In 2023 Mexico surpassed China to become the United States’ largest trading partner for the first time since 2002. This milestone reflects a broader realignment driven by growing U.S. political hostility toward Chinese manufacturing, the imposition of new tariffs during the first Trump administration (and current administration), pandemic-related supply-chain disruptions, and the tariff-free framework established under USMCA (which is currently in flux).

Mexico’s appeal rests on a combination of relatively low labor and materials costs, rigorous ISO-certified quality systems, and geographic proximity to U.S. markets, which allows goods to arrive in days rather than weeks.

Established brands with the capacity to place large orders often find Mexico to be an ideal solution, particularly in hard-goods sectors such as automotive parts, electronics, appliances and medical devices. In contrast, small businesses that require modest order quantities or specialize in soft goods like apparel and accessories may find Mexico’s factory network less accommodating, since local expertise remains concentrated in heavier, more technical industries.

Success in Mexico hinges on strong relationships. Factories that are already operating near capacity may overlook inquiries for smaller production runs, so persistence and personal introductions are essential. Once a partnership is formed, manufacturers tend to treat clients like family, allowing rapid prototyping, solid production timelines, consistent quality, and swift transit.
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Finding a suitable factory in Mexico can be challenging and requires a different approach than in Asia. While there is no single online marketplace akin to Alibaba, a good place to start your search for manufacturers is through the Maquiladora Association Index, CANACINTRA, Canieti and AMMAC directories. Startups may find that smaller, more flexible shops are not always listed, making engagement with a sourcing agent the most efficient way to gain access to Mexico-based factories.