Exporting to Mexico

President Obama announced the National Export Initiative (NEI) two years ago, with the goal of doubling exports by 2014. U.S. exports have increased 37 percent globally and 53 percent for Mexico over the past two years.  The U.S. Embassy's Virtual Presence Post for Chiapas and Tabasco is committed to supporting U.S. companies as they begin exporting their goods or services into Mexico. In this section, you will find a description of the Mexican market for exports, as well as some suggestions for getting started.

Getting Started

1. Visit the Export.gov page on Mexico to get an overview of economic conditions and opportunities.  Access the U.S. Commercial Service Market Research Library containing more than 100,000 industry and country-specific market reports, authored by specialists working in overseas posts.   

The Library Includes: 

• Country Commercial Guides (read the latest “Doing Business In” guides)  (2012 Mexico Country Commercial Guide can be found at: http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_5046151.pdf)  
• Industry Overviews

2. Contact your local U.S. Export Assistance Center for advice and support on exporting to Mexico. Contact a Trade Specialist near you.

3. Contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDCs). SBDCs are partnerships primarily between the government and colleges/universities administered by the Small Business Administration and aims at providing educational services to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

4. Contact the Commercial section of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico for specific counseling about your product and its potential for success in Mexico. 

Here are a few facts to consider prior to conducting business in Mexico:

• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was enacted in 1994 and created a free trade zone for Mexico, Canada, and the United States, is the most important feature in the U.S.-Mexico bilateral commercial relationship.
• Mexico is the United States’ 3^rd largest trade partner and 2^nd largest export market for U.S. products.
• U.S.-Mexico bilateral trade increased from $88 billion in 1993, the year prior to the implementation of NAFTA, to $460 billion in 2011, a 423 percent increase.
• Mexico is the most populated Spanish speaking country in the world and has 112 million people. 78 percent live in urban areas. 10 percent of the population is considered to be part of the wealthy class, and about 45 percent live in poverty earning less than USD $10 per day. The remaining 45 percent of the population is considered middle class. Mexico has a very young population with a median age of 27. It offers a large market with a GDP amounting to approximately $1.1 trillion USD. Per capita income is $15,100 USD.
• With a shared Western and Hispanic culture, U.S. producers find it easier to market and sell their services and products in Mexico.
• There is a large manufacturing base among a wide range of sectors.
• Mexico is a stable democracy.
• Mexico has bounced back strongly from 2009’s worldwide recession. In 2011 Mexico-United States bilateral trade increased by 17 percent from 2010 levels, and Mexico’s GDP increased by 3.9 percent.
• For more information on conducting business in Mexico, go to http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_5046151.pdf