Business meetings through reverse missions, strategic participation in trade missions, as well as market diversification and prevention , are three key factors to face the challenges and opportunities of foreign trade towards 2026, considered Josefina Lombard, director of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology Southern Region (Comce Sur) .

In an interview with T21, Lombard pointed out that the region, which includes Puebla, Oaxaca, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, and Tabasco, with extended support to Quintana Roo, Campeche, Chiapas, and Yucatán, faces a complex but full of possibilities, so the goal is to take advantage of its potential and position it on the global map .

Regarding business meetings and reverse trade missions, he explained that they promote these types of initiatives in which delegations of foreign buyers, such as those from California, USA, visit Mexico to negotiate directly with local businesspeople. This strategy reduces the entry risks for Mexican companies and seeks to select anchor states that will energize the region , such as Puebla, with its industrial profile, or Quintana Roo, one of the country’s main importers. In this way, these meetings become engines for strengthening the integration and growth of the south-southeast region.

Regarding the diversification of strategic markets, Lombard indicated that, while the United States will remain Mexico’s main trading partner, it is crucial to conquer new markets. In this particular case, he explained the potential for business opportunities with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) , a region with 20 million consumers .

“Mexico is not part of CARICOM, so, since we are going to do it through Belize, we are working on some agreements that will allow us to have a dual investment, both in Quintana Roo south towards Chetumal and in Belize, where companies arrive, set up a manufacturing part, the other part for packaging or finishing, and from there it is exported to Belize, it is an interesting agreement,” he said.

The director of Comce Sur also explained that infrastructure projects, such as the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and the Maya Train , can be the spearhead for the region’s development. She indicated that both projects aim to connect the area with development hubs and strengthen ties with Central America, promoting new trade routes.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and changes to the Customs Law, Lombard emphasized prevention. He stated that the Southern Cone Business Council (Comce Sur) is training companies on rules of origin and encouraging the participation of experts in negotiations to anticipate risks .

“The point is that the south-southeast region must keep moving, no matter what happens in the United States, in Europe, in China, the south-southeast region has to take advantage of every opportunity that comes its way and, strategically, use them for the benefit of each of the states,” he stressed.

Lombard sent a message to the region’s business leaders: “Don’t stay home, go out and find opportunities and diversify .” He also noted that the organization he leads will continue to promote international events, intraregional missions, and networking opportunities to increase the area’s visibility.

“If there’s one thing I’m very sure of, it’s that this will be a year of many opportunities, and not just anyone will see those opportunities; those opportunities are only seen through prevention, by being in the game, by surrounding ourselves with people specialized in foreign trade,” she concluded.

In the second quarter of 2025, the nine states under the supervision and support of Comce Sur registered exports of $9.262 billion , according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) . Regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the region accumulated $1.4498 billion in the third quarter of this year, according to data from the Ministry of Economy .

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El cargo Comce Sur charts a course to face next year’s commercial challenges apareció primero en T21.

Mexican industry, particularly in key regions like Baja California, faces a complex outlook due to the imposition of tariffs and global economic uncertainty, although companies in the area are seeking to take advantage of their location to strengthen the logistics sector and exports to the United States.

José Luis Contreras Valenzuela , president of the Association of Industrialists of the Otay Mesa (AIMO) , who was reelected last February for the 2025-2027 period, said that the tariffs promoted by the United States have resulted in uncertainty that directly affects investment decisions .

The lack of clarity regarding trade policies has led companies to postpone projects and reevaluate strategies. This uncertainty not only hinders growth but also limits industries’ ability to plan for the long term.

The steel and aluminum sectors , and more recently, copper, have been particularly affected. Essential metal inputs for the production of finished goods have made industrial processes more expensive, the AIMO president noted in an interview with T21.

He explained that this has forced companies to seek alternatives, such as relocating production areas or exploring new markets to minimize the impact of additional costs.

According to a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) , tariffs imposed by the United States on Mexican products, such as steel and aluminum, with a 50% tax, have increased production costs by 10% to 15% for manufacturing industries in Mexico.

Windows of opportunity and diversification

Contreras emphasized that, in response to these challenges, businesses in Tijuana and throughout the state are seeking “windows of opportunity” within the framework of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) .

This includes diversifying and expanding markets  and focusing on sectors less affected by tariffs; however, the lack of a government support program has limited these initiatives, he explained.

“The unfortunate thing here is that industrial activity is moving on the sidelines, because while it’s true that the federal government announces that it has a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C, we ourselves don’t know anything more than what’s been announced in the media,” Contreras emphasized.

To mitigate some of the tariff impact, Baja California’s industrial sector is exploring niche markets in high-tech industries , such as medical devices, microprocessors, and robotics . These sectors represent growth opportunities. However, the AIMO president specified that the development of these areas requires a public policy environment that encourages investment.

The lack of a clear public policy and investment incentives represents a significant obstacle. Contreras believes that recent labor reforms, including the reduction of the working week from 48 to 40 hours, were designed without the consensus of the productive sector.

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) , Baja California lost approximately 27,000 jobs in the industrial sector between April and June 2025, although a partial recovery has been observed. This figure was confirmed by José Luis Contreras.

Geographical location, an advantage

Despite the challenges, the private sector in Tijuana and the other municipalities that make up Baja California has shown resilience. Some companies have managed to diversify and expand their operations, especially in the logistics sector , taking advantage of the region’s strategic geographic location as a gateway to the U.S. market.

This competitive advantage, according to Contreras, is a key factor that no one can take away from the region, even in times of uncertainty.

However, the impact of tariffs is not limited to direct costs. The contraction in demand in the United States, the main market for Mexican products, has reduced the need for commodities , indirectly affecting local industries.

Another affected sector is agriculture , particularly tomato producers in San Quintín—a town known for its fishing and agricultural activities—who face tariffs that make their products more expensive in the U.S. market.

It’s worth remembering that on July 14, the United States government imposed a 17.09% tariff on Mexican tomato exports, arguing that it was protecting American producers and accusing Mexican producers of dumping —exporting products at a lower price than they are sold in their domestic market.

Contreras noted that while these costs are borne by U.S. consumers, tariff policies are harming the competitiveness of Mexican producers , which could have long-term repercussions for the sector.

The lack of an official public policy program to counter the effects of tariffs is a recurring concern, he emphasized, adding that this hampers companies’ strategic planning and reinforces the perception that the private sector must assume the responsibility for adaptation.

Despite these challenges, José Luis Contreras remains optimistic about the industrial sector’s ability to overcome these obstacles, provided trade policies are not over-extended and the USMCA agreements are respected.

The U.S. government’s 90-day extension of the 30% tariff on Mexico, while seen as an opportunity to prepare for a complex economic environment, also creates additional pressure, as it “does not offer long-term certainty.”

“We’ll see what new developments the U.S. government comes up with in 90 days. But what we do know is that without certainty, there is no investment, and without investment, no industry can sustain itself,” he noted.

The AIMO president emphasized the importance of certainty as a key factor in attracting and retaining investment, since in the context of political and economic uncertainty, capital seeks markets with greater stability and profitability.

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El cargo Tariffs, uncertainty, and industrial reinvention in Baja California apareció primero en T21.

The executive highlighted Mexico’s modern infrastructure and efficient logistics, which, he emphasized, are an ideal bridge for new business between Latin America and the rest of the world.

This position is further strengthened by Mexico’s growing trade relationship with Asian nations, especially China. This makes the country a gateway for international companies seeking alliances and expansion in Latin America, a trend the firm aims to actively facilitate, Clur stated in an interview with T21 .

According to the World Bank (WB) , Mexico ranked 66th globally in 2023 in the Logistics Performance Index, achieving a score of 2.9, highlighting its infrastructure and logistics services compared to other nations in the region, which shows that there are still areas to develop in the country’s logistics industry.

In this regard, Clur identified that this sector in Mexico still faces challenges such as market fragmentation, trade barriers, and a lack of technological integration.

In light of this, he noted that some solutions lie in process digitization , logistics automation , and the creation of in-person networking platforms , which allow for direct agreements and eliminate unnecessary intermediaries, thereby streamlining the supply chain, especially in the electronics and appliance market.

The executive noted that the United States’ tariff policy on the electronics and appliance industry has created challenges in terms of costs and access to new economies, which can be mitigated through market diversification , strengthening regional alliances , and reducing economic dependence on the United States.

It’s worth remembering that our northern neighbor imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, which were increased to 50% on June 4th, in an effort to strengthen the U.S. steel and aluminum industries. One of the industries most affected by this measure is the electronics and appliance industry.

The  National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero)  emphasized that the United States maintains a bilateral steel trade surplus with Mexico of  four billion dollars (mdd)  in finished products, which will increase in 2025 due to the decline in Mexican exports, which decreased by 50 percent in April and May alone.

Clur emphasized that one of Grupo Eletrolar’s goals in Mexico is to strengthen the supply chain by creating solid commercial networks, promoting exports, and fostering collaboration agreements between companies from different countries, for which the Mexican market is a fundamental pillar.

Along these lines, he said the company will hold the Electronics Home Mexico event, focused on the consumer electronics, household goods, information technology, telecommunications, home appliances, and mobility sectors. The event will take place from June 17 to 19 and will feature international exhibitors and brands in the industry.

The executive highlighted the importance of Mexico for hosting events of this type, which, given the current uncertain outlook, could help transform the impact of the adverse economic environment, such as tariffs, by opening up new business opportunities and international collaboration.

According to the consulting firm Expert Market Research , the logistics market in Mexico reached a value of $1.27 billion  in 2024, and is estimated to grow  10.2% annually between 2025 and 2034, reaching $ 3.044  billion by the end of this period.

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El cargo Mexico, with the potential to be a logistics epicenter apareció primero en T21.

Mexico has established itself as a key player in the automotive industry, being the world’s fourth-largest producer of automotive parts and the fourth-largest exporter of heavy vehicles, in addition to being the leader in tractor-trailer exports. However, the United States’ tariff policy has harmed the sector, prompting the National Agency of Automotive Suppliers (ANAPSA) to introduce a strengthening program for affiliated companies, seeking to improve their competitiveness and strengthen the industry.

“The automotive sector strengthening program stems from the uncertainty we’ve been experiencing with the executive orders issued by U.S. President Donald Trump . Therefore, we have taken on the task of creating the automotive sector strengthening program for companies affiliated with these organizations,” said Alberto Bustamante, CEO of Anapsa.

The executive reported that the program seeks, among other objectives, to support the organization’s 5,000 member companies in improving their quality, increasing their supply chain, and diversifying their markets and expanding into 40 countries. It also aims to attract investment for new plants and production lines , as well as increase multilateral trade and job creation.

Pillars of the program

The program is based on four main pillars : market diversification, supplier location and linkage, investment attraction, and import substitution.

According to Anapsa, the aim of market diversification is to reduce dependence on the United States, a country that currently imports 80% of Mexican production, and therefore will seek to have 40 trade missions , which will be supported by the consulting firm How2Go (H2G) .

We will also seek to make better use of the trade agreements we have with 52 countries and increase the flow of trade.

The second pillar, which focuses on supplier location and business linkages, will strengthen relationships between affiliated companies and facilitate the identification of strategic suppliers.

Alberto Bustamante emphasized that the main objective is to bring companies closer together in two ways: first, by integrating those not yet part of the automotive sector, and second, by providing opportunities for those already in the industry to diversify their client portfolio.

In addition, they will be presented with strategic prospects to expand their business opportunities and strengthen their market position.

The third pillar is investment attraction , which seeks foreign capital  to promote manufacturing and sales in Mexico through various strategies, such as leveraging relationships with embassies and chambers of commerce to facilitate the generation of opportunities and strengthen international ties.

In addition, there is support from the federal government through Plan Mexico, a comprehensive economic strengthening program that seeks to promote market diversification and increase the value of national content.

The fourth and final pillar focuses on import substitution , with the aim of strengthening the domestic market and encouraging the purchase of local products. To this end, purchasing from companies affiliated with chambers of commerce and strategic organizations will be prioritized.

This pillar focuses on countries with which Mexico maintains free trade agreements, leveraging the benefits of these agreements to increase the competitiveness of local companies. Additionally, the goal is to increase the value of domestic content by 10% to 15% , promoting greater participation of Mexican industry in the global market.

Signing of agreements

Anapsa highlighted its agreement with H2G, which seeks to strengthen the international expansion of national automotive companies and place them on the map in foreign markets.

Through this alliance, we will work to identify new business and investment opportunities internationally, as well as to design entry and commercial positioning strategies that will allow Mexican companies to consolidate their presence abroad.

At the event, which was attended by Jorge Ayala , president of the Mexican Association of Mold and Die Manufacturers (AMMMT) , Ayin Decer , country manager of How2Go, and others, Alberto Bustamante signed an agreement with Miguel Ruiz , president of the Mexico-Brazil Chamber of Commerce (Camebra).

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El cargo Anapsa aims to strengthen the Mexican automotive sector in the face of US tariffs. apareció primero en T21.

One of the first actions announced by Donald Trump , already as President of the United States during the signing of executive orders, was the implementation of 25% tariffs on Mexico , his main commercial seller, one of his most recurring campaign promises and which is scheduled to begin next February 1.

In light of this, Carlos Nova Sánchez , general director of Grupo Nauta , pointed out in an analysis document that there are two mechanisms through which the neighboring country to the north could implement the tariff measure.

In the document The two ways to impose tariffs on Mexico: an analysis of their implications , the specialist indicated that one of these routes is the executive route , which is perhaps the most direct.

“It involves a presidential executive order backed by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This path allows for almost immediate implementation of the tariffs, possibly within days or weeks,” the text states.

Despite the speed, Nova Sánchez said that “it presents significant vulnerabilities to possible legal challenges.”

“The declaration of a national emergency required under IEEPA could face judicial scrutiny, especially given legal precedents regarding international trade. Courts could question the legitimacy of the declared emergency, potentially resulting in temporary blockages that would compromise the effectiveness of the measure,” he noted.

The other route involves an administrative process , which is a longer, but safer path. This route is taken under Section 301 of the Trade Act , “which requires a formal investigation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) .”

The process includes a thorough investigation into business practices, public hearings and a detailed economic impact assessment.

What would be the implications for Mexico?

According to the specialist, Mexico has several options to respond to these measures. One of them is that it could give a commercial response with mirror tariffs .

“A strategy that has been effectively used by the European Union in 2018 and by China during its trade dispute with the United States. This tactic involves the strategic selection of American products, particularly from politically sensitive states, as evidenced by the European Union’s response which focused on products from key states,” Nova stressed.

Another is commercial diversification , although it must be considered that replacing or equaling the 80% of exports that Mexico sends to the United States is impossible in the short and medium term.

For its part, BMI, a Fitch Solutions company , indicated in a separate analysis document that while history may be an imperfect guide and there is considerable evidence that Trump’s positions on many key issues have hardened since he left office in 2021 , it is worth remembering that similar threats were a feature of his first term. Indeed, he formally announced on May 30, 2019, that tariffs of 5.0% would be applied from June 10, 2019 – to be subsequently increased by five percentage points each month – in response to the perceived failure of the then administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador to manage its side of the border. These tariffs never went into effect, after a deal focused on bolstering border security was hastily agreed with Mexican authorities on June 7, 2019.

“Indeed, Sheinbaum’s administration has been working aggressively in recent weeks to show its willingness to address Trump’s grievances. In the meantime, we suspect Trump won’t want a stock market sell-off (which is likely to materialize if he follows through on his threats) to be one of the defining events of his first 100 days in office, given that he uses it as a barometer of his own success. Trump, who sees himself as a dealmaker and a winner, can also score an easy win if he can quickly hammer out a deal with Canada and Mexico, taking credit for a decline in border crossings and overdose deaths that began during the end of the Biden presidency,” according to BIM.

Meanwhile, Carlos Nova considered that the current situation should encourage Mexican businessmen to look for alternative markets , “as a strategy to mitigate risks and optimize profits,” but not with a view to replacement.

He said Mexico should take advantage of its trade agreements to develop secondary markets.

Among the immediate effects, he identified an increase in operating costs for companies in both countries, as well as inflationary pressures and disruptions in supply chains . In addition, there would be a restructuring of the North American value chains .

For Carlos Nova, “the tariff measures represent a turning point in the bilateral trade relationship. The decisions taken in the coming months could redefine the North American trade landscape for years to come.”

Mexico’s response, meanwhile, must be based on protecting its economic interests and maintaining a constructive relationship with the United States.

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El cargo Trump’s Tariff Imposition and Its Impact on Mexico apareció primero en T21.