03Mar

The Maquila Model in Mexico

marzo 3, 2025 Nuria Minondo

In recent years, Mexico has positioned itself as a key destination for global manufacturing. For many years international companies seeking to reduce costs, bring their operations closer to strategic markets or expand abroad, have found the maquila model in Mexico an attractive option.

The maquila model offers significant tax advantages, allowing companies to reduce operating costs while maintaining high production standards. However, it is crucial to understand current regulations and select the right operating scheme to take full advantage of these benefits.

Maquiladoras in Mexico

There are 6,500 companies in the maquiladora and manufacturing export industry (IMMEX) that play a fundamental role in the Mexican economy, with the following contribution in 2024:

Source: Sector manufacturero: participación en PIB México 2024, INDEX Consejo Nacional de la Industria Maquiladora y Manufacturera de Exportación 2024

Main maquila models in Mexico

Companies seeking to establish operations in Mexico under the maquila model may choose to operate under different structures, among them:

Maquila Model: Allows the temporary importation of inputs and components without paying some applicable taxes, as long as that the finished products are exported and that they count with the authorization of the applicable programs (Maquiladora and Export Services Industry Program (IMMEX Program) and VAT and IEPS Certification) Maquiladoras operating under the IMMEX Program, can carry out operations in Mexico without being considered as a permanent establishment of the resident foreign company. In order for this special treatment to apply they must import the materials under this program and additionally comply with the several requirements, including among others:

Ownership of machinery and equipment: The owner of the machinery and equipment used in the transformation process is the foreign company and must not have been previously owned any related party in Mexico
Income from the maquila operation: The totality of the Maquiladora Companies’ income must derive from their maquila operation. The only income allowed from related activities, for example, selling of scrap, must not exceed 10% of the total income generated by the maquila.
Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty: Mexico must have a double taxation avoidance treaty in force with the country from which the foreign company belongs, too.
Toll Manufacturer Model: Under this model, the Mexican company receives materials from abroad on consignment, which then transforms them into the finished goods, and returns the finished goods to the foreigner, without owning the inputs.

Under this model, the Mexican company acts solely as a supplier of manufacturing services to its foreign customers, and the machinery and equipment belong to the Mexican company.

Shelter Model: Enables a company to provide services to multiple foreign companies and facilitate their operation in Mexico, reducing time, costs and liabilities. Unlike the Maquila Model, this framework exempts the foreign company from establishing a legal entity in Mexico, and therefore a permanent establishment is not created in Mexico.

Taxation of Maquiladoras

A maquila company can calculate their taxable income based on the Safe Harbor method. In which tax profits equals the greatest amount equivalent to one of the following percentages:

9% of the value of the assets
5% of the amount of ordinary costs and expenses of their operation.

Challenges of the Maquila Model in Mexico

Despite its many advantages, the maquila in Mexico faces several challenges, among them:

Complex and strict regulation: Failure to comply with tax, foreign trade and operational requirements can result in penalties and loss of benefits. Companies must count with an inventory control software (Annex 24) to control temporary imports, and which can involve significant time investment and administrative burden.
Compliance strategies: Specialized advice is key to ensure that the operation complies with Mexican laws and international treaties.
Political U.S Landscape: President Trump policies on tariffs, by imposing duties to mexican goods, can impact the maquiladora industry in several aspects including the closing of plants in Mexico.

The maquila model in Mexico is an excellent option for companies seeking to reduce costs and optimize their production within the nearshoring framework. However, its correct implementation is key to avoiding risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Companies interested in this model should analyze the different operating structures, and consider the support of experts such as Mexcentrix who give specialized advice to maximize the opportunities that Mexico offers in the manufacturing industry. Contact us!

27Feb

Trump Sets Date for Mexico and Canada Tariffs: Effective April 2

febrero 27, 2025 Nuria Minondo

U.S. President Donald Trump said in his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday that he will not stop tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico, and added that not all of them will be imposed, but many will be.

The Republican president specified that the tariffs on his trade partners in the T-MEC will be applied on April 2.

“On April 2,” Trump replied to the question of when the customs tariffs will be applied after he gave Canada and Mexico a month’s deadline in early February to find an agreement.

“I’m not going to stop tariffs, no. Millions of people have died from fentanyl coming across the border,” he added during his first cabinet meeting.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration had set March 4 as the effective date for the 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and non-energy goods from Canada.

Trump’s statement was made in the framework of his first meeting of the Executive, hours before Mexico’s security cabinet meets on Thursday in Washington with the head of US diplomacy, Marco Rubio. The meeting is precisely to try to avoid the tariffs that, in the absence of an agreement, should theoretically come into force next Tuesday.

The Republican acknowledged Wednesday that the number of illegal migrant crossings across the border with Mexico fell drastically but attributed it to his policies.

The data “have been good, but that is also due to us. In large part, to us. Right now it’s very difficult to get across the border,” Trump said.

The fentanyl “is mainly coming from China,” already subject to tariffs, “but it’s coming through Mexico and Canada,” Trump said.

Progress against drug trafficking and migration would be postponed again: Lutnick

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, assured that the Trump Administration could again postpone the 25% tariffs that the President announced for Canada and Mexico if both neighbors demonstrate progress in the fight against fentanyl trafficking and border security.
Lutnick noted during a U.S. cabinet meeting that Mexico and Canada could avoid imposing tariffs for another season “if they can demonstrate to the president that they’ve done an excellent job,” to which Trump apostilled that it will be difficult to satisfy.

Indeed, although Secretary Lutnick hinted at a possible further delay in the imposition of tariffs, Trump stressed that he is not backing down on the measure, and that he remains committed to imposing these measures, justifying them as a response to fentanyl deaths.

25% tariffs on the European Union on “Fools Day”.

On the other hand, Trump assured that his government will also impose a 25% tariff on the European Union “in general terms” and that it will affect “cars and the rest of things”. “We will announce it very soon,” he said, who already advanced these measures in the middle of the month.

On the EU bloc, Trump has denounced that the European Union was created “to screw the United States.” “That is its purpose,” he stressed.

Questioned about the date on which the new economic measures on Mexico, Canada and the European Union would take effect, Trump pointed to April 2, although he said he would like it to be a day earlier but that he is “a little superstitious.” In Anglo-Saxon culture, April 1 is celebrated as April Fools’ Day.

Source: El Economista

14Feb

What Would be the Impact on Mexico of the U.S. 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum?

febrero 14, 2025 Nuria Minondo

Understanding the Economic Effects of U.S. Tariffs on Mexican Steel and Aluminum

Under the administration of Donald Trump, the U.S. government announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on imported steel and 10% on imported aluminum, arguing economic and national security reasons under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

This measure has generated concern in Mexican industry, as it could significantly affect exports and the country’s economy. Mexican authorities are evaluating possible responses and strategies to mitigate the impact of these tariffs on the industrial and commercial sectors.

Impact on Mexico and the T-MEC

Possible early renegotiation of the Mexico-US-Canada Agreement (T-MEC).
Impact on key sectors such as the automotive, electronics, electrical and chemical-pharmaceutical industries.
Reduction of Mexican exports to the U.S., since the U.S. is the largest destination for Mexican steel products.

Measures taken by the U.S.

Elimination of previous agreements with Mexico, Canada, the EU, Japan, South Korea and others.
Reinforced vigilance to prevent tariff evasion.
Requirement of detailed certification of the origin of steel and aluminum.
Non-renewal of tariff exemptions, which will expire on March 12, 2025.

Main Suppliers of Steel and Aluminum to the U.S.

1. Canada ($12.984 billion dollars)
2. China ($12.476 billion dollars)
3. Mexico ($10.450 million dollars)
4. South Korea ($5.056 billion dollars)
5. Brazil ($4.982 billion dollars)

(Source: American Iron and Steel Institute, CNN)

Mexican Government’s Response

The Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, announced that consultations will be initiated with the U.S. to reconsider the measure and seek trade alternatives.

In conclusion, these tariffs could significantly affect Mexican industry, causing a drop in competitiveness and possible trade retaliation, as discussions continue, Mexico may seek exemptions or alternative markets to mitigate these effects.

13Feb

Shelter companies in Mexico: Understanding the Main Types

febrero 13, 2025 Nuria Minondo

Expanding operations into Mexico is a strategic move for many foreign businesses but navigating the complex regulatory and administrative landscape can be challenging. Shelter companies provide an effective solution, allowing businesses to establish a presence in Mexico without dealing with legal and administrative burdens. There are several types of shelter companies, each offering different levels of service and flexibility. Understanding these models can help businesses choose the right fit for their needs.

Shared Shelter

A Shared Shelter model enables multiple companies to operate under a single legal entity. This approach allows businesses to share critical regulatory registrations, such as the Importers Registry, IMMEX permit, and VAT & IEPS Certification. Since administrative services like payroll, human resources, and accounting are shared, companies benefit from lower operational costs. This model is ideal for businesses looking for a cost-effective way to establish operations in Mexico with minimal risk and legal exposure.

Dedicated Shelter

In a Dedicated Shelter model, the foreign company operates under an exclusive legal entity owned by the shelter service provider. Unlike the Shared Shelter model, this entity is not shared with other businesses. Under this model, companies can still benefit from a full administrative support. Companies opting for this model typically require greater operational autonomy but prefer to avoid the legal complexities of creating their entity.

Independent Shelter

The Independent Shelter model allows foreign companies to establish their legal entity in Mexico while still leveraging of the administrative expertise of a shelter service provider. This model is best suited for companies that want to have legal presence in Mexico and full ownership of their operations but that need assistance in managing compliance, HR, payroll, and other administrative functions.

Flexible Shelter / Stand- Alone Administrative Services

For businesses that do not require the full shelter service and only need a third party company to take care of some administrative services, some shelter service providers offer this solution. In this scenario, companies can select only the specific administrative functions they need, such as payroll, HR, foreign trade, accounting or tax services, without committing to a full-service package. This is ideal for businesses that already have some operational capabilities in Mexico but need support in specific areas to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Contract Manufacturing with Shelter

Unlike other shelter models that primarily focus on administrative services, the contract manufacturing with shelter also integrates production capabilities. There are only a few shelter companies in Mexico that are also contract manufacturers and that operate under this approach. In which they actively participate and get involved in the whole manufacturing process. This model is particularly advantageous for businesses looking to outsource production.

Choosing the Right Shelter Model

Selecting the appropriate shelter model depends on various factors, including the business strategy of the company and of the expansion, the complexity of operations, and cost considerations. Businesses seeking to entry into Mexico with reduced risk and legal exposure may find the Shared Shelter model appealing, while those requiring exclusive legal entities may prefer the Dedicated or Independent Shelter options.

By understanding these shelter models, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals and operational requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient expansion into Mexico. For more insights into how shelter companies can help your business, consider contacting Mexcentrix, which in addition to the shared, dedicated and independent shelter also offers the Flexible Shelter / Stand- Alone Administrative Services solution.

We adapat to your company needs and requirements. Contact us!

05Feb

“Plan Mexico” Seeks to Place Mexico at the Top of the World’s Economies

febrero 5, 2025 Nuria Minondo

The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, presented “Plan Mexico”, a comprehensive strategy that seeks to consolidate the country as a regional leader in economic development, social equity, among other issues, and to place the country among the top 10 economies in the world at the end of her six-year term.

The Mexican President revealed that the plan contemplates a portfolio of US$277 billion in domestic and foreign investments, distributed in 2,000 specific projects. These cover key sectors such as textiles, automotive, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, agribusiness and electromobility.

“The objective is for each state of the Republic to have a clear project, with defined goals that promote regional development and the generation of well-paid jobs,” she emphasized.

Among the most important goals are to make Mexico the tenth largest economy in the world by 2030, increase public and private investment to 27% of GDP, and reduce the time it takes to approve investment projects from 2.6 years to just one year.

In terms of social welfare, the president pledged to reduce poverty and inequality in the country by increasing the minimum wage, creating 1.5 million additional jobs and promoting educational programs that link secondary and higher education with strategic sectors.

The President announced a calendar of actions for 2025 that includes the publication of incentives for the relocation of companies, the launching of a fund for small and medium-sized companies, and the construction of 10 new industrial parks. She also announced a reform to simplify investment procedures and a national digitalization strategy.

Source: Mexico Now

05Feb

Mexico’s Bajio and Northern Region Seeks to Boost the Chip Industry

febrero 5, 2025 Nuria Minondo

The semiconductor industry is one of the key sectors for the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to Plan Mexico, the goal for 2030 is to double local supply in chip manufacturing, as well as to reach US$10 billion in investment, and the north of the country is a key area to reach these goals.

Initially, Plan Mexico considers the northern border area and the northwest of the country as two of the main industrial parks with the greatest impact on the sector, and this decision is no coincidence, as this is one of the most developed regions in terms of chip infrastructure.

Although the document emphasizes that the polygons are not limiting and more areas could be considered, the reality is that the north of the country already has the presence of multiple companies focused on the segment of discrete semiconductors and electronic integrated circuits, known collectively as SC-Core.

In this sense, the north and the Bajío are two of the most promising areas in Mexico in the SC-Core segment, according to the United States-Mexico Foundation for Science (Fumec) and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

According to the studies of these institutions, most of the investment is concentrated in Baja California, the main electronics manufacturing center in the country, followed by Jalisco, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Sonora, Coahuila and Tamaulipas.

Within these states are distributed all the processes of the semiconductor supply chain available in the country, i.e., they have networks of clean rooms, design, manufacturing, assembly, packaging and testing, in addition to academia focused on the sector and research and development.

According to figures from the document Nearshoring of semiconductors in Mexico, based on the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units, there are 326 facilities related to the semiconductor segment in the border area.

Some of the most important companies located in this area include Foxconn and Qualcomm in Baja California; Amphenol, in Sonora; Foxconn, in Chihuahua; Celestica, in Coahuila; Lenovo, in Nuevo Leon; and LG, in Tamaulipas.

“The proximity of the Northern Border to the United States offers a geographic advantage that can be leveraged to participate in the semiconductor supply chain. This advantage facilitates the movement of people quickly and affordably, which serves as a basis for binational collaboration,” the document explains.

An example of this collaboration has been shown between Arizona State University, along with Sonora and Nuevo Leon, entities that have developed specialized chip programs to prepare young people in this industry.

Source: Mexico Now

28Ene

Understanding Taxation in Mexico: Guide for Manufacturing Companies

enero 28, 2025 Nuria Minondo

Expanding operations to Mexico has become attractive for manufacturing companies seeking competitive advantages. While the country offers numerous benefits, including reduced labor costs and proximity to the U.S. market, understanding taxation in Mexico is essential to ensuring success and compliance. Below, we outline the key aspects of taxation that manufacturing companies must understand when establishing operations in Mexico.

Firstly, it is important to understand which are the main federal and local taxes:

Main federal taxes:

Corporate Income tax (impuesto sobre la renta “IT”)
Value added tax (impuesto al valor agregado “VAT”)
Special Tax on Production and Services (“IEPS”)
Import duties
Social security contributions

Main local taxes:

Payroll Tax
Property Aquisition Tax

Now let`s take a closer look at the taxes that are most relevant for manufacturing companies:

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

According to the Mexican Income Tax Law, residents in Mexico and foreigners with a Permanent Establishment (PE), are subject to income tax, and are taxed on their worldwide income at a rate of 30% on a net basis.

For manufacturing companies, understanding the scope of taxable income and deductions is vital, as this 30% rate is applicable to taxable profits. Common deductible expenses include operating costs, depreciation, and certain employee benefits, including employees profit sharing.

Safe Harbour

Under the safe harbor regime, maquiladoras have the option of paying taxes according to the safe harbour method. In which tax profits equals to the greatest amount equivalent to one of the following percentages:

9% of the value of the assets
5% of the amount of ordinary costs and expenses of their operation.

A maquiladora is a manufacturing operation in Mexico which is run by a foreign company and exports goods to other countries.

Maquiladoras import raw materials, components and machinery to process or assemble them in Mexico and then export back the finished manufactured goods. The processing, transformation, or repair of goods must be carried out with temporarily imported machinery and equipment owned by the foreign principal.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

The Value Added Tax (VAT) in Mexico is 16%, applicable to:

– Sale and lease of goods.
– Rendering of services.
– Persons who grant the temporary use or enjoyment of assets within Mexican territory.
– Import of goods or services into Mexico.

Manufacturing companies, particularly those operating under Mexico’s IMMEX program and VAT and IEPS Certification, may benefit from exemptions or deferrals on VAT for temporary imports of raw materials and components.

Under these programs, manufacturers can temporarily import materials without paying VAT as long as the finished goods are exported. Neverthelss, it is essential for manufacturers to maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with VAT reporting requirements to avoid fines or penalties.

Payroll Tax

A payroll Tax is applicable on wages and other expenditures derived from an employment relationship. This tax rate varies per State, but such tax normally amounts to 2% and 3% on the wage paid.

Property Acquisition Tax

The buyer of any type of real-estate property (house, land, building, apartment, among others) is responsible for paying taxes on real-state or land. The applicable tax may vary among the different States in Mexico, but the average is a 2% rate. Nevertheless, the Property Acquisition Tax may reach 6.5% on the sale price in some states.

In addition to the main applicable taxes, it is important to take into consideration the following topics related to taxation in Mexico:

Transfer Pricing Regulations

Mexico enforces stringent transfer pricing rules to prevent tax avoidance through under- or over-pricing transactions between related entities. Manufacturing companies with parent companies abroad must ensure that all cross-border transactions are conducted at arm’s length meaning prices must reflect market rates.

Companies should prepare detailed transfer pricing documentation annually to comply with these regulations, demonstrating that their transactions meet arm’s length standards.

Compliance with Mexican Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS)

Financial reporting in Mexico must adhere to Mexican Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS), which may differ from International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Manufacturing companies must ensure their accounting systems align with MFRS to avoid compliance issues.

Large companies are often required to undergo annual audits, and maintaining accurate financial records is critical for both tax reporting and audit purposes. Records must be preserved for at least five years and include invoices, receipts, and all financial statements. Digitalization of these records is recommended to streamline compliance processes.

Next step for understanding Taxation in Mexico: Partnering with Experts

The complexities of Mexico’s tax and accounting landscape make partnering with experienced service providers or shelter companies an invaluable strategy for manufacturers. These partners can handle administrative burdens such as tax compliance, tax recovery, among other administrative tasks, allowing companies to focus on their core manufacturing operations.

Understanding taxation in Mexico is crucial for manufacturing companies aiming to establish or expand their operations in the country. Manufacturers can optimize their tax strategies by staying informed about corporate income tax, VAT, transfer pricing, and available incentives while ensuring full compliance. Partnering with local experts like Mexcentrix can further enhance the success of manufacturing ventures in Mexico.

With the right knowledge and support, companies can turn challenges into opportunities. Mexcentrix can help you by facilitating the whole process. Contact us!

16Ene

Amazon to Invest US $5B in Querétaro Data ‘Region’

enero 16, 2025 Nuria Minondo

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a US $5 billion investment in Mexico from Amazon Web Services during her daily press conference on Tuesday.

The investment, which will be distributed over the next 15 years, is aimed at developing a new digital “region” in Mexico’s Querétaro state. With it, Amazon expects to establish Mexico as a hub for digital innovation in Latin America.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to train 400,000 people to manage the Querétaro infrastructure cloud region. This builds upon AWS’s commitment to developing Mexican talent, having trained 500,000 Mexicans in cloud skills since 2017.

“[The] new Amazon investment of $5 billion in Querétaro. 200,000 people will be trained and educated, it will generate an additional $10 billion for the GDP, and we will be ready for artificial intelligence. Plan México is moving ahead!” Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard wrote on the social media site X.

Plan México, announced by Sheinbaum and members of the Economy Ministry (SE) on Monday, seeks to attract $277 billion in domestic and foreign investment across 2,000 projects in the next six years.

AWS said the new digital region will help customers run workloads and securely store data via Mexico’s data centers. The company first announced plans to develop data centers in Mexico last February in response to the growing demand in Latin America for cloud services.

“Our commitment is to democratizing access to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, promoting a more equitable, innovative and competitive Mexico at a global level,” AWS Vice President for Latin America Paula Bellizia said during Sheinbaum’s press conference. Bellizia also said that the investment is expected to support the creation of “7,000 highly qualified and full-time jobs” per year.

According to Amazon, the construction and operation of the new center in Querétaro will add about $10 billion to Mexico’s gross domestic product.

“One way to accelerate the impact on the Mexican economy is the adoption of artificial intelligence and we know that it is central to the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum,” said Bellizia on Tuesday.

With reports from El Economista, La Jornada and The Wall Street Journal

Source: Mexico News Daily

13Ene

European Countries Bet on Mexico

enero 13, 2025 Nuria Minondo

The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are reinforcing their interest in Mexico, reflected in a growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country.

Among these, the Netherlands leads the increase with an investment of US$1.9 billion through the third quarter of 2024, which represents a 238% growth compared to the same period of 2023, according to data from the Ministry of Economy.

Belgium also increased its participation, reporting an investment of US$1.5 billion, an increase of 101%. For its part, Germany registered an FDI of US$3.8 billion, marking an increase of 34.2%.

The National Council of the Maquiladora and Manufacturing Export Industry (Index) notes that Europe is also focusing its sights on Mexico in terms of how to set up companies and how they can join the value chains, becoming suppliers to be incorporated into production lines and then export to the United States.

But Index points out that it is not a matter of triangulation, as is thought of Chinese companies, because there has to be a change in tariffs and a transformation in the product.

The data indicate that in all cases they are concentrated in the manufacturing sector, in the case of the Netherlands and Germany they are directed to the automotive sector.

From January to September 2024, the Netherlands registers an FDI of US$1.4 billion for the manufacture of transportation equipment, being the most representative; in second place, with a more conservative value, is the beverage industry, with US$204 million.

Germany focuses its investment in the manufacture of cars and trucks, with US$1.4 billion, and in auto parts, with US$1 billion.

Belgium’s record, for said period, only shows that it is for manufacturing industries; however, in the information of the commercial relationship of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an investment in beverages and tobacco is identified.

Regarding the type of investment, from January to September 2024, intercompany accounts, which are transactions originated by debts between companies established in Mexico and other related companies residing abroad, represent 71% of the total; reinvestments, with 28.3%; and new investments, with only 0.3%.

Source: Mexico Now

13Ene

INA Forecasts Production of 127,500 MDD for Auto Parts by 2025

enero 13, 2025 Nuria Minondo

INA projects that Mexico will produce 127,500 MDD in auto parts by 2025, a growth of 2.42% over 2024. In 2024, FDI would reach 2,550 MDD, with electrical harnesses as the main component.

Mexico City, January 9, 2025. – At a press conference, the General Director of the National Auto Parts Industry (INA), Gabriel Padilla Maya, presented the sector’s growth projections for 2025, highlighting that the industry will continue its positive trajectory supported by its production capacity, a robust export environment and a favorable trade balance, due to factors such as the implementation of the Mexico-US-Canada Agreement (T-MEC), nearshoring, growing foreign direct investment and expansions of plants already installed in our country due to the growth in demand within the North American region.

In addition, Padilla Maya mentioned that it is estimated that by the end of 2024, total auto parts production in Mexico will reach $124,484 million dollars, which would represent an annual growth of 3.52% compared to the end of 2023. Similarly, based on current dynamics and demand expectations in the North American region, INA projected that auto parts production in Mexico by the end of 2025 will reach US$127.5 billion, which would represent a growth of 2.42% with respect to 2024.

However, he also highlighted the challenges posed by the trade scenario in 2025, with declarations on tariff policies that could increase export costs to the United States. Despite these challenges, the sector continues to consolidate itself as a leader in the global supply chain, demonstrating a diversification and expansion of the industry in regions of Yucatan, Zacatecas and Guanajuato.

Regarding the trade balance, the association highlighted that Mexican auto parts exports reached $90.9 billion dollars in the January-October 2024 period, with the United States being the main destination with 88% of total exports. At the same time, he explained that the sector’s imports also follow a growing trend, with the United States representing 52.3% of total auto parts imports, reflecting a positive trade balance of $32.472 billion dollars.

The Director General of INA highlighted the key factors driving the growth of the sector in Mexico: the T-MEC and its Regional Content Value requirement, which promotes the integration of the production chain in North America; 87% of the auto parts produced in Mexico are destined for export, with the United States as the main trading partner; the nearshoring phenomenon, which has attracted new investments and generated greater demand for auto parts; and the expansion of plants in Mexico due to the growth of demand in the North American region. These elements consolidate Mexico as the main auto parts supplier for the North American region in the coming years.

In terms of investment, Padilla Maya indicated that FDI in the sector reached $2.302 billion dollars during the accumulated January-September 2024, reflecting a growth of 18.07% compared to the same period of the previous year and, by the end of 2024, he estimates that FDI will reach $2.550 billion dollars, which would imply a growth of 25.46% with respect to 2023. He also highlighted that the investment outlook for 2025 is equally positive, with a growth forecast of 5.88%, reaching $2.7 billion dollars.

Finally, Gabriel Padilla said that, among the main auto parts components manufactured in Mexico, electrical harnesses continue to have the largest share, representing 19.50% of total production. They are followed by transmissions and clutches (10%), fabrics, carpets and seats (9.04%), engine parts (7.86%) and suspensions and steering (6.68%). Together, these products make up more than 50% of domestic manufacturing.

Source: Cluster Industrial