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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El cargo Logistics, certainty, and talent will define Mexico’s role as an export hub apareció primero en T21.

Industrial and business organizations called for promoting the country’s social and economic stability, while also reporting that they remain on alert for new acts that could generate chaos, following the operation carried out on February 22 by federal forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and the subsequent acts of violence in several states of the country, such as Baja California, Guanajuato and Nayarit, among others, due to the arrest of Rubén “N”, known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, who later died while being transferred to Mexico City.

In a statement, the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (Index) indicated that so far there are no reports of human or material damage in companies or facilities involving the 19 Index associations established in Mexican territory, as well as their membership.

Index Nacional stated that it maintains communication with federal authorities to monitor the security situation and receive alerts for any potential emergencies . The organization also condemned any acts of violence against the population, as well as against businesses and transportation routes, that seek to destabilize public order.

For its part, the Business Coordinating Council (CCE)  pointed out that the violent events resulting from said operation have impacted mobility, the transport of goods and the functioning of businesses , and therefore rejected any type of violence that puts the integrity of the population at risk, as well as the burning of establishments, transport units and strategic roads.

“Protecting individuals and families, and ensuring the continuity of economic activity, are inseparable priorities. Mexico needs security and the rule of law to preserve employment, production chains, and confidence in the country,” the umbrella organization stated.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) stated that it remains attentive to official reports on recent events in various regions of the country, which have affected mobility, logistics operations, and the peace of mind of the people .

“The protection of people must always be the absolute priority and the foundation on which economic activity and social cohesion are based,” he added in a statement.

He emphasized that the chambers and associations affiliated with this organization will evaluate their operating conditions according to the particular situation of each region, prioritizing the safety of the staff and the orderly continuity of their activities.

Index, the CCE, and Concamin reaffirmed their willingness to collaborate with federal authorities to strengthen security, certainty, and the rule of law, in order to boost investment, production, and employment.

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El cargo Following the capture of “El Mencho,” industrialists and business leaders remain vigilant against further acts that could generate chaos. apareció primero en T21.

The National Council of the Export Manufacturing Industry (Index) strengthened ties with its US counterparts through meetings in Washington, DC, where the importance of bilateral trade and the export manufacturing industry was highlighted , in anticipation of the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to be held this year.

In the working sessions, which took place over four days, the Index delegation presented a short, medium and long term strategy for the export manufacturing sector and its contribution to integration between Mexico and the United States .

The National Index Council expressed its willingness to collaborate constructively with the Mexican and U.S. governments to strengthen oversight of the Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry Program (IMMEX) . It also expressed its willingness to address any legal gaps and jointly develop solutions to improve the competitiveness and security of the North American supply chain .

Humberto Martínez, national president of Index, highlighted that these meetings left clear messages that underscore the role of the industry in regional and global trade, advancing the rapprochement with their US counterparts, key to strengthening confidence, attracting investments, generating employment and boosting the competitiveness of companies in the export sector of both countries.

Mexican and northern neighbor industries are deeply integrated, generating efficiency, competitiveness, and millions of jobs.

“Mexican exports to the United States contain more U.S. components than exports from any other trading partner, which promotes employment in the U.S. manufacturing industry,” the Index highlighted in a statement.

Regarding trade relations with Asia, any decoupling must be coordinated at the regional level, as the only way the United States can continue to reduce its trade deficit with China is through greater integration within North America. In this respect, Index member companies are a key lever for replacing Asian inputs with regional suppliers .

Index also strengthened its presence with interventions from Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Mexico’s ambassador to the United States; Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Economy ; and Ernesto Acevedo, head of the Economic Office in Washington.

In addition to Humberto Martínez; Felipe Villarreal, president of Index Nuevo León; René Espinosa, president of Index Chihuahua; Salvador Maese, president of Index Mexicali; Sergio Gómez Lora, CEO of Index USA; Jael Durán, general director of Index Nacional; Israel Morales, director of the Mexico-USA Committee, and Javier Ortiz, director of the Foreign Trade Committee, among others, were part of the Mexican delegation of the National Index Council.

On the US side were officials from the Department of Labor, the Department of Commerce, as well as representatives from companies such as Caterpillar, Cummins, Business Roundtable, Medline, and others.

Mexico’s manufacturing industry faces challenges, although it has remained resilient in the face of a volatile economic environment.

In November 2025 alone, IMMEX establishments closed with a contraction in employment (0.2%) and hours worked (0.9%) on a monthly basis, reflecting a gradual adjustment in the export sector. However, average real wages maintained a positive trajectory, with a slight monthly increase of 0.1% and an annual rise of 3.7%.

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El cargo Index highlights the importance of the IMMEX program in the US ahead of the USMCA review apareció primero en T21.

For companies in the Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry (IMMEX) and the Mexican export sector, the publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) of the reform to the Customs Law, on November 19, represents a new stage, which, although it brings with it technological advances in customs matters and the incorporation of digital tools, on the other hand creates an environment of legal uncertainty for foreign trade actors , considered Manuel Carrasco, director of the Foreign Trade Committee of Index Chihuahua .

The specialist pointed out that the considerable increases in sanctions and fines do little to favor national competitiveness , putting the continuity of operations at risk due to the possible application of aggressive sanctioning criteria, where the authority obtains greater powers of supervision, verification and discretion.

The Mexican foreign trade ecosystem is at a turning point. While the global economy demands greater competitiveness and more agile processes, the recent approval of the reform to the Customs Law has set off alarm bells in the export sector. The industry perceives in this new legal framework a shift that, while seeking to combat corruption, tax avoidance and evasion, focuses efforts on compliance and traceability of each operation.

In an interview with T21, Carrasco pointed out that the new regulations “give a more supervisory touch” to operations, to the detriment of the fluidity that exporting companies need .

According to the executive, the Customs Law seeks to counteract corruption, an issue that the sector recognizes as a priority and must be “addressed in an important, direct and strong manner,” however, there is concern regarding the new provisions, particularly concerning fines and penalties .

“Exorbitant fines are being considered for minor, even simple, errors,” he stated. This, coupled with an increase in “obstacles and complications” for customs brokers, courier companies, and importers, contributes to an environment of legal and operational uncertainty.

According to Carrasco, IMMEX companies are currently the economic backbone of Mexico, accounting for 60% of the country’s total exports. To put this scope into perspective, the Ministry of Economy reports that the IMMEX Program includes more than 6,300 companies that carry out approximately 57.6% of total Mexican exports.

For a sector of this size, customs regulations have a direct impact on its ability to compete internationally. The proposed changes in the new Customs Law, far from fostering a competitive environment, exacerbate external pressures such as tariff uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, resulting in less investment.

“We see our corporations concerned about the issue of oversight, about the issue of program suspensions, and this law creates some uncertainty regarding continued investment in the country,” Carrasco emphasized.

Various business analyses, such as that of the International Chamber of Commerce Mexico (ICC Mexico) , have warned that overregulation and the increase in operating costs resulting from the new reform to the Customs Law could make Mexico less attractive compared to other countries competing for investment in the context of nearshoring (relocation of production lines).

In this context, Manuel Carrasco called for reconciliation between the authorities and the productive sectors, since these are the ones who experience customs operations on a daily basis. The goal is “laws that favor foreign trade, making it more fluid,” and that at the same time, “ensure that customs clearances are correct, legal, and in accordance with all the procedures listed in the law and regulations, since what concerns us at Index is that the penalties seem to be aimed more at raising revenue than anything else.”

Essentially, the sector views the Customs Law as a significant revenue-raising measure that could ultimately be counterproductive for an economy heavily reliant on foreign investment and trade. An overly punitive law could discourage investment and disrupt logistical operations, undermining the economic engine.

“As Index, we raised our hand at the time, and we continue to raise it, to propose dialogue sessions with the authorities and Congress so that we can be heard more effectively and that they take into account the comments we have to make as the private sector,” Carrasco concluded.

Despite this, the Mexican government has repeatedly defended the recent reform to the Customs Law, asserting that its objective is to close loopholes for tax evasion, streamline foreign trade, and strengthen accountability, arguing that the reform does not focus exclusively on customs agents, but establishes a stricter framework for all actors involved in the matter.

The new Customs Law will come into force on January 1, 2026, a date that was established after the approval of the reform by the Chamber of Deputies and was sent to the Executive for its promulgation, with the regulations still pending.

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El cargo Customs Law: The reform that Mexican foreign trade needs? apareció primero en T21.

Improving road and port infrastructure , particularly those in Manzanillo, Ensenada, and Altamira, would allow for better handling of goods from the manufacturing industry.

Humberto Martínez Cantú, president of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry Council (Index) , mentioned that they have also met with authorities from Guanajuato and Sonora to address the issue and learn about the work being done to improve roads and ports.

“We’re talking with the governors of Sonora and Guanajuato; they’re building more highways to speed up the transportation of products. At the ports, I’m working closely with Manzanillo, Ensenada for its certification, and Altamira. The governor told me they’ll start with Guaymas; this is extremely necessary to avoid bottlenecks,” he said.

In an interview at the 50th National Index Convention, he explained that given the saturation of the port of Manzanillo, they are looking for alternatives such as Altamira, Salina Cruz and Guaymas.

Likewise, Martínez Cantú responded to the Mexican government’s call for more investment and to participate in the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will take place in 2026.

“I made a commitment to more investment and jobs. I have many companies that want to expand into other products, and we need approval and certification from the Ministry of Economy, and they’re approving them quickly,” he said.

He noted that there are companies that, despite the uncertainty, “want to keep moving forward. This is the first time in the last six years that they’re welcoming us, working hand in hand with us, and certifying us to continue moving forward.”

He announced that this coming Monday, October 20, they will meet with Marcelo Ebrard , head of the Ministry of Economy, to address the needs of the industry

“The issue we most want is approval for the plants we want to expand and build new ones; second, for them to remove the tariffs and continue allowing us to import products that aren’t manufactured in the country or in the United States,” he said.

He confirmed the industry’s commitment to investing more, as requested the day before by Altagracia Gómez, head of the Advisory Council on Regional Economic Development and Relocation (CADERR).

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El cargo Improvements in road and port infrastructure would benefit the manufacturing industry. apareció primero en T21.

Mexico needs to improve and expand its transportation infrastructure to increase its economic competitiveness , in order to respond to the constantly changing trade landscape, particularly with U.S. tariff policy, but also to respond to the flow of the domestic market , lawmakers agreed.

Within the framework of the 50th National Index Convention of the  National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (National Index) , Alejandro Murat, president of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Senate of the Republic , emphasized that rail transport must be developed, as is being done in the north of the country, with the Saltillo-Monterrey train.

He explained that this infrastructure was necessary and essential for “business, but in the south of the country this line became an Interoceanic Corridor.”

In the Legislators panel , Murat said this was achieved because legislation was passed for the Mexican railway sector, “because what we want is to continue creating that environment so investment continues.”

For his part, Waldo Fernández, president of the Senate’s United States-Mexico-Canada Treaty (USMCA) Commission, emphasized that there is transportation infrastructure that can be leveraged, such as an airport in Agualeguas, Nuevo León, which was built more than 30 years ago so that former Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari could vacation at a property he owned in that state.

However, to take advantage of facilities like this, legal certainty and tax incentives are necessary . In addition, guarantees in the supply of water and electricity are needed to create conditions for businesses to operate effectively.

Along these lines, he highlighted the Economic Development Hubs for Well-being , promoted by the federal government and designed to foster investment and economic development in strategic regions of the country, aligned with Plan Mexico . Some of them have a logistical focus , accelerating the flow of foreign capital through the nearshoring phenomenon (relocation of production lines).

Manufacturing “without brakes”

Humberto Martínez Cantú, president of Index Nacional, pointed out that the Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Service Industry (IMMEX) program is advancing, so much so that 50,000 trucks cross the Mexican border into the United States every day , and he emphasized that “we are the number one customer of customs.”

In an interview with T21, he explained that these crossings are made from the border of Tijuana, Baja California, to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, on a constant basis, although it is also cyclical. “It depends on the seasons. For example, right now Christmas is coming and we start shipping more, and then it drops, and then the hot season comes and it picks up again,” he added.

Martínez indicated that in Nuevo Laredo alone, 16,000 trucks pass through daily, and between Reynosa and Matamoros, approximately 20,000 to 25,000 trucks pass through, “almost 50% of all the country’s exports.”

“Baja California, Chihuahua, and all those northern states are also contributing significantly, especially Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana,” he concluded.

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El cargo Improvement in transport infrastructure would increase competitiveness apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican government called on the maquiladora industry to increase investment to over 25% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) next year, as well as to defend the sector during the upcoming revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“We’re already two months away from 2026, and it’s time to invest in Mexico. It’s time to expand investments, grow workforces, and commit to job creation and value creation in the country,” said Altagracia Gómez, head of the Advisory Council on Regional Economic Development and Relocation (CADERR), the government’s liaison office with industry in Mexico.

During his participation in the 50th National Index Convention of the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (National Index) , he announced that they are working on a proposal to reduce investment times from 2.5 years to one year, cutting federal permits in half, through reform of bureaucratic procedures.

Meanwhile, at the financial level, Nafin and Bancomext are analyzing new plans to promote projects in industrial parks, as well as for sectors included in the Mexico Plan, with preferential conditions regarding terms, guarantees, and rates, to name a few. This is because the goal is for at least 30% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to have access to credit.

“All of these efforts, from secondary laws on energy, infrastructure, and talent issues, and particularly aligning industrial policy, IMMEX Chapter 98, with the country’s trade policy, understood through WTO rules, free trade agreements, Mexican official standards, and tariff policy, are issues we need your help with. We want to continue working with you going forward,” he said.

Likewise, he requested that he be present during the USMCA review for technical opinions and to defend national interests.

“Not only the country’s sovereignty, but also the prosperity of the North American region. Mexico is part of the most prosperous region in the world, actively contributing not only to investment and the creation of well-paid jobs, but also to the supply and resilience of value chains, which are the most important in the world. We are already first in heavy vehicles, fourth in auto parts, fifth in light vehicles, ninth in aerospace, fourth in electrical devices, and first in 16 agri-food products, and this is a position we not only want to preserve but also grow,” he noted.

Therefore, he mentioned that despite the “waves” generated by the negotiations, “we also know that we are surfing champions , and in Mexico, companies do not give up, they do not back down, and they continue to invest in a country that will not let them down.”

He also noted that the shoe, textile, toy, and furniture sectors must reach 50% of national consumption, as it currently stands at approximately 37%, and that an import substitution strategy is being sought.

As well as achieving 15% of the added value of global supply chains for the automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, and information technology industries, among others.

Alfonso Durazo, governor of Sonora, emphasized that the reconfiguration and readjustment of the global economy presents risks, but also opportunities , “because despite the uncertainty surrounding the rules of the international trade game, we can say there is a consensus: North America is stronger and more competitive with Mexico than without it.”

In this regard, he affirmed that the country is a reliable ally for the United States and Canada and maintained that the Mexican government maintains constant dialogue with the business sector to “bring to a successful conclusion” the revision of the USMCA.

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El cargo The Mexican government wants greater investment in the maquiladora industry and to defend the USMCA. apareció primero en T21.

Following the pause by Donald Trump , President of the United States, to exempt the 25% tariffs on products included in the  Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC)  until  April 2 , the National Council of the Export Manufacturing Industry (Index)  reiterated its commitment to the industrial and business sector, and recognized the negotiating work of the Government of Mexico , headed by President Claudia Sheinbaum .

In a statement, the organization called for unity to confront threats from abroad and reiterated its commitment to dialogue.

“This important economic sector will not lower its guard in defending the more than 1,500 companies in its membership, more than 3.3 million direct jobs and more than six million indirect jobs created, in alliance with the public and private sectors, including the national industry,” he stressed.

He recalled that since the beginning of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Index has contributed as a key driver of growth in export manufacturing and maquila operations.

He pointed out that the imposition of tariffs by the United States is a risk, “since it leaves thousands of jobs unprotected, unbalances supply chains and generates uncertainty in the current scenario of business relocation (nearshoring),” he stressed.

Good understanding is crucial for the future of bilateral and trilateral relations in the North American region, he added.

The organization extended its recognition to Marcelo Ebrard , head of the Ministry of Economy , as well as to the security and economic cabinet of the Government of Mexico.

This Thursday, Donald Trump announced that he reached an agreement with Sheinbaum to exempt the 25% tariffs on products included in the T-MEC until April 2, after having held a call with her.

Meanwhile, Sheinbaum confirmed this measure and thanked her counterpart from the northern neighbor, with whom she promised to continue working on security, fentanyl control and migration.

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El cargo Index reiterates commitment to industrial sector and recognizes the negotiating capacity of the Mexican Government apareció primero en T21.

Employers’ associations and industrial associations have shown their rejection of the 25% tariffs on various Mexican products imposed by the United States, which came into effect on Tuesday, and have joined forces with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum , to boost the country’s industrial sector in the face of this situation.

The National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (Index) warned that the tariff measure leaves thousands of jobs unprotected, in addition to unbalancing supply chains and generating uncertainty in the face of the scenario of the relocation of companies in Mexico ( nearshoring ).

In response, she reiterated, through a statement, her commitment to dialogue and the results that can be obtained through it, indicating that they will be attentive to the strategy that Sheinbaum will announce next Sunday in the Zócalo of Mexico City.

Coparmex regrets tariffs

Meanwhile, the Mexican Employers’ Confederation (Coparmex) indicated that the United States tariffs hit the economy, violate the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) and affect the competitiveness of North America.

The organization regretted this decision by its northern neighbor, as it creates uncertainty in the productive sectors.

“Economic integration between Mexico, the United States and Canada has been a key factor in the development of the three nations, and the imposition of tariff barriers undermines the stability of supply chains and affects productive investment,” he said.

Coparmex explained that it is estimated that the application of these tariffs could lead Mexico into a recession , while the exchange rate could exceed 22 pesos per dollar , which would increase costs for companies and affect the purchasing power of families. “In addition, this would generate inflationary pressures in the United States, mainly affecting consumers.”

“On a political level, the decision imposes additional pressure on Mexico in matters of security and migration, issues that have been used as conditions in the trade relationship,” he added.

He added that the possibility of the Mexican government responding with retaliatory tariff measures remains latent.

“It is essential that any decision in this regard be made based on a rigorous analysis, avoiding collateral damage to the industry and consumers in the three countries,” he added.

In light of this situation, the country reiterated its commitment to defending free and fair trade.

“We urge the Mexican government to take a firm stance and make use of the mechanisms established in the USMCA to challenge this arbitrary measure,” he said.

Concanaco Servytur also issues a position

The Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Concanaco Servytur) also expressed its concern about the tariffs imposed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump , a measure that, it considered, not only affects the exchange of goods, but also puts at risk the solid integration of services and the investments that sustain the economy of North America.

The agency recalled that several companies with investments in Mexico contribute to the US treasury and, likewise, that the profits generated by these investments are subject to wealth taxes in the United States, strengthening the economy of our northern neighbor.

“Therefore, the proposed tariffs not only affect Mexico, but also have a negative impact on public finances and the American business sector,” he stressed.

He noted that tariffs could lead to a destabilization of supply chains , due to the deep integration of value chains between Mexico and the United States, which implies that tariffs would disrupt the production and distribution of essential goods. He also estimated that there would be an increase in the United States’ trade deficit, as has been observed recently.

In Mexico, it would cause a 12% drop in exports and a 4.4% decrease in GDP , in addition to generating greater economic uncertainty, affecting foreign investment and business confidence.

In light of this, he called for strengthening diplomatic strategy, defending free trade and diversifying markets.

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El cargo Business sector expects impacts on supply chains and uncertainty in investments due to Trump tariffs apareció primero en T21.

If Donald Trump, President of the United States, imposes 25% tariffs on various Mexican products , Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would fall by almost 4%, estimated Rolando Paniagua, director of business expansion at Banco Base , who said that if the tariff measure were to be implemented “it would put the Mexican economy in serious trouble.”

In the framework of the Foreign Trade Congress. Globalization, trade agreements and geopolitics: Impact on business growth , organized by Concanaco Servytur , Paniagua recalled that in the case of tariffs on steel and aluminum , Mexico has a deficit with its northern neighbor, and noted that the measure would come into effect immediately on March 12.

He said that this situation already occurred in 2018-2019, and Mexico benefited from this tariff imposition on steel and aluminum by the United States. He indicated that the country’s exports to its northern neighbor increased by 7.48% from June 2018 to May 2019, compared to the previous 12 months.

“Mexico has benefited from this situation because exports of these materials to the United States have increased. We will see what can be negotiated and done between now and March 12,” he stressed.

The specialist considered that the scenario of the Mexico-United States relationship will be very complicated, due to Trump’s threats , for which, the country must be ” prepared to face this environment of uncertainty and volatility, because the threats will continue .”

He said that companies must be resilient to emerge from this situation, and that they must implement new strategies.

Areas of opportunity in foreign trade

At the conference Foreign Trade in Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities for Mexico , Carlos Palencia, general director of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (Index) , considered that the pattern of world trade is being dictated by the government and not by the business sector, as is happening in the United States with Donald Trump’s threats.

During his participation, he said that manufacturing companies, known as IMMEX (Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry), are the ones supporting the Mexican economy , since there are more than 6,500 productive and service companies.

He indicated that he has an IMMEX 4.0 proposal for the development of suppliers in order to be less dependent on a supplier, for example, an Asian one, and for companies to be more productive.

In turn, César Morales, consultant and academic, pointed out that Mexico should take advantage of its strategic location in North America to regionalize supply chains, and identified some factors that make the country less competitive in foreign trade , such as a complex regulatory framework and poor infrastructure.

Morales pointed out that the automotive industry remains a pillar of Mexican exports, and with the relocation of production lines in Mexico ( nearshoring ) it can boost production and the shipment of units abroad.

He said that Mexico must be flexible and adapt to global changes and must promote and establish collaboration with other countries, because “ the future of foreign trade is very promising .”

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El cargo Trump tariffs could cause a contraction of the Mexican economy: experts apareció primero en T21.