The United States’ tariff policy has caused disruptions in logistics networks and the supply chain , which has already affected global trade and the financial sphere in various markets, although some specialists see opportunities for Mexico through the relocation of production lines in the country, known as nearshoring .
John Manners-Bell , founder of TI Insight , called the 90-day US-China agreement to soften their tariffs on each other a “toxic uncertainty” because it sums up the ongoing chaos in trade.
In the framework of the XV Leschaco Logistics and Transportation Seminar , he said that what Donald Trump , president of our northern neighbor, is doing is changing the supply chains and reconfiguring the market , which he wants to do in three months and is not feasible.
He explained that there have been difficulties arising from tariffs, such as a reduction in the movement of Chinese goods, which is bad news for supply chains and creates volatility.
In the session “Geopolitical Turmoil and the Impact on Global Supply Chains ,” the specialist explained that it will be difficult for the European Union to reach an agreement with Trump because the region includes 27 countries, some of which are pro-US and others opposed to the policies of the American Union. He noted that the region will begin to look to other markets, although it will be difficult because it means opening up its trade.
Regarding his opinion of Mexico, he estimated that nearshoring in the country is important and will continue to be so “because we’re going to see Chinese companies locating in Mexico,” and as long as the country is able to establish solid foundations in infrastructure and the economy, “there could be good results.”
Meanwhile, Martín Toscano , president of Evonik Mexico , highlighted that with the new Mexican administration, headed by President Claudia Sheinbaum , there is more openness to dialogue, which he considered positive for reaching agreements, however, “Mexico has to do its homework to achieve an agenda that guarantees security and improves infrastructure, among other things.”
Paulo Biazotti , country head at ONE Mexico , said that Trump’s tariffs have affected transporters and noted that this industry is accustomed to this type of movement, so it is adapting to be able to provide the services that the world needs.
“To a certain extent, it was somewhat uncomfortable, and we hope things will return to normal,” he emphasized, adding that the shipping industry is looking to expand its networks, “although we don’t know what will come next in terms of price escalation in this sector.”
For Thomas Karig , chief consultant at TKonsult , the automotive industry is generally in shock over the 25% tariff on vehicles and auto parts, “which makes the supply chain in this sector obsolete.”
It’s worth remembering that 80% of the vehicles Mexico manufactures for shipment abroad are exported to the United States, so the 25% tariffs Trump imposed on imported cars affect several automotive brands.
According to figures from the Administrative Registry of the Light Vehicle Automotive Industry (RAIAVL) of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) , in 2024 Mexico exported three million 479 thousand 086 vehicles and two million 771 thousand 287 units were sent to the United States alone .
Karig indicated that the recent volatility won’t stop even with the 90-day trade truce between the United States and China, adding that there could be positive results for Mexico in the logistics sector.
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