Honda Motos Halts US Exports, Shifts Focus to Mexico

Honda Motos de Mexico has suspended exports of select motorcycle models to the United States due to a 125% tariff on products containing Chinese components. The company is now focusing on Mexico's growing domestic market, which has seen a 45% increase in motorcycle sales since 2022, according to the Mexican Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers and Importers (AMFIM).

The tariff,part of US trade policies targeting goods of Chinese origin, has made exports from Honda’s Guadalajara plant economically unviable, resulting in the withdrawal of the RX model from the US market.

“Many of our parts are sourced from China, and with the tax increase to 125%, it is simply unaffordable,” said Eduardo López, Vice President of Manufacturing, Honda de México.

Although exports account for just 8% of the plant’s total output, the strategic shift highlights a broader domestic focus. Currently, only the Navi model continues to be exported to the United States, as its components originate from India and are not subject to the tariff.

Honda Motos operates an assembly plant in El Salto, Jalisco, running two shifts to produce 580 motorcycles daily. After adding the second shift in September 2022, the plant aims to produce approximately 142,000 units in 2025—6,000 more than the previous year.

“Our forecast for this year is solid. We plan to produce around 142,000 units,” López stated, highlighting the company’s focus on meeting rising domestic demand. Key growth areas include Mexico’s western and northern regions.

Over the past three years, the number of models assembled at the Guadalajara facility has expanded from four to twelve. “We scaled up from four models to twelve in just three years. The growth was so rapid that most of our team members have less than four years with the company,” López added.

Honda is now the second-largest motorcycle seller in Mexico, trailing Italika, which commands about 70% of the market. Honda’s portfolio includes urban scooters and high-performance models like the CBR1000. The company supports its position with over 190 dealerships nationwide and four Powerhouse centers specializing in high-displacement motorcycles.

“The sales increase is not improvised. Honda’s unique quality control methodology ensures every model is carefully developed before launch,” López said.