The ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China has forced businesses and governments to adapt to rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions. This conflict has reshaped global commerce, encouraging companies to rethink their manufacturing and sourcing strategies. Amid this shift, Mexico has emerged as a critical player, offering both opportunities and challenges for U.S. businesses navigating the complexities of global trade.
With its proximity to the U.S., competitive labor costs, and membership in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Mexico has become a hub for nearshoring. However, Mexico’s role isn’t without controversy. It also serves as a potential loophole for Chinese goods to bypass U.S. tariffs, raising concerns about trade enforcement and global supply chain transparency. To complicate matters, Mexico’s recent proposal to impose tariffs on foreign imports introduces additional uncertainties.
A Nearshoring Powerhouse
Mexico has become a favored destination for companies looking to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising freight costs, is part of a broader “China +1” strategy, where businesses seek to balance operations across multiple regions. For U.S. companies, Mexico’s advantages are clear.
Proximity to the U.S. offers reduced shipping costs and faster delivery times, which is especially critical for electronics and automotive manufacturers. The USMCA further boosts Mexico’s appeal with tariff reductions and streamlined customs processes, particularly for industries requiring high regional content, such as automotive production. Insights on this topic have shown that lower wages in key Mexican cities now make manufacturing more cost-effective than in China for specific sectors, such as footwear and electronics.
Recent developments have highlighted Mexico’s growing role as a manufacturing hub, attracting significant foreign direct investment from both U.S. and Asian firms. In the first half of 2024, Mexico registered a record $31 billion in FDI, marking a 7% year-over-year increase. Notably, companies such as Volvo have announced substantial investments, with the automaker planning a $700 million heavy-duty truck plant in Monterrey.
Automotive giants such as General Motors have longstanding operations in Mexico. GM’s facilities in Silao, Ramos Arizpe, and San Luis Potosi produce a range of vehicles, including Chevrolet and GMC models. These plants underscore GM’s commitment to drawing on Mexico’s skilled workforce and strategic location.
Tesla has also signaled intentions to expand into Mexico. The company is preparing to establish a plant there, further cementing Mexico’s position in the electric vehicle market. Additionally, Tesla and GM have partnered to construct 1,000 charging points across Mexico, to stimulate the development of EV infrastructure in the country. These investments highlight the momentum of FDI flowing into Mexico’s industrial regions, particularly Monterrey and Guadalajara, reinforcing the country’s status as a key player in the global manufacturing landscape.
A Loophole for Chinese Goods
While Mexico’s rise as a nearshoring hub is mainly positive, it has also become a channel for tariff evasion. Some Chinese companies exploit Mexico’s trade benefits under the USMCA by shipping components or partially assembled goods to Mexico, where they are repackaged or relabeled before being exported to the U.S. These practices make it difficult for customs officials to trace the true origin of imports, undermining the effectiveness of U.S. tariffs.
The implications are significant. When Chinese goods bypass tariffs via Mexico, it weakens U.S. efforts to protect domestic industries, potentially leading to job losses and reduced competitiveness. Additionally, this creates strain in U.S.-Mexico trade relations. If Mexico is seen as complicit in facilitating tariff evasion, it could prompt stricter enforcement measures or retaliatory actions by the US.
Recent investigations have highlighted instances where Chinese companies have been accused of using Mexico to circumvent U.S. tariffs. A notable example involves Chinese firms establishing manufacturing operations in Mexico to leverage the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and gain preferential access to the U.S. market. By setting up factories in Mexico, these companies can label their products as “Made in Mexico,” thereby avoiding the higher tariffs imposed on goods directly imported from China. This practice has raised concerns among U.S. officials about the potential for tariff evasion and the integrity of trade agreements.
In response to these concerns, the U.S. government has taken steps to close loopholes that facilitate such practices. For instance, the proposed suspension of the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed duty-free entry for packages valued under $800, directly impacts Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu. These companies had been utilizing the exemption to ship goods through Mexico into the U.S., effectively bypassing tariffs. The new measures would require all packages to undergo customs inspection, thereby increasing shipping times and costs, and aiming to curb tariff circumvention.
Mexico’s Proposed Tariffs
Adding to the complexity, Mexico recently proposed tariffs on foreign imports, targeting specific industries to protect domestic production and boost revenue. While this move promotes self-reliance, it could unintentionally deter foreign investment and complicate Mexico’s nearshoring appeal.
Higher tariffs may raise production costs for U.S. and Chinese businesses in Mexico, making other regions more attractive for manufacturing. These risks slow the momentum of reshoring efforts and reducing Mexico’s competitiveness in the global trade landscape. Furthermore, affected countries might retaliate with trade barriers, further damaging Mexico’s relationships with key partners.
Mexico’s dual role in global trade — both a nearshoring powerhouse and a potential loophole for tariff evasion — highlights its opportunities and challenges in the U.S.-China trade war. Its competitive advantages, bolstered by proximity, skilled labor, and favorable trade agreements, make it a strategic partner for U.S. businesses. However, the complexities of tariff evasion and Mexico’s evolving trade policies pose risks that require careful management.
To navigate this landscape, Mexico must balance its domestic economic goals with its role as a reliable trade partner. Strengthening enforcement against tariff evasion, promoting transparency, and fostering dialogue with the U.S. and China will be essential. By addressing these challenges, Mexico can solidify its position as a leader in the evolving global trade environment.
Iván Hernández Ruíz is managing director of QIMA in Latin America.