As global supply chains grow increasingly complex and geopolitical pressures rise, one truth has become clear: the economic future of the United States, Mexico, and Canada is deeply intertwined. The strength of North American relations is no longer just a diplomatic concern—it is a manufacturing imperative.
"When we talk about nearshoring or regional strategies, we’re not just talking about cost—we’re talking about resilience, reliability, and building a shared future,"
-Emilio Cadena, CEO of Prodensa
In recent years, the renegotiation and implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has brought renewed attention to how integrated our economies truly are. A key takeaway? When one part of North America experiences disruption, the entire region feels it.
Take, for example, the case of General Motors in Silao, Mexico. A temporary work stoppage occurred—not due to local labor issues, but because of a supply shortfall from the United States. This situation underscored a fundamental reality: what happens in the U.S. impacts Mexico and Canada, and vice versa. Canadian facilities have faced similar setbacks tied to U.S.-Mexico supply dynamics. The lesson is clear—North American manufacturing is a shared system, not a series of isolated operations.
Mexico, in particular, plays a critical role in this ecosystem. It manufactures more than 30% of the auto parts used in North America's automotive industry. If the supply disruption had originated in Mexico, final vehicle delivery to U.S. or Canadian customers would have stalled. The interdependence among our three countries is not theoretical—it is operational, daily, and essential.
This situation raises a natural question: Could such disruptions be an opportunity for Mexico to strengthen and expand its local supply base?
"It’s a valid thought," says Cadena. "But in practice, it’s far more complicated."
High-tech manufacturers like General Motors require components with stringent specifications and extensive capital investment. Building a qualified supplier base overnight is not feasible. While the idea of replacing foreign vendors with local ones is appealing, companies will ultimately choose suppliers who are not just geographically close—but also competitive, specialized, and reliable.
That said, this challenge also presents a long-term opportunity. Mexico can—and should—continue to invest in building stronger supplier ecosystems to reduce overdependence and enhance regional resilience. Governments and private sector actors across the region must work together to incentivize innovation, elevate supplier capabilities, and support binational R&D partnerships.
North American relations are no longer just about trade—they’re about strategic growth. The future of regional manufacturing depends on coordinated policies, transparent customs rules, reliable infrastructure, and aligned workforce development.
We must move beyond transactional thinking. North America is a team—and its success depends on trust, investment, and alignment across borders.
Grupo Prodensa is committed to this vision. Through our advisory platform, Prodensa Intelligence, we help companies evaluate the Mexico-U.S.-Canada corridor with tools for market entry, business continuity, and supply chain risk mitigation.
If your organization is navigating manufacturing trends or considering new strategies under the USMCA framework, Prodensa can help you take the next step with confidence.