Mexico Auto Leaders Discuss Tariffs, USMCA, Exports at BAM 2025

The Business Automotive Meeting (BAM) 2025, organized by the Clúster Automotriz Metropolitano (ClautMet) at Universidad Iberoamericana, Campus Santa Fe,  convened leaders from the automotive industry, government, and academia to examine the sector’s current dynamics and future outlook in Mexico.

“The BAM encourages us to look beyond immediate challenges and transform them into opportunities,” said Elisa Crespo, President, ClautMet. During her opening remarks, Crespo stressed that international tariffs are increasingly impacting supply chains, production costs, and investment attraction,  emphasizing the importance of strengthening value chains and leveraging trade agreements.

Alejandro Canela, Vice President and General Director of Siemens Mexico and Central America and President of Innovation, ClautMet, highlighted the need for the industry to adapt: “We face growing challenges from regulations, tariffs, and supply chain pressures, and we must reinvent ourselves.” Executives from leading companies participated in discussions throughout the forum.

From an academic standpoint, Dr. Eduardo Hernández, Director of the Division of Arts, Science, and Technology, Universidad Iberoamericana,  underscored the automotive sector’s economic significance. In 2024, Mexico’s industry grew 5% year-on-year, produced over 4 million vehicles, and contributed 4.5% to the nation’s GDP. “This space should continue to foster enduring knowledge and partnerships. At Ibero, we see ourselves as allies in promoting well-being and improving the world,” Hernández said.

Government representatives also highlighted the sector’s strategic role. Raymundo Tenorio, Director of Industry at the Ministry of Economic Development of the State of Mexico, called for integration between companies, academia, financial institutions, and health organizations. “Government action is essential to strengthen an industry that directly impacts employment, trade, and the domestic market,” he said, noting the importance of combining import substitution with knowledge adoption.

The forum reaffirmed Mexico’s deep integration into the North American automotive market. In 2024, Mexican plants supplied 18% of US light-vehicle demand, with 90% of exports meeting the 75% regional content requirement. Auto parts exports totaled US$92.1 billion, with 87% destined for the United States.

BAM 2025 focused on advanced manufacturing, local supply chains, and sustainability, reinforcing its role as a platform for defining Mexico’s automotive industry trajectory and promoting collaboration to address trade and regulatory challenges.