The fourth round of talks between Mexico and the United States to review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will have to wait. Although the teams were initially scheduled to resume negotiations on September 28, Washington’s international agenda led both countries to postpone the meeting, and October now appears to be the most likely date.

Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Economy (SE) , explained that there is still no formal date announced, but he indicated that talks could resume next month.

“Look, we haven’t announced the topic of the fourth round yet, because, as you know, there’s the visit of President Xi of China to the United States. It was decided to postpone this a little. The G20 summit is also coming up next week, as you know, we’re in Milwaukee, so there are several events,” he explained at the end of the 5th Mexico-United States Binational Convention of the American Society of Mexico .

The postponement comes after three rounds of bilateral talks. The third round took place last July in Mexico City and included discussions on steel and aluminum, vehicles, economic security, labor, agriculture, and electronic payment services .

For Mexico, however, the timeline does not mean that negotiations have stalled. Gutiérrez asserted that they maintain virtually daily communication with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce .

The next step in the USMCA review also comes with a defined priority for Mexico: to improve the tariff conditions of sectors considered strategic, such as automotive, steel and aluminum, affected by US trade measures under Section 232.

“That is Mexico’s priority: to achieve the best conditions in the world for these sectors, and that is what we are working on,” the undersecretary stated.

The official assured that the United States maintains a receptive position to Mexican proposals, although he did not anticipate a specific outcome.

“We are working towards that. Our meetings are very positive and we are optimistic that we can have results in the coming years,” he said.

Beyond tariff negotiations, Mexico’s argument seeks to use the USMCA review to deepen North American production integration . Gutiérrez emphasized that Mexico remains committed to strengthening regional goods production.

The issue is relevant for supply chains because the treaty review is not limited to existing trade rules, but also incorporates discussions on rules of origin, economic security, and dependence on inputs from other regions.

In that scenario, the negotiation has two paths for the Mexican government: defend the existing access conditions for Mexican exports and seek new spaces to increase production within North America.

Currently, around 85% of Mexican exports to the United States enter duty-free . Mexico maintains one of the lowest tariffs in the world, Gutiérrez explained.

“We have one of the lowest tariffs on the planet, 3.4 percent. We have a joint work plan with the United States to start bringing in from other regions of the world what we are currently importing and start producing it in Mexico, the United States, and Canada,” he emphasized.

The negotiation also has a compliance dimension. The US administration initially presented around 54 points . However, some of these generate new follow-up points once the first stage is completed. As an example, they mentioned the regulation of digital platforms: once the legislation is approved, the next step is to review its implementation.

Mexico also raised approximately 12 issues. These included respect for the decisions of a panel related to the methodology for rules of origin in the automotive sector, customs matters , and proposals to increase regional production of currently imported goods.

Thus, the postponement of the fourth bilateral round does not in itself modify the content of the review, but it does extend the period of technical work before both countries formally meet again.

For Mexican production chains, particularly those linked to the automotive, steel and aluminum sectors, the tariff discussion will be one of the elements that will continue to shape the trade landscape in the coming months.

The USTR itself has indicated that the 2026 rounds seek to advance rules of origin, economic security and conditions to strengthen production in the United States and Mexico, as well as reduce the presence of inputs from countries outside the region .

The timeline, for now, points to October, but without a specific date. Gutiérrez acknowledged that Mexico aims to achieve results this year, though he left the timeframe open: “We don’t know. We’re working towards it; we want it to be this year, but we’ll see. It depends on many factors.”

The fourth round of talks between Mexico and the United States is particularly relevant given the trade between the two countries. In the period from January to July 2016 alone, the exchange of goods between Mexico and the United States totaled $588,523.8 million , according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau , highlighting the level of integration between the two nations in the commercial sector.

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El cargo Fourth round of Mexico-USMCA negotiations is set for October; supply chain among priorities apareció primero en T21.

The LEGO Group announced a $400 million investment to build a new packaging building and a high-capacity automated warehouse in Nuevo León , which will strengthen the company’s logistics and manufacturing production chains.

The project includes 62,000 square meters (m2) of new industrial infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology , announced Nancy Sánchez Moya, Senior Manufacturing Manager for the Americas at the LEGO Group, at the morning conference this Thursday.

The expansion is in response to the company’s global growth and is projected to create more than 1,300 new jobs.

“This is a necessity for us to continue expanding our capabilities to meet the demand we have around the world. This also reflects the strength we have found in Nuevo León. For almost two decades, we have found qualified talent, a solid logistics infrastructure, and a world-class manufacturing ecosystem,” said Sánchez Moya.

For his part, Marcelo Ebrard, head of the Ministry of Economy (SE) , highlighted that the investment is important because “it will allow the rebirth and expansion of the toy industry in Mexico and also of the petrochemical industry that is linked to all of it,” noting that various inputs, such as polymers, solvents, pigments and plastics, among others, are required to manufacture a LEGO.

The federal official announced that the project will begin next Wednesday and conclude in 2029.

Nancy Sánchez indicated that currently more than 90% of the supplies that LEGO uses in the country are purchased locally , “because we have been here, as I mentioned, since 2008, and so we have been developing all the suppliers to be able to have everything regionally, so more than 90% of our suppliers are here.”

He asserted that Mexico is an important country for the Danish brand.

“Currently, we have the largest plant in the world in Mexico. We have been in constant growth, and well, with this new investment, we continue to consolidate and strengthen our position because Mexico remains a very important country for the LEGO Group,” he emphasized.

With the new investment, LEGO’s infrastructure in Nuevo León will continue to evolve towards a larger-scale operation, in which manufacturing, packaging and storage are part of the same strategy to meet growing demand.

In the first half of 2026, LEGO Group revenue increased by 21% compared to the same period in 2025, while sales grew by 22% year-on-year, driven by strong demand across a wide range of products and enthusiasm for the brand.

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El cargo LEGO “rebuilds” logistics capacity in Nuevo León; announces investment in automated warehouse apareció primero en T21.

The fleet renewal program for motor transport promoted by the Ministry of Economy (SE) not only seeks to modernize the motor fleet (tractors and trucks) that has an average age of 19.4 years (considering cargo and passenger trucks), but could also become a gateway for more heavy units to begin to be insured, considered Alfredo Careaga, director of Business Development of THB Mexico .

“Overall, we think the initiative is very good in terms of renewing a rather old fleet, and I believe this incentive is positive,” Careaga stated in an interview with T21, adding that the program promoted by the federal government stems from an obvious need: an aging fleet and historical difficulties in accessing financing .

For Careaga, the initiative may have effects that go beyond the purchase of units, particularly in road safety and risk management , although it will be necessary to observe its implementation and the requirements that carriers must meet to access credit.

The modernization program includes financing schemes backed by guarantees from Nacional Financiera (Nafin) for micro and small transport operators with between one and 30 vehicles , who will be able to acquire new or used vehicles. The maximum financing amount under the shared-risk scheme is 15 million pesos or its equivalent in US dollars, and the option to acquire new vehicles will be for up to 84 months with a minimum down payment of 10 percent.

For pre-owned units, the maximum term will be  up to 60 months with a minimum down payment of 15 percent .

Although the plan is being implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , it is part of a broader package announced by the Ministry of Economy within the Mexico Plan to promote the renewal of heavy vehicles. This package includes tax incentives, guarantees, a new Official Mexican Standard, and measures to protect domestic production .

From Careaga’s perspective, one of the biggest benefits of the renewal is the incorporation of technology and safety devices in the new units, such as GPS tracking systems and other elements that can contribute both to fleet monitoring and to a faster response to incidents.

The specialist considered that, if new vehicles must introduce certain measures to access credit, it would create an incentive to improve risk management , especially for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which usually face greater difficulties in obtaining financing and which, from Careaga’s point of view, are the ones that concentrate older units with fewer safety measures,

Insurance sector, a piece of financing

The participation of the insurance sector could be another factor in determining the program’s scope. Alfredo Careaga stated that insurers are interested in adding new vehicles to their portfolios , particularly those with improved safety features.

The specialist indicated that the renewal could also expand insurance penetration in the motor transport sector.

According to SICT statistics, the fleet serving federal motor transport totaled 762,821 motor units in 2025 , representing an annual increase of 5.4 percent.

In the same cycle, the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS) identified 927,978 heavy units —including trucks, tractor-trailers, minibuses, buses and semi-trailers— that were insured.

In that regard, Alfredo Carega suggested that insurance could be more directly linked to loans. If a financial institution provides funds to acquire a vehicle, protecting that asset can reduce the risk of default in the event of an accident or theft .

The executive also considered that the initiative could serve as a first stage to test a scheme that could later be expanded with greater private participation, which would represent an opportunity to support financial institutions and carriers in designing adequate coverage for vehicles acquired under the scheme proposed by the federal government.

In this way, the renewal of the vehicle fleet presents an opportunity that goes beyond taking old units out of circulation: it can link financing, safety and insurance under the same scheme.

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El cargo Fleet renewal opens the door to insurance for the trucking industry: THB Mexico apareció primero en T21.

Specialized training in logistics and foreign trade seeks to take a new step with the second phase of Ruta Logística MX 2026 , an initiative coordinated by the Ministry of Economy (SE) that seeks to expand the participation of the sector and exceed the more than 45,000 registrations achieved in the last edition.

Under the title “Mexico, the New Route of the World ,” the program will begin on September 22 and run until November 24. The sessions will be virtual, free of charge, and will take place every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a program of 10 modules.

In this new phase, national and international specialists, academics, and representatives from the logistics community will participate to address issues related to logistics, foreign trade, and supply chains .

The program is supported by more than 82 business associations and chambers, such as the  National Association of Importers and Exporters of the Mexican Republic (ANIERM) and Corazón Logístico , among others, in addition to a network of ambassadors that will expand the reach of the content and bring the Ruta Logística MX experience to new audiences.

One of the relevant changes in this second phase will be the participation of the National Center for Higher Education Evaluation (Ceneval) , with a scheme to recognize participation and completion of training.

The growth of Ruta Logística MX has been significant since its inception. The program began in 2025 with a 13-module cycle and brought together more than 10,000 online participants . In addition, the Ministry of Economy issued approximately 4,000 certificates to those who met the established requirements.

By 2026, the initiative had seen a significant increase in participation. The first phase, held between May and June, reached approximately 45,000 registered participants , according to information released at the end of that phase. Participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge through an exam and progress toward a certification or micro-credential program.

This growth was accompanied by a new professionalization strategy. In March 2026, the Ministry of Economy and Ceneval signed an agreement to develop 10 specialized micro-credentials for Ruta Logística MX , focused on technical skills, operational processes, and supply chain management.

Ruta Logística MX is beginning to establish itself as a training and networking platform for companies, business organizations, academia, and public institutions . The addition of Ceneval aims to ensure the continuity of acquired capabilities through accreditation mechanisms.

The program’s evolution also reflects the growing demand for specialized talent in an industry facing regulatory, technological, and commercial changes. In this context, the Ministry of Economy is proposing Ruta Logística MX as part of the actions linked to the Mexico Plan , with the aim of strengthening productive capacity and competitiveness.

Importance of Logistics Route MX 2026

Ignacio Aguado Hernández, Director General of Innovation, Services and Domestic Trade at the Ministry of Economy, stated that Ruta Logística MX arose in response to the shortage of skilled labor facing the logistics sector , and indicated that the program responds to a mandate from Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Economy, to strengthen training and talent in the industry.

“Logistics is one of the pillars of the country, and we are following that trend worldwide, and Mexico is on the right track, and one of the challenges we have is to enhance the talent we already have, but now we need to professionalize it, to make it a habit to have continuous training, continuous education, to be constantly updating ourselves,” said Aguado Hernández regarding Ruta Logística MX 2026.

He explained that the impact of this program is to strengthen human capital in the logistics sector in the face of the changes that the world economy and trade are experiencing, which “is characterized by constant and sudden changes, and that the country will be more competitive and resilient if we have professional teams.”

Those interested in participating in this edition of Ruta Logística MX can register using the following form: https://forms.gle/mJPpsJrEwhCogyDR .

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Foreign Direct Investment  (FDI) attracted by Mexico during the first half of 2026 (1H26) reached a record high of 34.968 billion dollars (USD) , representing a 2.1% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when it was 34.265 billion USD, with a significant contribution from the logistics sector, as announced by the Ministry of Economy (SE) .

“This investment reaffirms Mexico’s position as an attractive platform for investment and is based on the strength of its macroeconomic and institutional foundations, as well as the guidelines of the Mexico Plan,” the Ministry of Economy highlighted.

Behavior by economic sector

The federal agency detailed that in the first half of 2026, the manufacturing industry was the main recipient of FDI, attracting 13 billion 482 million dollars, which represented 38.6% of the total flow and an increase of 9.3% compared to the same period in 2025.

The expansion was driven primarily by increased investment in the manufacture of computer equipment, communications and electronic components, basic metal industries and the manufacture of machinery and equipment.

The financial services and insurance sector ranked second with $10.15 billion, equivalent to 29% of the total, and a growth of 10.9% compared to the first half of last year.

This was followed by transport, mail and storage , whose FDI almost quadrupled (287%) compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching two billion 650 million dollars.

FDI by type of investment

In 1H26, reinvestment of profits  registered the largest share with $30,957 million, equivalent to 88.5% of the total; new investments totaled $2,726 million (7.8%) and intercompany accounts $1,285 million (3.7% share).

Origin of FDI by country

In the period January-June 2026, the United States remained the main country of origin of FDI in Mexico, with a flow of 16 billion 871 million dollars, equivalent to 48.2% of the total.

Spain ranked second with $4.954 billion (14.2% of the total). It was followed by Canada with $1.741 billion (5%); Australia with $1.698 billion (4.9%); and Germany with $1.647 billion (4.7% share).

These five economies accounted for 77% of the total FDI flow received by Mexico at the close of the first half of 2026. The United States and Canada accounted for 53.2%, reflecting the deep integration of value chains in North America .

Destination of FDI by federal entity

Mexico City remained the top destination for FDI nationwide, attracting $16.862 billion, which represented 48.2% of the total in the first half of 2026.

They were followed by Nuevo León with 3.712 billion dollars, a 10.6% share of the total; the State of Mexico with 2.114 billion dollars (6% share); Baja California with 1.743 billion dollars (5%) and Jalisco with 1.406 billion dollars (4%).

These five federal entities accounted for 73.9% of the FDI received in the first half of 2026.

Meanwhile, only during the second quarter of 2026 (2Q26) was the arrival of 10,464 million dollars, which implied an adjustment of -3.5% compared to the 10,848 million dollars captured in the same cycle of 2025.

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El cargo Foreign Direct Investment sets new record in Mexico in 1H26; logistics, with significant participation apareció primero en T21.

The Zapotlán Reserve Economic Development Hub for Well-being, in Hidalgo, will have an investment of more than 10 billion pesos (mdp), with a polygon of 910.8 hectares to receive companies of advanced manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceutical and medical devices .

This was reported by Germán Ahumada, executive director of DEWA , ​​the company that will develop this hub, which will combine industrial infrastructure with clean energy, services and complementary equipment.

“After more than a decade working in Hidalgo, we know its potential and we also understand the responsibility that comes with continuing to develop here. This Zapotlán Hub, the Zapotlán Reserve Wellbeing Hub, represents the next step in that commitment,” he emphasized.

At Wednesday morning’s press conference, Ahumada indicated that the hub, located in the municipality of Zapotlán de Juárez, includes a five-phase industrial logistics platform .

In that regard, Ximena Escobedo Juárez, Undersecretary of Industry and Commerce of the Ministry of Economy (SE) , explained that the first phase will be 1.277 billion pesos for urbanization and headworks, along with more than 2 billion pesos for the construction of the first two warehouses.

This phase is estimated to generate approximately 5,100 jobs, both direct and indirect.

The official highlighted that this will be the second hub to begin construction this year, “and we will be working together with DEWA and the state government, starting construction towards the middle and end of September for this first phase.”

According to the Declaration of the Economic Development Pole for Well-being Reserva Zapotlán, Hidalgo, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) , the proximity of this facility to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) increases its logistical and commercial value to attract investments in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and housing .

Furthermore, due to its integration into the logistics corridor of the Valley of Mexico, it connects with key nodes such as Pachuca, Tizayuca and Zempoala, which favors the installation of light industries and distribution centers, as well as companies in the automotive and aerospace sectors .

Cruz Azul through investment

The conference also announced an investment of 6.5 billion pesos by the La Cruz Azul Cooperative in Tula de Allende, Hidalgo.

This investment will be used to reactivate and modernize the cement plant, which is expected to produce three million tons of cement annually and generate more than 14,200 direct and indirect jobs, announced Víctor Manuel Velázquez Rangel, president of the Board of Directors of the La Cruz Azul Cooperative.

The plan includes, among other things, a new cement line with an investment of 3.7 billion pesos, which is 85% complete, as well as the rehabilitation of the Cruz Azul Hospital.

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El cargo The Welfare Hub in Hidalgo will receive logistics and advanced manufacturing companies apareció primero en T21.

Amid an international landscape marked by trade uncertainty, the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), technological transformation, and growing environmental demands, the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents (Amanac) took advantage of its 39th anniversary and Shipping Agent Day to send a message that transcended the institutional celebration: Mexico’s maritime competitiveness will increasingly depend on the sector’s ability to work in a coordinated manner with the authorities and anticipate the changes that are already redefining global trade.

The ceremony brought together representatives of the federal government, business organizations and companies in the maritime-port sector, who agreed that strengthening national logistics chains requires greater coordination between private initiatives and public institutions to respond to an increasingly complex international environment.

During his participation, Bernardo Vela, treasurer of Amanac, recalled that the association reaches its first 39 years after consolidating itself as one of the main voices of shipping agency in Mexico and as a permanent bridge between the industry and those who design the public policies of the sector.

“It’s been 39 years now, not just a simple number, it’s four decades of history built by those who decided to organize, represent and defend the interests of the shipping agency in Mexico,” he stated.

The executive acknowledged that the operating environment has changed profoundly in recent decades. Digitalization, new international regulations driven by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) , environmental sustainability, and the reorganization of supply chains are forcing the industry to evolve rapidly to maintain the relevance of maritime transport within Mexican foreign trade.

“The future of shipping activity in Mexico will depend on our ability to work together, anticipate changes, and defend with one voice the strategic importance of our sector,” he said, calling on both associates and authorities to renew collaboration mechanisms.

That call resonated with the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine . Its head, Claudia Hernández Sordo, emphasized that behind every ship that arrives at a Mexican port lies specialized work that is rarely visible, but which allows for the coordination of authorities, shipping companies, terminals, port operators, and foreign trade users to guarantee the continuity of logistics chains.

The official stressed that strengthening the maritime sector will require simultaneous progress in legal certainty, innovation, training, and institutional coordination , elements she considered essential to take advantage of Mexico’s strategic geographic position and consolidate “more efficient, competitive, safe, and sustainable” ports.

From the Ministry of Economy , the message shifted to the international context. José Ignacio Aguado, Director General of Innovation, Services, and Domestic Trade at the federal agency, acknowledged that the global economy is going through a period of commercial, economic, and geopolitical disruptions ; however, he maintained that Mexico is in a favorable position to face the review of the USMCA.

“We are confident and very optimistic,” he said, conveying Secretary Marcelo Ebrard’s message, while also asserting that the current uncertainty comes from outside and not from the country’s internal conditions.

However, he also identified the remaining challenges to boosting national competitiveness . Security, infrastructure development, and the training of specialized talent, he said, continue to be some of the main areas for strengthening the Mexican logistics ecosystem.

“It is our decision whether we grow at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour or 100,” he stated, insisting that the only way to accelerate that growth will be through joint decision-making between government, businesses, associations, and academia.

The president of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) , Alejandro Malagón, shifted the discussion to the strategic role that ports play in the national economy. He noted that while much of the country sleeps, port operations keep foreign trade moving through constant coordination that rarely receives public recognition.

“Ports have something very curious about them. They are a permanent economic engine in the operation that benefits the nation,” he noted.

For Malagón, the challenge is no longer just about manufacturing more products, but about moving them with greater speed, efficiency, and reliability . In that context, he warned that any logistical disruption has effects that extend beyond a single company.

“When merchandise is stopped, it’s not just a company that suffers a loss; we lose the competitiveness of the entire country,” he stated.

The business leader argued that reducing regulatory obstacles, strengthening logistics chains, and facilitating foreign trade will be key factors for Mexico to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the reconfiguration of international trade, while also recognizing the role of shipping agents as one of the least visible but most crucial links in keeping the country connected to global markets.

Nearly four decades after its creation, Amanac used its anniversary not only to recognize the contributions of those who have built the organization, but also to outline the agenda facing Mexican shipping agencies. In a context of global trade transformation, the consensus between authorities and the private sector was clear : maintaining Mexico’s maritime competitiveness will depend on accelerating modernization, strengthening institutional dialogue, and consolidating a shared vision to respond to the challenges redefining global supply chains.

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Talking about logistics usually brings to mind warehouses, ports, roads, or distribution centers. However, behind the functioning of each link in the chain lies a less visible but equally crucial component: the development of public policies capable of creating conditions for commerce, industry, and transportation to operate more efficiently.

That is the work that Claudia Alexandra Patrón Palos performs today from the Ministry of Economy .

At 29 years old, she heads the Logistics and Supply Chain area of ​​the General Directorate of Innovation, Services and Domestic Trade (DGISCI), a responsibility that has placed her at the forefront of initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s logistics competitiveness.

Since joining the agency in 2023, she has participated in the design of strategies aligned with the Mexico Plan , promoting actions to professionalize the sector, boost the development of logistics infrastructure and strengthen coordination between authorities, companies and academic institutions.

One of the projects that best reflects the scope of his work is the presidency of the Competency Management Committee recognized by CONOCER-SEP, made up of more than 60 public, private and academic institutions.

Through this organization, it has promoted training and certification schemes that seek to raise the level of specialization of professionals in transport, logistics and the supply chain, convinced that talent is one of the main assets to improve the country’s competitiveness.

Their participation has also been relevant in logistical coordination in the face of national emergencies and in the development of the critical infrastructure proposal presented to entities in the United States and Canada, initiatives that reflect the growing importance of logistics as a strategic issue for economic security and the continuity of supply chains in North America.

Before joining the public service, Claudia had a solid career in the private sector. At Viterra de México, she coordinated rail and sea import operations, overseeing inventories, warehouses, foreign trade documentation, and domestic logistics operations.

That experience allowed him to learn firsthand about the daily challenges that companies face in maintaining the flow of goods and responding to an increasingly competitive environment.

Previously, as export coordinator at Muñoz Magaña Pet Supplements, she led commercial operations to the United States and Canada , achieving a 99% order fulfillment rate and contributing to reduced shipping times through optimized logistics processes. She also managed a portfolio of over one hundred products sold on digital platforms, integrating foreign trade operations with e-commerce strategies.

Her academic background reflects the same commitment to specialization. She holds a degree in International Trade and Business and master’s degrees in Finance, Logistics Management, and International Business, in addition to studies in tax law and executive programs at institutions such as Cambridge Judge Business School and the  Center for Economic Research and Teaching (CIDE) , preparation that has allowed her to integrate a multidisciplinary vision to address the challenges of contemporary logistics .

More than just coordinating projects, Claudia Alexandra Patrón Palos has found in logistics a tool to boost the country’s economic development.

Her experience in both operations and public policy design allows her to bridge the gap between industry needs and government actions, establishing herself as one of the young leaders who are contributing to building a more competitive, resilient logistics system prepared to respond to the challenges of global trade, which has led her to be part of T21’s 21 Young Leaders .

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El cargo Claudia Alexandra Patrón Palos: promoting logistics through public policy apareció primero en T21.

The Ministry of Economy (SE) warned that there is a shortage of specialized personnel and logistics profiles in Mexico that affects sectors such as agri-food, where more than 50% of production is lost due to bad decisions.

“Our diagnosis is that there is a critical shortage of logistics profiles and specialized labor, a serious deficit in the sector,” said José Ignacio Aguado, Director General of Innovation, Services and Domestic Trade at the SE.

During the monthly meeting held by the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transport (AMTI) , he indicated that there are other countries that are growing more than Mexico in logistics matters, such as Brazil.

He indicated that the country requires 150,000 certified specialized technicians per year , since one of the weaknesses is training, evaluation and certification, expansion of ports, railways and logistics corridors, among other factors.

Claudia Alexandra Patrón, Director of Logistics and Supply Chain at the Ministry of Economy, said that despite the existing infrastructure, “ we are becoming less competitive in logistics performance every day . The Logistics Performance Index shows a drop of 15 positions by 2023; we would have to see if we have improved or are continuing to decline, but it is everyone’s responsibility to professionalize the sector, adopt better practices, and support SMEs in international markets.”

Regarding intermodal transport, he explained that it is necessary to know if there are certified operators , to make it more competitive and to visualize its importance, since in Mexico there are challenges to increase its participation in the movement of cargo.

However, he reiterated that skilled labor is also needed, otherwise negative impacts will occur.

“They need to have profiles that allow you to trace the cargo, ensure logistical security, and manage cargo operations if you handle SMEs or if you are an AEO operator, because we already have access to the ports, but who is in charge of transshipping the merchandise and making that transport connection?” he stressed.

He mentioned that among the country’s most important export sectors, the agri-food sector is projected to generate over $53 billion in exports by 2025, more than tourism or oil. Furthermore, it employs 61 million people.

He also noted that Mexico exports these types of products to 141 countries, and ranks 14th worldwide in terms of exports.

“But with all those exports, we are losing 50% of production due to logistical failures, poor management of the supply chain and distribution to the destination, due to time, procedures, operations, decision-making, a loss due to a deficiency in the decision-making of those who operate the supply chain,” he explained.

Therefore, José Ignacio Aguado highlighted that within the Mexico Plan there are goals to consolidate the country as a hub in advanced manufacturing, foreign trade, clean energy, among other actions that are being carried out from the Ministry of Economy.

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El cargo Mexico’s Ministry of Economy warns of a shortage of logistics personnel. apareció primero en T21.

The approval of the Modernised Global Agreement between Mexico and the European Union by the European Parliament represents a key step in strengthening Mexico’s trade diversification strategy, by expanding preferential access for Mexican products to one of the world’s most important markets and opening new opportunities for exports and attracting investment, the Secretary of Economy stated this morning.

Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard highlighted that the agreement could become operational this year, once the Senate of the Republic completes the corresponding ratification process.

He noted that an increase in exports of agricultural products is expected, as well as from the automotive industry, auto parts and other strategic sectors.

With this approval, the European Union concludes the substantive part of the ratification of the trade component of the agreement, which will replace the framework in force since 2000.

Among the main benefits is that virtually all Mexican exports will be able to enter the European market under a free trade agreement , with preferential treatment. The sectors that will benefit include agri-food, beverages with designation of origin, advanced manufacturing, automotive, auto parts, medical devices, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Furthermore, the new agreement strengthens Mexico’s position as one of the few economies in the world with preferential access to both the European Union and North American markets through the USMCA , increasing its attractiveness for international investment and trade.

The figures reflect the importance of this trade relationship. During 2025, bilateral trade between Mexico and the European Union reached $88.306 billion , consolidating the European bloc as the country’s third largest trading partner and the second largest export market for Mexican products.

In that same year, national exports to Europe totaled 23,817 million dollars , equivalent to 3.6% of the total exported by Mexico.

In terms of investment, the European Union positioned itself as the second largest investor in the country, with a Foreign Direct Investment of 9 billion 887 million dollars, equivalent to 24.2% of the total attracted by Mexico in 2025.

With the modernization of the agreement, the Mexican government seeks to consolidate a new stage in the economic relationship with Europe, boosting the competitiveness of national industry, diversifying export markets and strengthening the arrival of new investments to the country.

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El cargo European Parliament approves Modernised Global Agreement between Mexico and the European Union apareció primero en T21.