As part of Prodensa's ongoing insights series from the 85th National Congress of Customs Brokers (CAAAREM), this blog highlights key takeaways from a panel featuring our CEO, Emilio Cadena. His message was clear: the 2026 review of the USMCA is not a risk, but a strategic opportunity for Mexico to strengthen its leadership in nearshoring, supply chain resilience, and manufacturing competitiveness across North America. For companies focused on doing business in Mexico through shelter services or turnkey operations, this moment is critical.
Find the first blog here.
The panel titled “Challenges Ahead of the USMCA Review After ‘Liberation Day’” was moderated by AMANAC President Fernando Con y Ledesma, featuring Sergio Espinosa (Commercial Manager, Hutchison Ports), Gerald Schwebel (President, NASCO), Emilio Cadena (CEO of Prodensa and Chairman of the US-Mexico Foundation), and Juan Pablo Cervantes (President, International Section, COMCE).
The world has changed significantly since the USMCA was signed in 2020. Global trade is no longer shaped by cost-efficiency alone—it is now driven by geopolitics, resilience, and national security.
In the 1990s under NAFTA, the strategy was to manufacture in the cheapest location. In the 2000s, sustainability took center stage. Today, the priority is reducing risk and building secure, regional supply chains. The USMCA must evolve to reflect these realities.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Over 80% of active pharmaceutical ingredients for generics come from China. In electronics, there are no PCB factories in the West.
This dependency on Asia represents a strategic risk. The USMCA provides a framework for regional self-sufficiency. Mexico has a key role to play in this shift by scaling up its capabilities and infrastructure to reduce reliance on distant suppliers.
Some may wonder whether the USMCA will withstand political changes, but the numbers speak for themselves:
Mexico and Canada are the U.S.'s largest export markets.
U.S. exports to Mexico average $2,600 per person annually.
Every manufacturing job created in Mexico is correlated with one created in the U.S.
This binational production system creates mutual value—not competition—between the three countries.
Before the USMCA, U.S. tariffs averaged 3.6%. Today, companies outside the agreement may face duties as high as 30%.
This substantial tariff differential makes compliance with USMCA rules a strategic advantage, particularly for companies leveraging turnkey operations, shelter services in Mexico, or nearshoring models under IMMEX. Those who understand and properly implement USMCA origin compliance can maximize benefits across their North American supply chains.
Roughly 3,700 IMMEX companies in Mexico are certified Importers with Trusted Programs (IBPs). These companies form the backbone of North America’s trusted supply chains.
Maintaining their compliance and operational stability is critical. In a context where national security drives policy, Mexico must ensure customs procedures and supplier reliability are rock-solid. Companies seeking to optimize their operations through nearshoring and doing business in Mexico must pay close attention to these frameworks.
To seize this moment, Mexico must do more than attract investment—it must build. Prodensa's CEO, Emilio Cadena, advocates for an industrial policy that empowers Mexico to move beyond maquila operations and toward the creation of full-value manufacturing platforms.
If China can have over 50 automakers, Mexico should aim to develop its own industrial identity in sectors such as:
Automotive
Aerospace
Semiconductors
Renewable Energy
This approach requires investment in:
Industrial infrastructure
Talent development
Regulatory certainty
Mexico’s evolution into a full industrial player will also support the expansion of employer of record (EOR) solutions and strengthen its position as a turnkey operation destination.
Rather than viewing the 2026 review as a risk, it should be seen as an opportunity to modernize the agreement and solidify Mexico's leadership in regional trade. Nearshoring, manufacturing in Mexico, and shelter services will only become more relevant as global supply chains shift.
Mexico has the geography, experience, and strategic partnerships to lead this transformation. But success will depend on bold investment, policy innovation, and cross-border trust.
The USMCA must evolve to match a geopolitical and regionalized trade reality.
Mexico is positioned to lead nearshoring efforts through advanced manufacturing and turnkey operations.
Tariff incentives for compliance make the agreement more relevant than ever.
IMMEX and IBP-certified companies are vital for securing regional supply chains.
Mexico should pursue a proactive industrial policy that goes beyond the maquila model.
The 2026 USMCA review is Mexico's chance to redefine its role in North American trade.
Investing in infrastructure and talent is essential for doing business in Mexico at scale.
Shelter services in Mexico are key enablers for foreign companies exploring regional expansion.
Employer of record (EOR) solutions can help streamline entry into the Mexican market.