Record-Breaking Imports and Growth in the Motorcycle Industry
According to data from China’s General Administration of Customs, Mexico has emerged as the second-largest market for Chinese motorcycles, reaching a record $1,307 million in 2024. This figure is only surpassed by the United States.
In 2023, Mexico recorded $897 million in motorcycle imports. The following year, these imports surged by 45.7% annually.
Reasons for the Rapid Growth
Mexicans prefer motorcycles due to their affordability, fuel savings, easy financing options, and maneuverability in traffic. Additionally, they offer cost-effective maintenance, easy parking, and are crucial for delivery jobs in both urban and rural areas.
A decade ago, Mexico’s Chinese motorcycle imports were valued at $323 million. At that time, the Mexican market was smaller with fewer models and less urban penetration.
The growth in Chinese motorcycle imports to Mexico can be attributed to their low prices, diverse model offerings, and high quality. Furthermore, related businesses provide affordable spare parts, flexible financing, and extensive support. Local brands like Italika, part of Grupo Elektra, assemble motorcycles using Chinese parts, strengthening their market presence.
Opportunities and Challenges
Motorcycle assembly is relatively simple compared to other automotive industry segments, presenting business opportunities. However, there’s uncertainty due to the trade war between the US and China, especially since the Trump administration has emphasized protecting the US automotive industry.
Global Export Trends
In 2024, the primary destinations for Chinese motorcycle exports were:
- United States: $1,752 million
- Mexico: $1,307 million
- Turkey: $598 million
- Philippines: $459 million
- Russia: $401 million
China was the world’s leading exporter of motorcycles, generating $15,533 million in 2024.
Regulatory Challenges in Mexico
Mexico’s motorcycle usage faces regulatory deficiencies, including the absence of a uniform national law, lenient licensing requirements, insufficient helmet usage monitoring, weak technical standards for vehicles and spare parts, limited safe road infrastructure, and the lack of reliable data. Moreover, services like mototaxis or delivery riders operate without clear regulation.
São Paulo’s experience demonstrates that weak motorcycle usage regulation leads to more accidents, overburdened hospitals, and precarious working conditions for delivery personnel. In 2024, 483 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in São Paulo, marking a 19.8% interannual increase and accounting for 46.8% of all traffic-related deaths in the city.
Motorcycle Parts Imports
In 2024, Mexico imported motorcycle parts worth $718 million, primarily from China, which accounted for 78% of the total. Smaller suppliers included the United States and India, according to Data México.
China’s Dominance in the Automotive Industry
China has become a global automotive powerhouse, leading the world in light vehicle production with 23.4 million units in 2024.
China’s light vehicle production has shown a consistent upward trend, driven by domestic demand, technological advancements, and the rise of electric vehicles.
