Northern Mexico Exports Drop 25% Amid US Tariff Uncertainty

Northern Mexico’s exports have dropped by 25%, according to the National Association of Importers and Exporters of the Mexican Republic (ANIERM), amid lingering uncertainty over US tariff policies under President Donald Trump.

Marcelo Vázquez, ANIERM's national delegate in Chihuahua, attributed the decline to unclear regulations, particularly on goods containing Chinese components. This lack of clarity has significantly disrupted commercial operations, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Job losses are mounting, projects have been suspended, and the economy continues to suffer,” Vázquez said at a press conference. He reported that roughly 2,000 of the region’s 6,000 monthly export operations have been delayed or canceled.

Although the United States recently introduced a 10% reciprocal tariff policy, Mexico and Canada were excluded from this measure, as confirmed by Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard.

Despite these challenges, officials are eyeing potential opportunities. Juan Acereto, representing the mayor of Ciudad Juarez, noted that the current disruptions might encourage companies to shift manufacturing operations from China to Mexico, potentially bolstering the border region's industrial base.

While trade has not come to a standstill, the instability has strained export operations. ANIERM pointed out that the ongoing reorganization of global supply chains could position Mexico as a stronger manufacturing hub, opening the door to increased foreign investment.