Since 2021, Monterrey has become its permanent home.

The first day’s events will include the panel Modernization of the Port of Ensenada, the Railroad and Beyond , with the participation of leaders such as Admiral Luis Javier Robinson Portillo Villanueva, general director of the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Ensenada , Mateo Cepeda, Senior Manager Sales and Logistics of Cosco Shipping Lines in Mexico and Javier Rodríguez, general manager of Ensenada International Terminal .

Don’t let them tell you about it, live it! 

Later, the Connecting Borders panel will address customs processes and the importance of specialized logistics services at border crossings, which are key to optimizing time, reducing costs, and making commercial operations more efficient.

Sustainability will also be on display with the Sustainable Transportation panel , featuring figures such as Alicia Zazueta, president of the Mexican Association of Service Station Providers (AMPES) ; Miguel Elizalde, partner at Mobility Sustainable ; and Juan Báez, CEO of Bali Express Services Inc.

The second day features a strategic discussion on automotive logistics , with key companies from the sector participating. The Mexico on the Global Map panel  will also address the challenges posed by new tariff policies for international trade and national logistics competitiveness.

Backed by the track record of Grupo T21 , ETYL CALI-BAJA stands out not only for its specialized content, but also for its practical approach and direct connection between industry players , including networking activities and spaces for the exchange of experiences among more than 200 industry professionals.

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El cargo Tijuana takes the wheel; ETYL Cali-Baja arrives to ignite the northwest’s logistics agenda. apareció primero en T21.