Introduction to Sergio Contreras and the Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior, Inversión y Tecnología (Comce)
Sergio Contreras, the CEO of the Mexican Business Council for Trade, Investment, and Technology (Comce), has projected that Mexico will maintain its position as the top trade partner of the United States in 2025. This statement was made during the announcement of the 31st Mexican International Trade Congress, scheduled for Querétaro from October 29 to 31, 2025.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on China and Mexico’s Advantage
Contreras explained that the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump will primarily affect China, while Mexico’s margin over Canada has expanded in recent years regarding their respective trade flows with the U.S.
Reasons for Mexico’s Trade Leadership
Beyond the advantage provided by the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and having a 3,000-kilometer border, Contreras emphasized that the core of Mexico’s success lies in the quality of its products. He argued that without this quality, Mexican exports would not maintain a growing trend.
Mexico’s Trade Performance in 2023 and 2024
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mexico remained the top trading partner of the U.S. in 2024, just as it did in 2023 when it surpassed China. Mexico also achieved greater participation in U.S. trade of products with the world.
- Mexico’s share in total U.S. goods trade increased from 15.7% in 2023 to 15.8% in 2024, reaching a historical maximum.
- Canada’s share dropped from 15.2% to 14.3%, while China’s coverage decreased from 11.3% to 10.9%.
Global Export Performance and the Hecho en México Initiative
Despite falling from 9th to 10th place among the world’s largest product exporters in 2024, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO) data, Mexico’s product exports grew at an annual interim rate of 4.1% in 2024, reaching $617,099.6 million.
Hong Kong surpassed Mexico, with external sales amounting to $641 billion. Nevertheless, Contreras highlighted Mexico’s export growth.
Hecho en México Initiative
Contreras proposed to Marcelo Ebrard, the Secretary of Economy, to place the term “quality” under the “Hecho en México” (Made in Mexico) seal. This initiative, part of the Plan México, aims to strengthen national identity and promote products manufactured in the country.
- Hecho en México: The logo, created in 1978, can be used by products manufactured, produced, or assembled in Mexico that meet established quality standards.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Sergio Contreras? Sergio Contreras is the CEO of the Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior, Inversión y Tecnología (Comce).
- What is the significance of Mexico being the top trade partner of the U.S.? Maintaining this position ensures continued growth in Mexican exports and strengthens the country’s role in global trade.
- How do tariffs imposed by the U.S. affect Mexico and China? Tariffs primarily impact China, while Mexico benefits from its expanded trade margin over Canada.
- What is the Hecho en México initiative? It’s a plan to promote and strengthen national identity by highlighting the quality of Mexican-made products.
