Key Players and Their Perspectives
The Mexican automotive industry is poised for a resurgence and regaining its position as a manufacturing leader by 2027, according to the National Industry Association (INA), American Chambers of Commerce (Amcham), and Canacintra. This optimism stems from the anticipated revision of the T-MEC, which aims to solidify North America’s competitiveness on a global scale.
Guillermo Bernal, Amcham Mexico Director of Public Affairs
Bernal emphasized, “The T-MEC is more alive than ever,” and Mexico remains the most advantageous market for accessing the United States. Although 2024 brings uncertainty, Mexico must strengthen its lobbying efforts with U.S. peers and address tariff barriers.
Gabriel Padilla, INA Director
Padilla participated in the panel “Accelerating the Automotive Industry: Challenges and Opportunities” organized by Mundi. He highlighted that the primary challenge of revising the agreement is the tightening of origin rules within the electric vehicle ecosystem, causing uncertainty. However, post-2026 T-MEC review, expectations are high for sector expansion and a new set of conditions to foster greater investments starting in 2027.
Elisa Crespo, Cluster Automotive Director of the State of Mexico
Crespo acknowledged that Mexico continues to attract investment due to nearshoring. Despite tariff-induced uncertainty leading to at least 50% of the industry experiencing technical stoppages, job sources remain a priority.
Preparations for the Automotive Industry
Companies in the sector are gearing up for a manufacturing rebound and replacing Asian products by 2027 and 2028, as the industry anticipates a revival.
Paulina Aguilar, MUNDI Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer
Aguilar urged leveraging nearshoring, emphasizing that strategic funding is crucial for companies to adapt labor and technological standards, ultimately becoming truly disruptive. “With strategic funding, Mexican companies will have the economic capacity to compete and grow in this new phase.”
Canacintra’s Perspective
Canacintra stressed that the government should capitalize on this realignment period to address internal issues, such as logistics delays in customs, ports, and AIFA.
Daniel Romero, Canacintra Querétaro Representative
Romero stated, “To turn uncertainty into an opportunity for increased competitiveness. We must recognize that uncertainty has brought many opportunities and hidden gains, now very apparent.”
Key Factors for Success
Industry leaders agreed that the nearshoring and relocation of supply chains opportunity is real but not automatic. To establish Mexico as a quality and innovation automotive reference, it requires combining investments in research and development, strategic funding, talent training, and public policies promoting a transition towards electric and sustainable mobility.
