Mexico’s maquiladora (export manufacturing plant) industry is the country’s largest foreign currency income source, exceeding petroleum and tourism.  The U.S. provides an estimated 47 % of all inputs to the maquiladoras, valued conservatively at US $41 billion in US exports.  As the U.S. and Mexican economies experience further integration, the more than 2,800 plants throughout Mexico (of which 60 percent are located along the border with the United States) will have an ongoing need to source quality inputs, equipment and services from U.S. industry.

To better assist U.S. businesses tap into the excellent sales opportunities offered by the maquiladoras, the Commercial Service has launched the Border Trade Initiative (BTI). The BTI will extend the strong trade promotion programs that already exist throughout Mexico and on the border in Tijuana to include the significant manufacturing clusters that have been underserved by the Commercial Service in the Mexican states bordering Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The BTI is being gradually implemented throughout the border in 2008, and will build on the success of the Tijuana office in offering matchmaking services, hands-on border programs, special events, market research and other tools to help U.S. businesses be successful in accessing this important market.

Upcoming Border Trade Initiative Events in 2008

Further Information, Comments or Questions

Geoffrey.Bogart@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , Border Trade Initiative Program Leader in Mexico
Daniel.Rodriguez@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , Border Trade Initiative Program Leader in U.S.