ANAM, South Korea Deepen Customs and Logistics Cooperation

Mexico and South Korea are strengthening customs cooperation to facilitate trade, support Korean investment, and explore new logistics opportunities through the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Mexico is strengthening customs cooperation with South Korea as both countries seek to facilitate bilateral trade, support South Korean companies operating in Mexico, and explore logistics opportunities linked to the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Héctor Romero, Head, National Customs Agency (ANAM), met with H.E. Ambassador Jooil Lee, of the Republic of Korea in Mexico, to establish permanent communication channels between both customs administrations and deepen institutional collaboration.

According to ANAM, the parties agreed to maintain direct dialogue with South Korean companies to understand their operational needs, address concerns, and create more favorable conditions for trade and investment. The discussions also examined cooperation opportunities related to the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which could provide South Korean companies with an additional logistics route connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The agreement comes as Mexico and South Korea continue to expand a commercial relationship shaped by manufacturing, technology, automotive production, and increasingly diverse trade flows. South Korea is a major supplier of machinery, components, and electronic inputs for Mexican industry, while Mexico exports industrial products, minerals, and selected agri-food goods to the Asian market.

Customs Cooperation Targets Trade Facilitation

The meeting places customs coordination at the center of a broader effort to improve trade conditions. Permanent communication between customs authorities could help companies address administrative issues more efficiently, improve information exchange, and support more predictable cross-border operations.

ANAM says it aims to promote a modern, transparent customs system focused on facilitating foreign trade. For companies with manufacturing operations and supply chains in Mexico, closer cooperation could be particularly relevant as imports of South Korean machinery, components, and technology remain essential for industrial production in northern and central Mexico.

In April 2026, Mexican exports to South Korea reached US$450 million, while imports totaled US$4.03 billion, resulting in a US$3.58 billion trade deficit for Mexico, according to Data México. Machinery parts and accessories were Mexico’s main imports from South Korea during the month, while lead ores and concentrates were Mexico’s main export.

The trade relationship is also concentrated in industrial states. Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon and Jalisco were among the main destinations for Mexican imports from South Korea in April, reflecting the importance of South Korean goods for manufacturing clusters, including automotive, electronics, and advanced production activities.

Interoceanic Corridor Opens a New Logistics Discussion

A central point of the meeting was the potential role of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in strengthening supply chains and expanding opportunities for South Korean companies. The corridor is designed to connect ports on Mexico’s Pacific and Gulf coasts through rail, road, port, and industrial infrastructure, offering an alternative route for cargo moving between the two oceans.

For South Korean firms, greater coordination with Mexican customs authorities could support the assessment of new logistics configurations, including routes for components, finished goods, and industrial inputs. The corridor could also become relevant for companies seeking to diversify supply chains and develop production or distribution strategies closer to North American markets.

In 2024, South Korean FDI in Mexico reached US$1.31 billion, while cumulative investment from 1999 to 2024 totaled US$11.83 billion, according to Data México. Nuevo Leon, Mexico City, and Baja California were the main recipients of South Korean investment during 2024.

Mexico and South Korea have developed more than six decades of diplomatic relations, which have evolved into a partnership across manufacturing, automotive production, electronics, digital technologies, and smart-city development. South Korean companies including Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, and Daewoo have established operations across Mexico, contributing to industrial ecosystems in states such as Nuevo Leon, Baja California, Puebla, Tamaulipas, and Queretaro, reports MBN.

Expanding Beyond Manufacturing

The bilateral relationship is also broadening beyond traditional manufacturing and technology sectors. Mexico and South Korea have continued to deepen agri-food cooperation, with bilateral agri-food exchange reaching US$228 million, supported by growing interest in Mexican products and rising demand for South Korean food and cultural products in Mexico, reports MBN.

KOTRA, South Korea’s trade and investment promotion agency, has also expanded collaboration with Mexican counterparts in mobility, technology, and innovation. These efforts have focused on connecting Korean companies with Mexican opportunities in areas such as advanced manufacturing, smart mobility, and digital development.