Understanding Smartshoring
Smartshoring is a strategic approach that relocates logistical, administrative, or business processes to countries with optimal conditions for their execution. Unlike nearshoring (bringing production closer to the target market), onshoring (repatriating operations to the country of origin), or offshoring (subcontracting processes abroad), Smartshoring combines the best aspects of these models.
This strategy relies on comprehensive decisions that consider technology, efficiency, and collaboration to redefine how, where, and with whom production occurs. It also integrates emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and advanced automation to create agile, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
Mexico: A Prime Location for Smartshoring
Mexico has emerged as a key destination for Smartshoring, thanks to its strategic location, close ties with North America, and favorable trade agreements like the T-MEC. Its technological and labor environment supports connected, secure, and long-term vision operations.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Mexico attracted USD 21.373 billion in foreign direct investment, according to the Secretaría de Economía. Nuevo León stood out as the second state with the highest capture (12.5%). This trend is further strengthened by the establishment of data centers, tech parks, and smart factories in cities like Monterrey, Guadalajara, Querétaro, and Tijuana.
Today, companies are adapting to more sustainable, flexible, and strategically connected environments. Global organizations—from tech firms to financial institutions or expanding startups—have chosen Smartshoring as a means to enhance efficiency and cut costs without compromising quality or competitiveness.
BBVA Mexico: A Smartshoring Success Story
BBVA Mexico is one such company that has implemented financial solutions for relocation phases, accompanying various firms in their transition. They provide services ranging from site selection advice, currency coverage, and multi-currency accounts to financing for logistical supply chains and international distribution.
Growing with Intelligence
With local teams in Mexico and the US, BBVA offers agile, contextualized, and coordinated advice throughout each relocation and productive integration stage.
One of the main challenges when starting operations is managing personnel. BBVA’s payroll solution facilitates digital disbursement without commissions, quick account opening, and specialized support, ensuring continuity, control, and security from the outset.
Specialized and agile financing solutions also enable access to working capital, supporting operations, integrating into global chains, and accelerating activity commencement for efficient expansion from day one.
Connectivity, Sustainability, and Long-term Vision
A smart expansion also considers a comprehensive future outlook; hence, BBVA incorporates sustainability as part of its value proposition, offering advice and financing to efficiently and responsibly drive business expansion.
With solutions combining operational efficiency, sustainability, and a human focus, BBVA establishes itself as a strategic ally for companies viewing Smartshoring as a means to grow intelligently, connected, and with long-term vision.
BBVA’s Regional Network Approach
BBVA Mexico’s approach also relies on understanding regional productive networks. The bank promotes a ‘critical nodes’ and collaborative ecosystem vision that generates multiplicative effects in local economies. It finances key actors to strengthen regional integration, creating a competitive and resilient environment for the entire chain.
Mexico has a historical opportunity to move beyond the maquiladora model and establish itself as an intelligent and sustainable industrial hub. Smartshoring provides that bridge: a strategy seeking to build a new productive architecture based on talent innovation and environmental responsibility.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Smartshoring? Smartshoring is a strategic approach that relocates processes to countries with optimal conditions, combining technology, efficiency, and collaboration.
- Why is Mexico a key location for Smartshoring? Mexico’s strategic location, close ties with North America, and favorable trade agreements like the T-MEC make it an ideal destination for Smartshoring.
- How does BBVA Mexico support Smartshoring? BBVA Mexico offers financial solutions, site selection advice, currency coverage, and financing for logistical supply chains to help companies transition smoothly.
- What challenges does Smartshoring address? Key challenges include managing personnel and ensuring a smooth transition, which BBVA addresses through specialized solutions.
- How does BBVA incorporate sustainability into Smartshoring? BBVA integrates sustainability as part of its value proposition, offering advice and financing to drive responsible business expansion.
