Robinson Fresh, CH Robinson ‘s fresh supply chain solutions division , opened its new logistics center in South Texas, significantly expanding its cross-border capabilities between Mexico and the United States.

José Rossignoli, president of Robinson Fresh, mentioned that cross-border supply chains currently demand speed, accuracy and a strict focus on the needs of each customer.

“This South Texas facility brings those capabilities together in one location, helping customers reduce lead times, control costs, and get products to market faster. It’s another example of how we’re offering carriers an integrated package of scale, technology, expertise, and customized solutions,” he said.

He indicated that 98% of all fresh produce imported from Mexico enters the United States through Texas , New Mexico, Arizona, or California. Of that total, 55% passes through Texas, making this logistics infrastructure increasingly critical for retailers and hospitality businesses focused on speed, freshness, and reliability.

The new logistics center is located in the town of Pharr, in the Rio Grande Valley, situated near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, the most important border crossing between these countries for perishable products, as well as the Anzalduas International Bridge and others, it has easy access to Federal Highway 281, McAllen International Airport, the railroad and the ports of Brownsville and Matamoros (Mexico).

The newly constructed building features 69 loading docks, multiple temperature zones, and value-added services, and is certified to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards and USDA organic requirements. Directly integrated into CH Robinson’s comprehensive logistics platform and the nation’s largest temperature-controlled network, it is specifically designed to support fresh produce supply chains.

Furthermore, it allows for faster customs clearance and reduced stay times at the border, has immediate refrigeration, maturation, quality control and repackaging capabilities, as well as optimized consolidation and cross-dock operations .

“The more we can inspect, cool, repackage, and label products immediately at the border, the more we expand our ability to protect product quality from the moment it enters the United States, while also giving carriers more flexibility over how and when inventory arrives at its destination,” said Todd Bernitt, the firm’s vice president of Managed Solutions.

From South Texas, customers can efficiently reach major consumer markets across the country:

• Midwest and South: in one to three days.
• East Coast: in three or four days.
• West Coast: When the market demands it.

He indicated that by shortening transit times and improving network optionality, the facility helps customers improve fill rates, on-time performance, and inventory freshness.

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El cargo CH Robinson opens logistics center for fresh produce between the US and Mexico apareció primero en T21.

CALPULALPAN, TLAXCALA – The automotive transport sector in Mexico is experiencing a period of reduced activity. The economic slowdown, increased operating costs, and reduced exports are beginning to impact fleets, with car carriers idled and more cautious investment decisions by transport companies, acknowledged Xavier Augonnet, General Director for Mexico at Lohr .

“The economy is very slow, we know that. The decisions of the American president, the wars, the increased price of diesel, the significant drop in exports from Mexico… there is a market contraction,” the executive stated.

The impact is already being felt in the sector’s daily operations. According to Augonnet, some fleets dedicated to automotive transport have reduced activity, particularly those linked to exports to the United States .

“All our clients come through here, but they are all experiencing significant slowdowns in activity, with their businesses at a standstill,” he commented.

Despite this, the French company maintains its growth plans in the country and seeks to strengthen its participation in the national market, where it currently concentrates around 10% of the segment .

The company’s strategy aims to develop more robust local operations, both in manufacturing and in after-sales services and maintenance , with the goal of directly serving Mexican carriers from its plant in Calpulalpan, Tlaxcala.

“It doesn’t make sense for customers to buy a unit in the United States and then have to import it themselves. We’re here, we have operations, we have a repair center, and we’re going to develop more services,” Augonnet emphasized.

The executive explained that a year ago the company only worked with two clients in Mexico and now operates with eight, while the goal is to continue expanding its presence in the national market.

“I was hired to develop the Mexican market. I hope that tomorrow we will have 12 or 15 clients. The point is to capture the market,” he said.

Lohr ‘s investment in Mexico is also part of a broader regional strategy. François Lhomme, president of the Lohr Group, stated that the operation in Tlaxcala serves as the company’s industrial base for North America.

“Mexico is strategic for Lohr because it represents our industrial base for all of North America,” he stated.

From this facility, the company seeks to serve not only the Mexican market, but also the United States, Canada, and later other South American countries .

“We want to use this industrial base to serve all other countries up to Brazil,” Lhomme added.

Currently, the plant maintains around 200 employees, although the company expects to continue expanding capabilities and personnel in the coming years as the regional market develops.

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El cargo Lohr maintains its commitment to Mexico despite the contraction in automotive transport apareció primero en T21.

The Labor Day holiday in China, celebrated from May 1st to 5th, presents a logistical challenge for international trade due to the temporary closure of its main economic engines. This period results in a three- to five-day pause in factories and ports, disrupting the flow of goods to key markets such as Mexico . The holiday is not an isolated event, but rather a phenomenon that overwhelms the operational infrastructure in cities like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen.

In an interview with T21, Arturo Gómez Marín, senior manager of Customs and Foreign Trade at  CGA Customs Consulting , explained the magnitude of the problem in the global supply chain .

“ Both the available space in China and the use and availability of containers are beginning to experience significant saturation, because if we look at it as a chain, there is already a demand for ships and containers. So, with this overdemand and the resulting shortage, you start to see an effect with the increase in maritime freight costs; then you begin to see a bottleneck generated by this saturation in Chinese ports,” he noted.

In Mexico, the five-day shutdown of these three Chinese ports directly impacts the customs offices in Manzanillo, Colima, and Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán , which could face bottlenecks, as delays could extend up to 15 days within the country. As a result, storage and demurrage costs increase.

“For an importer, an operator in Mexico could have an impact of up to 30 percent. Because remember that you’re dealing with the increased freight costs in China, and you’re also paying for additional handling at Mexican ports. So, you’re already seeing a significant increase,” he indicated.

The situation is further complicated by geopolitical factors, Gómez explained, such as conflicts in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz , which limit the supply of raw materials. This scarcity forces buyers to seek inputs in other regions at higher prices to avoid complete production shutdowns. The combination of holidays and geopolitical crises creates a highly uncertain scenario for importers and affects certain sectors more than others, such as the automotive industry.

“There are materials that are needed for production, and it’s more expensive not to have them than to pay those extra costs (…)  the automotive industry, of course, a plant shutdown is very costly. I think the chemical industry, because shutting down a reactor is also very complex. I believe they would be absorbing the extra costs,” he warned.

For sectors involving finished goods, such as textiles, footwear, or toys, the recommendation is usually to wait for logistics to stabilize after the holidays . However, any decision must be accompanied by sound planning to avoid compromising operations. “I believe that right now the supply chain needs to be strategic,” Gómez emphasized.

Recommendations for importers

Both Gómez and Jocelyn Martínez, senior import contracts analyst at Eternity Group Mexico , shared a series of recommendations with T21 to mitigate the impact of the holiday and ensure the continuity of business operations:

• Anticipation: Plan shipments, make bookings and shipping arrangements at least four weeks in advance of the start of the holiday and confirm itineraries.
• Document management: Request documents such as certificates of origin or invoice corrections well in advance of the closure of administrative offices in China. Also, ensure that commercial invoices, packing lists , and certificates are ready before closing time.
• Safety stock: Maintain a reserve stock that covers an additional two to four weeks of regular demand to avoid shortages.
• Direct routes: Avoid services with transshipments, as the risk of cargo being stranded in intermediate ports increases during the reorganization of shipping lines’ schedules.
• Plan B: Explore alternative ports and shipping companies to diversify entry options.
• Direct communication: Confirm with suppliers the actual dates of closure and restart of operations at 100%, as many factories extend their breaks beyond the official days.

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El cargo From Labor Day in China to logistics costs in Mexico apareció primero en T21.

Coca-Cola FEMSA obtained revenues of 70 billion 925 million pesos (mdp) in the first quarter of 2026 (1Q26), a growth of 1.1% compared to the same period in 2025.

“Our first-quarter results reflected the resilience of our business and the advantages offered by geographic diversification. Consolidated volume growth was driven by most of our operations, including strong performance in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala, which helped offset a volume decline in Mexico,” said Ian Craig, CEO of Coca-Cola FEMSA.

According to the report, gross profit was MXN 33.255 billion in Q1 2026 , representing a 4.5% increase compared to Q1 2025, and the gross margin expanded 150 basis points to 46.9% , driven by lower sweetener and PET costs, as well as the appreciation of operating currencies. However, the result was limited by higher fixed labor costs and other expenses.

Consolidated operating profit decreased by 2.3% to 9,032 million pesos during Q1 2026. Meanwhile, net profit attributable to majority shareholders closed at 4,342 million pesos, representing a year-on-year reduction of 15.5 percent.

In the Mexico and Central America region (Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua), Coca-Cola FEMSA reported a 1.4% drop in revenue, totaling 39,117 million pesos during Q1 2026 compared to 39,669 million pesos in Q1 2025. Gross profit was 19,020 million pesos, a year-on-year increase of 0.7 percent.

Conversely, operating profit fell 17.4% to 4,461 million pesos in the cycle, mainly affected by weak consumption and the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS).

In the South America division (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay) the company recorded 31,809 million pesos in revenue in Q1 2026, an increase of 4.3% compared to the same period in 2025. Gross profit grew 10% and operating profit rose 18.8% year-on-year.

For the remainder of the year, Coca-Cola FEMSA seeks to strengthen its position through revenue management initiatives and sustainable volume growth.

The strategy includes leveraging the 2026 FIFA World Cup platform in its operating markets to boost sales. The operational focus will be on capturing efficiencies and savings to protect long-term profitability.

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El cargo Coca-Cola FEMSA’s revenue increases in Q1 2026; net profit declines apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican economy could grow by 1.5% in 2026 , the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) estimated , due to tensions in the global environment and the application of current restrictive financial conditions.

This projection represents an increase if one considers that the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 was 0.8% compared to 2024, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .

In its report, ECLAC adjusted its regional growth projection to 2.2% for 2026 , a decrease from the 2.3% estimated by the organization in December of last year. The report indicated that the contraction reflects current global tensions, such as the conflict in the Middle East and tariff policies.

“The deterioration of the external environment is one of the main factors behind the downward revision of regional growth projections,” he said.

According to the organization’s data, growth is projected to slow in 24 of the region’s 33 countries in 2026, while only seven are expected to show an increase. This would mark four consecutive years of projected growth close to 2.3% for the region, “demonstrating a pattern of weak growth potential.”

At the subregional level, South America would grow 2.4% in 2026 , below the 2.9% achieved in 2025, “reflecting a slowdown in most of the economies of the subregion,” according to the most recent projections of ECLAC.

Central America is projected to grow its economy by 2.2% this year , a slight contraction compared to the 2.3% growth forecast for 2025, influenced by anticipated contractions in Cuba and Haiti.  The English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean is projected to grow by 5.6% , a slight increase from the 5.5% forecast for 2025, driven by projected economic activity in Guyana.

The conflict in the Middle East and geopolitical tensions increased volatility in commodity and financial markets. The price of oil during the first three weeks of April exceeded the average price recorded in December 2015 by 74% , raising production and transportation costs globally, according to the technical report.

ECLAC noted that the World Trade Organization (WTO) projected a 2.7% increase in the volume of trade in goods and services in 2026. This figure contrasts with the 4.7% growth achieved in 2025, indicating a slowdown in the dynamism of global international trade. Meanwhile, central banks are maintaining cautious stances in the face of renewed pressure on consumer price indices.

Regional private consumption is showing less dynamism, while investment is showing signs of a recovery, albeit at moderate levels. Employment growth in the region’s economies is estimated at 1.1% in 2026, compared to 1.5% in 2025 .

Meanwhile, median inflation would be above 3%, due to the rise in imported inputs and logistics expenses, compared to 2.4% last year.

According to the United Nations regional economic commission, risks persist linked to the volatility of international markets and the weakness of domestic demand in countries; in addition to structural factors and constraints of space in public policies that affect the performance in various economies of the region analyzed.

Given this scenario, ECLAC emphasized the need to expand the mobilization of internal and external resources , and to strengthen governance to promote policies that boost investment, increase productivity and strengthen macroeconomic resilience, in a global environment where uncertainty prevails.

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El cargo ECLAC projects Mexican GDP growth in 2026; global tensions hold back Latin America apareció primero en T21.

DP World announced the appointment of Terry Donohoe as CEO for its operations in Mexico , with the goal of leading the logistics business in the national market . He will oversee the network comprised of five freight forwarding offices and four warehouses located in various industrial centers, supported by 800 employees.

“I am honored to assume this role and to build upon the strong foundation already established in Mexico. The market presents significant opportunities, and I look forward to working with our teams to strengthen our capabilities, support our customers’ growth, and help build more resilient and efficient supply chains across the region,” said Donohoe.

Donohoe has over 30 years of experience in global logistics and supply chain management at various companies in the sector . Since joining the company in 2023, he has served as Senior Vice President of Freight Forwarding for the Americas , where he led regional operations and oversaw the expansion of the business across the region, including markets such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Chile, and the United States.

Furthermore, under Donohoe’s leadership in the region, the company expanded its presence to 40 freight forwarding offices with a team of 400 people . Prior to joining DP World, Donohoe held positions such as Vice President of Operations in Toll Group ‘s Global Transportation division and leadership roles at Agility , Schenker , GeoLogistics , and BAX Global. 

Brian Enright, CEO of DP World Americas, highlighted that Terry has extensive experience in logistics and proven leadership in complex operations in the region , so “his track record in driving operational excellence, fostering innovation and managing high-performing teams positions him ideally to lead our operations in Mexico.”

Since its arrival in Mexico in 2021, DP World has consolidated an expanding logistics platform with a presence in the country’s main industrial and commercial hubs, including industrial centers such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Querétaro, and Ciudad Juárez.

The company offers comprehensive supply chain solutions encompassing transportation, warehousing, and value-added services for sectors such as automotive, technology, retail , and perishables . Furthermore, its operations focus on end-to-end international services and cross-border logistics that facilitate trade between Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

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El cargo DP World appoints Terry Donohoe as CEO in Mexico apareció primero en T21.

JIUTEPEC, MOR.- The electrification of freight transport in Mexico is progressing, but not at the pace set by the global trend. The main obstacle is not the availability of units, but everything surrounding them: infrastructure, energy, and operation, stated Óscar Zubiría, commercial director of BYD Trucks Mexico .

During the 4th Meeting on Technology and Sustainable Mobility of the  National Association of Private Transport (ANTP) , he said that the transition is not limited to replacing combustion trucks with electric ones , but involves building a complete ecosystem that allows them to function.

This includes everything from defining routes and range  to charging schedules, the type of infrastructure available, and the energy capacity of each distribution center, Zubiría indicated.

One of the most sensitive issues is energy . In Mexico, not all centers have the necessary electrical capacity, which forces projects to be adapted to real conditions, such as operating with different voltage levels (220 or 440 volts), to avoid excessive investments in infrastructure.

Added to this is a structural challenge: energy generation and availability. Although the sector is beginning to open up again, companies still face the need to invest in their own solutions, such as solar panels and storage systems, to guarantee efficient supply at a lower cost.

In this sense, energy storage is a key component. The ability to capture energy, store it in batteries, and use it during charging allows for cost optimization and reduced dependence on the electrical grid.

Infrastructure and operation: the real barrier

The deployment of electric fleets also requires a detailed operational analysis. Factors such as daily mileage, downtime, and charging schedules determine the type of infrastructure needed, as well as the project’s viability, the specialist explained.

Even the use of smart chargers, which schedule charging at specific times, can make a difference in energy efficiency and operating costs.

In economic terms, the financial model remains a key decision point . Companies must evaluate options such as leasing, direct investment, or financing, in addition to considering factors like accelerated depreciation for these types of assets, the executive emphasized.

Costs and operational advantages

Despite the barriers, clear advantages are already being seen in segments such as last-mile delivery . In local operations, electric vehicles can reduce operating costs by up to 70% compared to combustion engine vehicles, provided they are used under appropriate infrastructure and operating conditions.

This explains why electrification is concentrated on urban routes, where current ranges — of around 350 to 400 kilometers — are sufficient to cover daily operations, Zubiría explained.

Another key challenge lies in operational adoption . The transition requires training not only operators, but also maintenance and administrative staff , to ensure the correct use of the technology and prevent failures that impact operations.

Lack of training can even affect the lifespan of critical components such as the battery, whose degradation depends largely on usage and charging practices, he indicated.

In this sense, the lifespan of the batteries —estimated at up to eight years— also opens the door to a second life in energy storage applications, which could improve the return on investment.

Under these conditions, the electrification of transportation in Mexico is shaping up to be a gradual process. Currently, its development is concentrated on the last mile, where operational conditions favor its implementation, Zubiría commented.

Rather than an immediate and widespread adoption, the sector faces a transition that will depend on its ability to integrate technology, energy, and infrastructure into a single operating model.

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El cargo Electromobility: the challenge is not the truck, but building a suitable ecosystem apareció primero en T21.

Scania Mexico inaugurated a new facility in Chihuahua , part of its strategy to strengthen its logistics operations nationwide . The facility meets the infrastructure, security, and connectivity standards required to serve its customers.

The headquarters has a total area of ​​700 square meters (m²) and has three work areas divided into two boxes and an area for turning larger components.

The facility will begin operations with a team consisting of three technicians, a service advisor, a workshop manager, and a service coordinator.

The project seeks to establish a direct presence in the region’s operations , through infrastructure and equipment designed to provide better service to transport operations.

Scania operates as a transport solutions provider with an international presence.  In 2025 alone, it delivered 87,600 trucks and 6,500 buses and coaches to its customers.

The company employs more than 53,000 people in over 100 countries. It has maintained a presence in Mexico since 1994 and has its own network of 17 branches, 55 service points, and 1,000 employees.

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El cargo Scania strengthens operations in northern Mexico; opens new headquarters in Chihuahua apareció primero en T21.

Mexico climbed six positions in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index  compiled by the consultancy Kearney , moving from 25th place last year to 19th in 2026. This advance places it as the second fastest-growing country in the ranking , only behind Singapore, and in fifth place among emerging markets.

During the presentation of the indicator, Gerardo Rocha, managing partner of Kearney Mexico, highlighted that the United States maintains its first-place ranking, followed by Canada and Japan, while China occupies fourth position . For the first time in 13 years, Asia surpasses Europe in participation, with 10 countries included in the ranking compared to nine European countries.

In the exclusive ranking of emerging markets, Mexico ranks fifth, behind China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil . Among the strengths highlighted by investors are the ease of doing business (31%) and the skilled workforce (28%).

Rocha also noted that industrial policy remains a key factor for investors when deciding where to allocate their capital . In fact, 84% of the investors surveyed considered this factor to be “very important” or “extremely important” when making their investment decisions.

“Another issue is which of these industrial policy options are most welcomed by investors, and which are not as positively received. We can see that among those that are much better rated is everything related to infrastructure development. When industrial policy includes infrastructure development, it leads to greater attraction for foreign direct investment,” he noted.

However, he indicated that challenges remain in maintaining competitiveness in key industrial sectors, especially in light manufacturing. To consolidate progress, it will be essential to promote technological innovation, improve regulatory efficiency, and strengthen the domestic economy .

He also noted that among the macroeconomic risks, geopolitical tensions persist (36%) , commodity price increases (30%), and political instability in developed markets (30%).

Rocha also noted that investors demand greater legal certainty and protection of property rights. Public-private partnerships and regional integration, such as the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), will be crucial for securing long-term investments .

Furthermore, the executive noted that the most attractive industries for investment in Mexico are telecommunications, aerospace and defense, transportation, and private goods; he also indicated that the integration of supply chains in North America and the nearshoring trend reinforce its attractiveness in an uncertain global economy.

The report produced by Kearney has been conducted since 1998 and is based on surveys of more than 500 CEOs and directors of the world’s leading companies, all with a turnover exceeding $500 million.

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El cargo Mexico among the top 20 destinations for foreign investment in 2026: Kearney apareció primero en T21.

According to figures from the  US Census Bureau , Mexico reaffirmed its position as the main trading partner of the United States in February 2026 , once again ranking as the top supplier of goods to the United States and the main importer of US products, while Canada and China showed declines.

According to an analysis by  T21 Business Intelligence ,  the exchange of goods between Mexico and its northern neighbor was $73,217.2 million during the second month of 2026 , an increase of 7.1% compared to February 2025.

In contrast, Canada fell 8.9% , totaling $57,543.6 million in February 2026; while  China dropped 36.1% compared to the same month last year , with a total traded value of $26,902.2 million.

In the accumulated January-February 2026, Mexico also led the trade exchange with the United States, with a total of 147,322.1 million dollars ; Canada reached 110,335.4 million dollars and China 56,289.2 million dollars in the first two months.

Regarding exports to the United States in the second month of 2026, Mexico maintained a solid performance, sending goods to the United States for 44,310.7 million dollars , which meant an increase of 6.4% annually.

Meanwhile, Canada exported $29,172.3 million, 16.5% less than in February 2025. China totaled $18,955.6 million in merchandise shipments to the United States last February, a figure that represented a decline of 40.1% compared to the same month in 2025.

In terms of imports, Mexico also solidified its position as the leading buyer of U.S. products, with $28.9065 billion in February 2026 , representing an 8 percent year-over-year increase. Canada saw a slight increase of 0.4%, totaling $28.3713 billion during the same period. China imported a total of $7.9466 billion, 24% less than in February 2025.

The  trade balance  in February 2026 showed a surplus for Mexico (15,404.2 million dollars) , China (11,009.1 million dollars) and Canada (801 million dollars).

Last February, the positive trend in trade between Mexico and the United States continued, as shown in January 2016, when the value of the exchange of goods was 74,105 million dollars.

The results for the second month of 2026 also reflect Mexico’s leading position in trade with the United States , despite constant pressure from its northern neighbor through protectionist measures. Meanwhile, Canada faces obstacles and China is losing ground in the North American market.

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El cargo Mexico maintains its trade advantage over the US in February apareció primero en T21.