The reform to the Customs Law, which came into effect in 2026, has become one of the main challenges for logistics in Mexico, since it has not provided advantages for foreign trade, but rather obstacles to its operation, considered the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transport (AMTI) .

“The reform of the Customs Law, far from creating advantages, has created more obstacles to operations, as it places greater responsibilities on customs brokers and more penalties on transporters and customs brokers, which is beginning to cause some friction in foreign trade. The nature of customs is to facilitate foreign trade, and this reform is generating a series of complaints,” explained Luis Hernández, president of AMTI.

During the webinar “Supply Chain Readiness in North America” , Hernández pointed out that this scenario is currently occurring, despite having a greater investment in logistics in the country.

According to the Ministry of Economy (SE) , the transport, postal and storage sector attracted 913 million dollars (USD) of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2026, a growth of 123.3% compared to the same period in 2025, when it was 409 million USD.

Luis Hernández indicated that there are currently bottlenecks in customs operations, such as duplicate inspections , staff availability, binational coordination, and crossing times.

“In order to resolve the capacity issue and be more in line with the growth we are logistically promoting and what the United States, Canada, and Mexico are seeking to supply that market, the country still has to resolve many problems related to customs to be at the same level,” he commented.

Therefore, he asserted that the challenge is to cross borders, move goods, and expedite the flow of logistics. “We have to resolve the customs issue as a logistics industry and work hand in hand with associations. Connectivity is not the problem.”

Reconfiguration in the automotive industry

For his part, Daniel Hernández, president of the National Network of Automotive Industry Clusters of Mexico (Redcam) , stressed that the automotive sector has registered changes, including the speed at which it moves, driven by the role of China and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as by the adjustments in the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (USMCA) .

“The automotive industry is experiencing its most profound transformation in a century, driven by technology and now by the reconfiguration of value chains and a major new player: China. The global map has changed; today, the center of gravity of the industry, which was primarily in Detroit or Tokyo, is now in China,” he said.

He recalled that last year 96.4 million vehicles were manufactured , of which 36% were produced in that country, while 10 years ago it manufactured 24 million units and sold 700,000 to the world; in 2025 it manufactured 34 million and placed more than seven million cars worldwide.

Daniel Hernandez described China’s development in the automotive industry as “impressive,” even stating that its current production is more than double that of North America.

“All the mobility and growth of the automotive industry is driven by China. Last year, we had negative growth of just under 1% in our assembly industry, while they are growing by over three million units produced each year. Their production capacity is greater than any other country, and they are also absorbing a large number of electric vehicles. I think that’s where some of the frustration in the automotive industry comes from, because the progress of electrification hasn’t been as we expected,” he noted.

He stated that this change is related to the development of their supply chains , mainly in the critical supply for electric vehicles, batteries and basic raw materials.

Furthermore, he indicated that China is already one of the world’s largest vehicle exporters, with Brazil, Russia, and Mexico being its main markets. In Mexico alone, there are 30 Chinese brands, and 11 of them have a distribution and maintenance network.

In that regard, he asserted that the supply chain must make strategic investments , while suppliers need to appeal to a closer proximity with their customers’ engineering cycles, use of AI, process automation, among other actions.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo New Customs Law Impacts Mexican Foreign Trade: AMTI apareció primero en T21.

The reform to the Customs Law, which came into effect in 2026, has become one of the main challenges for logistics in Mexico, since it has not provided advantages for foreign trade, but rather obstacles to its operation, considered the Mexican Association of Intermodal Transport (AMTI) .

“The reform of the Customs Law, far from creating advantages, has created more obstacles to operations, as it places greater responsibilities on customs brokers and more penalties on transporters and customs brokers, which is beginning to cause some friction in foreign trade. The nature of customs is to facilitate foreign trade, and this reform is generating a series of complaints,” explained Luis Hernández, president of AMTI.

During the webinar “Supply Chain Readiness in North America” , Hernández pointed out that this scenario is currently occurring, despite having a greater investment in logistics in the country.

According to the Ministry of Economy (SE) , the transport, postal and storage sector attracted 913 million dollars (USD) of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2026, a growth of 123.3% compared to the same period in 2025, when it was 409 million USD.

Luis Hernández indicated that there are currently bottlenecks in customs operations, such as duplicate inspections , staff availability, binational coordination, and crossing times.

“In order to resolve the capacity issue and be more in line with the growth we are logistically promoting and what the United States, Canada, and Mexico are seeking to supply that market, the country still has to resolve many problems related to customs to be at the same level,” he commented.

Therefore, he asserted that the challenge is to cross borders, move goods, and expedite the flow of logistics. “We have to resolve the customs issue as a logistics industry and work hand in hand with associations. Connectivity is not the problem.”

Reconfiguration in the automotive industry

For his part, Daniel Hernández, president of the National Network of Automotive Industry Clusters of Mexico (Redcam) , stressed that the automotive sector has registered changes, including the speed at which it moves, driven by the role of China and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as by the adjustments in the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (USMCA) .

“The automotive industry is experiencing its most profound transformation in a century, driven by technology and now by the reconfiguration of value chains and a major new player: China. The global map has changed; today, the center of gravity of the industry, which was primarily in Detroit or Tokyo, is now in China,” he said.

He recalled that last year 96.4 million vehicles were manufactured , of which 36% were produced in that country, while 10 years ago it manufactured 24 million units and sold 700,000 to the world; in 2025 it manufactured 34 million and placed more than seven million cars worldwide.

Daniel Hernandez described China’s development in the automotive industry as “impressive,” even stating that its current production is more than double that of North America.

“All the mobility and growth of the automotive industry is driven by China. Last year, we had negative growth of just under 1% in our assembly industry, while they are growing by over three million units produced each year. Their production capacity is greater than any other country, and they are also absorbing a large number of electric vehicles. I think that’s where some of the frustration in the automotive industry comes from, because the progress of electrification hasn’t been as we expected,” he noted.

He stated that this change is related to the development of their supply chains , mainly in the critical supply for electric vehicles, batteries and basic raw materials.

Furthermore, he indicated that China is already one of the world’s largest vehicle exporters, with Brazil, Russia, and Mexico being its main markets. In Mexico alone, there are 30 Chinese brands, and 11 of them have a distribution and maintenance network.

In that regard, he asserted that the supply chain must make strategic investments , while suppliers need to appeal to a closer proximity with their customers’ engineering cycles, use of AI, process automation, among other actions.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo New Customs Law Impacts Mexican Foreign Trade: AMTI apareció primero en T21.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicking off tomorrow, all eyes are on the stadiums, the national teams, and the fans. However, behind this sporting event, one of the most important on the planet, lies a logistical operation that began years before the opening whistle and will test Mexico’s capacity to simultaneously move people, goods, and services .

For Bertha Martínez, coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in International Logistics at  CETYS University Campus Mexicali , the World Cup does not begin on the day of the inauguration (June 11) but from the moment the host countries and cities undertake investments in infrastructure, modernization of stadiums, airports, roads, tourist services and urban mobility systems .

The logistics associated with this sporting event involve multiple supply chains operating in parallel. These include not only the transport of national and international fans, but also official merchandise, food, beverages, sports equipment, medical services, security, and waste management.

One of the biggest challenges will be the movement of people. The expert noted that Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is one of the main entry points for foreign visitors who will later travel to Guadalajara and Monterrey, which are also World Cup venues.

In an interview with T21, Martínez indicated that the operational capacity of airports and the coordination between authorities, airlines and transport services will be key to avoiding bottlenecks .

In that regard, he considered that the concern lies not only in the physical infrastructure, but also in the operational capacity of those who will manage large volumes of passengers in very short periods, given that the World Cup will last just over a month. Security, immigration, ground transportation, and visitor services will be under increased pressure.

With 13 matches scheduled in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, the country is expected to receive approximately 5.5 million visitors during the sporting event, according to estimates from the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) .

In terms of cargo, the World Cup also presents a significant challenge. “Balls, uniforms, souvenirs, promotional products, and official merchandise began being distributed months ago through international logistics networks . Most of these products are manufactured outside of Mexico and require efficient import, storage, and distribution processes to reach points of sale,” explained the logistics specialist.

Another key component is consumer logistics. Restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and retail stores increased their inventories of beverages, snacks, and high-demand products to meet the expected surge during the games.

“These are supply chains that began preparing from the end of 2025 to respond to the peak demand expected for June and July,” he explained.

Martínez Cisneros pointed out that health logistics are also part of the World Cup ecosystem. Hospitals, emergency services, and health authorities must be prepared to respond to any eventuality arising from the massive concentration of national and international visitors in the host cities.

Global cross-border

In the Cali-Baja region, the tournament takes on a particular dimension due to the economic and logistical integration between Baja California, Mexico, and California, United States.

“The proximity to cities like San Diego and Los Angeles opens up opportunities for the cross-border movement of tourists and consumers who will attend games held on U.S. soil,” he emphasized.

In this context, Tijuana could become a strategic hub for thousands of visitors seeking lodging and connectivity options. Border infrastructure , international crossings, and land routes will play a key role in capitalizing on the influx generated by the scheduled sporting events on the U.S. West Coast.

From the perspective of cross-border supply chains, the World Cup will also boost the movement of mass consumer goods.

“Food, beverage, and promotional item companies have been increasing production and strengthening inventories in both Mexico and the United States for months to meet the demand associated with the tournament,” explained Bertha Martínez.

According to estimates from the Monex Financial Group , based on information from the World Trade Organization (WTO) , the World Cup will have a significant economic impact in North America of approximately 23.25 billion dollars (USD), of which 4.05 billion USD will remain in Mexico with the hosting of 13 matches.

Beyond the sporting result, the main challenge for the country will be to demonstrate that it has the necessary logistical capacity to organize large-scale global events .

If the logistics chains respond efficiently, the biggest triumph could be recorded off the field: consolidating Mexico as a logistics platform capable of successfully operating one of the most complex events in the world.

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El cargo 2026 World Cup: Mexican logistics enter the most demanding match apareció primero en T21.

LEON, GTO.- International trade and supply chains are in a stage of change that forces a rethinking of strategies, investments and business models, explained Luis Angel Mera, co-founder and CEO of Vertice Worldwide .

In his keynote address, “What’s happening in global logistics and where are we headed? The most disruptive decade since the creation of the shipping container has already begun!”, at the second edition of  Road 2 Logistics Automotive 2026 , organized by the  Industrial Cluster , the specialist argued that the rules that defined the growth of the logistics sector over the last few decades are no longer sufficient to meet current challenges . Geopolitical uncertainty, market concentration, and pressure on infrastructure are reshaping competitiveness.

Speaking to representatives from the automotive industry, supply chains, and logistics operators, Mera González explained that global maritime transport is increasingly concentrated in a small group of shipping companies and strategic alliances, which gives these actors greater negotiating power and forces other participants in the chain to redefine their value proposition .

This trend has direct implications for independent freight forwarders and logistics operators, who face competition from increasingly larger companies.

Mera emphasized that logistics is no longer a predictable activity . While companies used to be able to design strategies with five- or ten-year horizons, “now it’s changing from one week to the next.”

Uncertainty stemming from U.S. trade policies was identified as one of the factors that most influence investment decisions in North America, as it generates caution among companies evaluating expanding operations, building warehouses, or installing new production plants.

Another point he highlighted was the growing vulnerability of ports. Mera recalled recent cases of congestion in Latin America, where delays caused significant logistical cost overruns , operational disruptions, and losses for importers and exporters.

Port infrastructure has become a strategic element for the competitiveness of countries. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) , more than 80% of global merchandise trade is transported by sea, making ports fundamental facilities for the functioning of global supply chains.

The event also addressed the impact of geopolitics on international logistics . Investments in ports, logistics corridors, and infrastructure projects no longer respond solely to economic criteria, but also to the strategic interests of countries and trade blocs.

In this context, Latin America faces the challenge of maintaining its competitiveness while navigating the trade tensions of the world’s major economies. For Mexico, this situation is particularly relevant due to its integration with the United States and the phenomenon of nearshoring (the relocation of companies).

Luis Ángel Mera emphasized that specialization will be one of the decisive factors for the success of logistics operators. He indicated that having in-depth knowledge of an industry, understanding its production processes, and anticipating its risks will allow them to generate higher-value solutions for their clients.

In the specific case of the automotive sector, he stated that understanding cargo movements is no longer enough. Logistics providers must understand the entire supply chain structure , from first-tier manufacturers to second- and third-tier suppliers, to meet the demands of this industry.

Mera questioned the traditional approach based solely on price. In this regard, he argued that many operators continue to focus their commercial proposals on rates and volumes, while supply chain managers face broader challenges related to planning, resilience, operating costs, and business continuity .

According to their vision, the next generation of successful logistics companies will be those capable of evolving from a transactional supplier to a strategic partner . This involves understanding the customer’s objectives, participating in solving operational problems, and contributing directly to value creation within the supply chain.

The conference’s message was clear: logistics can no longer be limited to the movement of goods. In an environment marked by market concentration, pressure on infrastructure, geopolitical uncertainty, and the transformation of supply chains, adaptability and specialization will be the main differentiators for companies.

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

El cargo Specialization, geopolitics, and resilience redefine logistics in the new era apareció primero en T21.

Stadiums, businesses, hotels, transportation, and avenues were jammed from mid-morning. A semi-trailer truck was stuck in endless lines while, a few kilometers away, thousands of people shouted “Goal!” wearing their favorite team’s jersey. This is how the 2026 FIFA World Cup will also begin  for Mexican logistics. 

A Deloitte analysis estimates that the tournament could raise Mexico’s economic growth from 1.3% to 1.4% in 2026, with an economic impact of up to four billion 050 million dollars.  

For 39 days, with 48 teams, 104 matches, and venues spread across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the World Cup  will test the resilience of supply chains. Estimates indicate that the country expects more than 5.5 million visitors, which will increase the pressure on airports, highways, distribution centers, and urban delivery networks. 

Lockton Mexico anticipates that logistics activity could grow by up to 15% as a result of the tournament , especially in freight transport, warehousing, hospitality, food and urban deliveries, so companies are accelerating investments. 

In addition, the event will coincide with campaigns such as Hot Sale and  retail discount seasons , periods that historically increase the movement of goods. 

“We see a lot of activity in all consumer spending,” explains Pablo Ocampo, CEO of Grupo  MexAmerik . He says the company has experienced a significant increase in activity since the last week of May and throughout much of June.  

For  SimpliRoute , the World Cup will force companies to completely rethink their logistics operations. Álvaro Echeverría, the company’s CEO, believes that many Mexican cities are already operating at their limits in terms of mobility and supply, and adding millions of visitors in a short period will lead to longer travel times, traffic congestion, and difficulties in maintaining service levels .

“We should prepare for a Black Friday in a month. It’s going to be very painful, but also very positive for commerce,” he says. 

In response, companies began taking preventative measures , such as renegotiating expectations with customers and suppliers. There has also been an increase in searches for additional transportation and temporary storage capacity. 

One of the most visible trends is the expansion of  dark stores  and micro-  fulfillment centers . According to Echeverría, many companies are looking to bring inventory closer to urban areas to avoid long commutes during peak traffic days. 

“The problem is not just moving more merchandise, but moving it within cities that are already saturated,” he points out. 

At  Autotransportes de Carga Tresguerras,  preparations began months before the World Cup. The company is even directly involved in the logistics for some teams in Mexico, moving luggage, uniforms, and equipment between airports, hotels, and stadiums in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. 

However, the company acknowledges that the real challenge lies in the delivery times. 

“It’s a fact that there will be complications,” acknowledges María Guadalupe Mancera Pérez, the company’s CEO. She says that meetings are already underway with FIFA to discuss restrictions and closures in areas near stadiums. 

The strategy includes strengthening last-mile deliveries, leasing additional units, and maintaining constant communication with customers regarding potential delays. Operational uncertainty, he admits , will be unavoidable.

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El cargo Logistics “out of place” due to the World Cup apareció primero en T21.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , and the midterm elections in the United States next November could pose risks to supply chains, primarily for the food, pharmaceutical, automotive, and electronics industries.

Jorge Luis Chávez Zárate, founding partner of the International Federation of Authorised Economic Operators (IFAEO) , explained that prevention is a crucial point to face the challenges that may arise during such events.

“The risks associated with the World Cup include impacts on critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, disruptions on highways, and issues at border crossings like Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juárez. We need to focus on ports and airports. What will happen on highways like the Mexico-Laredo highway, and what about the increase in visitors? There will be five million, and we need to take that into account so that our supply chains don’t get disrupted,” he explained.

In an interview, he specified that work must be done on how to improve the existing infrastructure and anticipate certain events such as a road blockade to avoid impacts, a strike, or food contamination.

Similarly, he considered that communication between companies and government “is crucial” and said, “We created the “Supply Chain Intelligence and Security Committee (CISCS)” in San Luis Potosí as a pilot program where we are linking various trade associations through their organizations, such as the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga ), the automotive industry clusters of SLP, the UUZI industrial zone users’ union, and we are inviting customs, military, Navy, and National Guard authorities so that, through risk analysis, we can anticipate situations.”

“There are already committees and links with the authorities, and these need to be strengthened in the face of events like the 2026 World Cup or elections. How are we going to strengthen them? With a strategy from a specific committee to mitigate supply chain risks. We are connecting with different chambers of commerce and associations so that, through these partnerships, we can share data and work together using the same language, which in this case is the Authorized Economic Operator and CTPAT,” he stated.

In that regard, he assured that IFAEO, together with the automotive industry cluster of San Luis Potosí, wants to carry out prevention initiatives and an emergency response channel for critical events with various organizations and agencies, including customs, economy, the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and the Ministry of Defense (Sedena) , National Guard and Navy (Semar).

“This is an initiative we are promoting because of the World Cup and all the dynamics that will come in the next 18 months, which is a cocktail for supply chains, but it is an initiative that will be open and permanent, where the Intelligence Committee will do the tests at the World Cup with some organizations like Amacarga, there will be five of us promoting it with the authorities,” said Chávez Zárate.

He explained that the Intelligence Committee should focus on training companies and authorities of the Authorized Economic Operator and CTPAT to understand their operations in ports and airports, as well as collaboration in preventing risk situations and establishing a channel for better communication to react to problems.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo The 2026 World Cup and the USMCA review would put pressure on supply chains. apareció primero en T21.

Industrial relocation in Mexico is not only transforming the demand for industrial parks and logistics spaces; it is also modifying the operational needs of construction companies, manufacturers, and companies linked to the movement of goods, according to MTM , a company dedicated to the manufacture and marketing of waste compactors, concrete mixers, and mobility solutions.

While nearshoring (relocation of production lines) accelerates investments and new industrial developments in different regions of the country, increasingly visible pressures are beginning to emerge on infrastructure, supply chains and the availability of specialized machinery, the firm explained in a statement.

During 2024, demand related to industrial relocation exceeded two million square meters of industrial space in Mexico. Furthermore, the construction sector maintains a share of approximately 7% of the national Gross Domestic Product and generates around 7.8% of employment in the country, according to data cited by MTM.

However, behind that industrial growth, new challenges for daily operations also began to emerge: supply chain delays, increased logistics costs, energy pressure, and longer waiting times for imported machinery and spare parts.

In this context, domestic manufacturers of heavy machinery are seeking to gain ground in a market historically dominated by imports. The growth of industrial construction has also increased the demands for operational continuity for construction companies and logistics operators , particularly in an environment where delivery times and the availability of technical support are becoming strategic factors.

Under that scenario, MTM explained that it strengthened national manufacturing schemes, local availability of spare parts and specialized technical support.

The company stated that its plants operate under ISO 9001:2015 certification and produce solutions adapted to the operating conditions of the Mexican market.

“Today, the industry not only demands machinery; it demands solutions capable of integrating with different operating ecosystems and global platforms,” commented Emmanuel Vargas, the company’s Marketing Manager.

The executive added that competitiveness no longer depends solely on manufacturing equipment and now also requires developing adaptable engineering compatible with different operating platforms.

Under this scenario, the local availability of machinery, spare parts and technical support is beginning to gain importance within industries where imports have historically predominated.

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El cargo Mexican manufacturing gains ground in the face of logistical and industrial pressure apareció primero en T21.

Over the next five years, the supply chain will undergo various operational changes, making it necessary to have trained personnel to face this transformation, as well as tools, technologies, and collaboration between companies, according to industry specialists.

Mayra Velázquez, a specialist in Pricing and Land Transportation Project Development, explained that these changes, which will be observed around 2031 , will involve the automation of costs based on historical data. She also predicted that just-in-time delivery will disappear, some maritime routes will be suspended due to droughts, and there will be less logistics talent.

He also commented that globalization will no longer exist, but rather closed blocs, while artificial intelligence (AI) will be an essential part of the future; however, “we don’t know if it will have the resilience to give us newer data; our dependence on technology makes us vulnerable to this tool.”

During the webinar “Supply Chain of Tomorrow: Anticipating Trends Towards 2031” , he explained that collaboration strategies must also be applied.

“We need to make the supply chain more open, with everyone collaborating, trusting the carrier, creating a win-win situation for both parties to be more efficient in equipment and transportation rotation, resulting in higher profits, on-time delivery, and simpler management through everyone’s collaboration,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Hugo Ibáñez, a specialist in TMS Solutions and Digital Transformation at Unigis , indicated that part of the advantages that the sector will have by 2031 will be a minimum standard, such as real-time visibility, integrations, optimization, among others.

“By that year, it will be assumed that the TMS will automatically optimize costs, service levels, capacities, times, and even carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and the use of advanced analytics will no longer be a competitive advantage. The advantage will be knowing how to use it to have more resilient networks, make better decisions, and respond more quickly to rapidly changing environments,” he explained.

He asserted that Mexican logistics ” always has to know how to adapt and move forward , even when the context is not ideal, as was the case with the pandemic,” and he also agreed on the need for more collaboration between companies.

Carlos Canseco, founder of PELT: Professionals in Logistics & Transportation , considered it important to be up-to-date on logistics issues , to have mastery of AI for making business decisions, but also in data analytics.

“Knowing what to do with that information, where we’re going to take it, and what results we’re going to get,” she emphasized. She also pointed out that it’s a priority to implement collaborative negotiation strategies to achieve a win-win outcome.

For his part, César García, Regional Sales Director at Uber Freight , stressed that sustainability is another issue that must be considered, so concrete actions must be implemented, such as the conversion to intermodal transport , in addition to working on predictability and human capital.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo They anticipate changes in the supply chain by 2031 apareció primero en T21.

The reconfiguration of global trade has favored Mexico as an investment destination, but the growing dependence on the US market and the advance of Asia as a strategic supplier pose new challenges to the competitiveness and resilience of supply chains .

Given this scenario, companies are modifying their strategies to reduce risks and ensure operational continuity in an environment marked by geopolitical tensions, changes in trade policies, and economic uncertainty stemming from US tariffs.

This was pointed out by Carlos Kuriyama, director of the Policy Support Unit of the APEC Secretariat ( Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum ), who explained that, since the mid-2010s, a process of productive reconfiguration began that has led companies to diversify their operations and seek new locations for manufacturing and investment.

According to the expert, Southeast Asia and Mexico have been the main beneficiaries. Countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, among others, have captured a significant portion of the investment flows seeking alternatives to China; while Mexico has strengthened its position thanks to its proximity to the United States.

This trend is reflected in investment flows. By the end of 2025, Mexico had received $40.871 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) , representing a 10.8% increase compared to the FDI received in 2024, primarily in manufacturing, thus consolidating its position as one of the leading recipients of productive capital among developing economies.

However, Kuriyama cautioned that the international context is changing again. The uncertainty stemming from new trade policies and tariff measures could pose challenges for economies highly integrated into a single market.

In that regard, he emphasized that one of Mexico’s main challenges will be to diversify its trade relations . Currently, more than 80% of Mexican exports go to the United States, a concentration that exposes the country to risks stemming from regulatory or trade changes in its main economic partner.

In March 2026 alone, the value of trade between Mexico and the United States reached $83,978.6 million, an 8.6% increase compared to March 2025.

According to Kuriyama, while exports continue to depend on North America, imports show a different dynamic. The specialist believes that Mexico has increased its purchases of components, supplies, and technology from Asia, driven by the competitiveness of suppliers in that region in terms of cost, quality, and availability.

This situation poses an additional challenge for companies based in the country: maintaining compliance with the rules of origin established in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to retain preferential access to the U.S. market, without giving up the competitive advantages offered by sourcing from Asia.

In an interview with T21, Kuriyama emphasized that Mexico’s geographic location represents a strategic advantage that can be better leveraged. Connectivity to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans opens opportunities to expand markets and strengthen trade ties beyond North America .

This evolution is also transforming how supply chains operate. The just-in-time model , which prioritizes minimal inventory and efficient sourcing, is giving way to more flexible, resilience-oriented systems.

According to the APEC executive, more and more companies are incorporating redundancy into their supply chains and maintaining higher inventory levels to reduce the risk of production disruptions due to geopolitical conflicts , trade restrictions, or logistical problems.

“We are evolving from a just-in-time system to a just-in-case system ,” Kuriyama summarized, describing the need for safety margins that allow for responding to unexpected scenarios.

Resilience has become a central factor in corporate decision-making. The rise of nearshoring (relocation of production lines) and the search for more secure supply chains have contributed to Mexico registering record levels of FDI.

Regarding trade policy, Kuriyama maintained that economic openness remains a fundamental condition for strengthening competitiveness . In his opinion, international trade requires a flow where exports and imports complement each other within increasingly integrated value chains.

The specialist warned that the increase in tariffs generates higher costs for companies, by making inputs and components more expensive, and these increases are passed on to final consumers through higher prices.

In a scenario where, according to the executive, Asia is gaining relevance as a global supplier and companies are seeking to reduce operational risks, Mexico faces the opportunity to consolidate itself as a strategic hub between North America and the Asia-Pacific region. To achieve this, trade diversification, logistical integration, and economic openness will be key factors.

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

El cargo Mexico faces the challenge of trade diversification and supply chain reconfiguration apareció primero en T21.

Cali-Baja is a region nestled between two countries that share a comprehensive vision that has helped consolidate it as one of the most important areas for the reconfiguration of supply chains in North America , and this Thursday, May 14, will be the subject of analysis at the second edition of  ETYL Cali-Baja (Transport and Logistics Meeting) , which will take place in the border city of Tijuana, Baja California.

Based in northwestern Mexico, ETYL Cali-Baja 2026 is a key platform for dialogue on logistics networks, cross-border transport, supply chain integration and other relevant industry issues.

The Cali-Baja region, made up of the counties of San Diego and Imperial, in the United States, and Baja California, in Mexico, has positioned itself as one of the most strategic in trade.

In March 2026 alone, trade between the United States and Mexico reached a milestone, with  $83.9786 billion in merchandise exchanged , representing an 8.6% year-over-year growth rate, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau . Much of this trade was transported by land, across the border between California (San Diego) and Baja California (Tijuana)—where peak traffic exceeds 4,700 trucks per day.

In this context, the second edition of  ETYL Cali-Baja 2026 , a forum organized by  Grupo T21 , brings together industry leaders at the Real Inn Hotel in Tijuana , where there will also be a networking session to share success stories in transportation, logistics and industry, with the aim of boosting competitiveness and innovation in the region.

The ETYL Cali-Baja 2026 program presents a robust and diverse agenda, with panels on current logistics, such as the one on  Logistics Chains that are Redefining Cali-Baja , which will address the role of the region in the new binational logistics map: manufacturing, trade, distribution, nearshoring (relocation of production lines), logistics services and new market demands.

The panel will include Jorge Medina Armienta, CEO of Transpoint ; Bertha Martínez, coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in International Logistics at  CETYS University Campus Mexicali ; Rosa Castañeda, president of Baja’s Medical Device Cluster ; and Tomás Sibaja, president of the Baja California Aerospace Cluster .

In the panel  “Challenges and Opportunities of Maritime and Port Connectivity ,” Osiel Cruz, CEO of Grupo T21; Fidel Murillo, Operations Manager of the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Ensenada ; Ollincuauhtli Méndez Ramírez, EIT Manager of Hutchison Ports Mexico ; Israel Delgado, CEO of Express Service Transport Inc .; José Cobos, Sales & Marketing Director of MSC ; and Francisco Espinoza, Commercial Manager of Internaves de México, will analyze the role of ports, maritime connectivity, intermodal services, and opportunities to strengthen the logistical integration of the Cali-Baja region.

Key topics for improved cross-border logistics  will be another panel at ETYL Cali-Baja 2026. This panel will focus on the factors that impact cross-border operations: time, processes, infrastructure, documentation, coordination between stakeholders, and best practices to reduce logistical friction.

This discussion will be led by Marco Bañuelos, specialist in Automotive Supply Chain; Juan Báez, CEO of Bali Express Services ; Alfonso Millán, delegate of Rosarito, Tecate and Tijuana of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation (Canacar) ; and Carlos Ochoa, executive director of Supplier Compliance Audit Network (SCAN) Association .

The panel Customs, compliance and risks in increasingly demanding borders will focus on the challenges of compliance, risk management, traceability, security, documentation and customs coordination in highly demanding cross-border operations.

Héctor Landeros, partner at HXLA Customs & Trade ; Jacinto Romero, general director of the Romero Galaviz Customs Agency ; Alfonso Esquer Millán, regional vice president for the northwest of Canacar; Adrián Salinas Rangel, VP Enterprise Sales Intermodal at STG Logistics ; and Gabriela Fernández, Trade & Logistics Manager at TACNA Services , will develop this dialogue table.

Thus, the second edition of ETYL Cali-Baja, backed by the track record of Grupo T21, stands out not only for its specialized content, but also for its practical approach and  direct connection between actors in the sector , including networking spaces and activities for the exchange of experiences between industry professionals.

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

El cargo Second edition of ETYL Cali-Baja kicks off in Tijuana apareció primero en T21.