Who is Enrique Quezada Ojeda?
Enrique Quezada Ojeda is the president of the Association of Export Industry of Querétaro, A.C. (Index), a prominent organization representing export-oriented businesses in the region.
The Impact of Tariff Adjustments on Nearshoring
Due to the frequent changes in the United States’ tariff policy, some relocation plans are on hold, waiting for more clarity, according to Enrique Quezada Ojeda.
Although tariff adjustments affect nearshoring trends, Quezada Ojeda noted that there hasn’t been a significant repercussion.
Anticipation of US Announcements
Companies are keeping a close eye on US announcements, as unexpected changes can occur daily through tweets or comments, Quezada Ojeda explained.
Working Amidst Tariff Uncertainty
Exporting companies have had to work under pressure to identify the real effects of US tariffs, Quezada Ojeda added.
Importance of a Positive Investment Climate in Mexico
Despite the uncertainty, Quezada Ojeda emphasized the need to maintain a favorable investment environment in Mexico.
“We’ve been working under pressure to see the real impacts of tariffs, but I don’t think it’s affecting us too much; instead, it has put things on hold until the rules are clearly defined. We need to keep fostering a favorable investment climate in Mexico,” he stated.
Challenges of Relocating Operations
Regarding the announcements of some automakers considering moving their operations from Mexico to the US, Quezada Ojeda pointed out that such a move is not straightforward due to production and supply chain implications.
Developing a new supplier in another location can take up to two years, he explained.
“Companies have asked us to analyze product components thoroughly, and gradually, we will start seeing the potential impacts. It’s not easy to move an automaker from one place to another; it can take many years. Changing suppliers isn’t easy either… you need to develop them, establish full production,” he elaborated.
Current Scenario in Querétaro
For now, Quezada Ojeda highlighted that some companies are analyzing the situation and identifying opportunities to enhance their supply chains.
“There are companies that want to come to Mexico, while others might move to the US or other countries where it makes more sense and generates benefits for automakers’ shareholders. We are still in the process of analyzing production to minimize tariff impacts,” he pointed out.
Foreign Investment Trends in Mexico
In the first quarter of 2025, Mexico identified 39 public investment announcements by foreign direct investment, totaling USD 25,856 million and creating 65,200 direct jobs in the private sector, according to the Secretaría de Economía.
The states with the highest announced amounts are Baja California, Sonora, Zacatecas, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How are tariff adjustments affecting nearshoring? A: Tariff adjustments impact nearshoring trends, but there hasn’t been a significant repercussion so far.
- Q: Why are companies waiting for US announcements? A: Companies are anticipating unexpected changes in tariff policies that could occur daily through tweets or comments.
- Q: How are exporting companies dealing with tariff uncertainty? A> Exporting companies have had to work under pressure to identify the real effects of US tariffs.
- Q: What challenges do automakers face when considering relocation? A: Relocating operations involves complexities such as developing new suppliers and establishing full production, which can take years.
- Q: What is the current investment scenario in Mexico? A: Despite tariff uncertainties, Mexico has seen substantial foreign direct investment announcements in the first quarter of 2025, with notable amounts in Baja California, Sonora, Zacatecas, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
