Mexico Strengthens Aerospace Ties Ahead of USMCA Review

The Mexican aerospace industry is strengthening regional integration efforts ahead of the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), said Alejandro Cardona Seemann, President, Safran Mexico. He told A21 that the sector expects the working groups led by the Ministry of Economy (SE) to conclude in November, with a “position paper” summarizing their recommendations ready by December. The document will guide Mexico’s strategy for the upcoming trade review in June 2026.

During the aerospace working group sessions, discussions centered on maintaining tariff competitiveness and preventing rate volatility, as experienced in 2025. Participants also examined the regulation of dual-use goods—particularly intellectual property linked to defense—and the need to ease the movement of US certifiers in high-risk areas that often delay approvals. “There must be a more comprehensive approach to the flow of people,” Cardona Seemann noted.

The group further highlighted the importance of customs facilitation and the alignment of temporary import programs across North America. “For authorized organizations, mechanisms should exist to streamline customs testing and certification processes, especially for Mexico’s maquiladoras, given the U.S. push to integrate regional supply chains,” he added.

Cardona Seemann emphasized that an analysis recently presented to authorities confirmed that special tariff classifications for aerospace activities remain unaffected by proposed changes to Mexico’s General Import and Export Tax Law (LIGIE), indicating no negative impact on the sector. He stressed that the focus continues to be on North American integration, aligning regional operations while preserving ties with Europe, in line with Safran’s French heritage.

Safran Mexico is also expanding its manufacturing footprint, with new facilities under development in Queretaro and the completion of Plant 6 industrialization in Chihuahua. “We are closing the year on a strong note, with ongoing production line expansions and confidence that collaboration between industry and government will yield results. The United States has recognized the value of regional supply chain integration over isolated national efforts,” Cardona Seemann concluded.