ANIERM Celebrates 80 Years Promoting Mexican Trade

The National Association of Importers and Exporters of Mexico (ANIERM) celebrated its 80th anniversary on Oct. 10, highlighting the crucial role it plays in international trade, especially in the context of nearshoring opportunities and challenges. ANIERM provides legal certainty and guidance to its members, ensuring they navigate the complexities of global commerce effectively.

Established as a non-profit civil association, ANIERM was founded to support businesses in their foreign trade operations. The organization focuses on promoting the development and strengthening of bilateral relations between Mexico and its global trading partners. By fostering connections between the productive sector and government entities, ANIERM plays a vital role in shaping Mexico’s trade landscape.

During the anniversary event, various member companies addressed the state of international trade. Iker de Luisa, Director General, Mexican Association of Railroads, highlighted the importance of rail transport, stating: “We connect borders, production centers, and bring foreign trade closer to Mexico, which accounts for about 60% of our traffic.” He noted that while rail transport is efficient over long distances, it must compete with trucking for shorter hauls. This collaboration is crucial, as there is significant growth potential in combining various transport methods.

Isidoro Pastor, Director, Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), spoke about the airport’s growth and its diversification into passenger transport and cargo routes to the European Union, Asia, and the Americas.

Gerardo Tajonar, President, ANIERM, shared with MBN insights into how the organization has remained resilient over the years. He credited the founders’ visionary approach and pointed out Mexico’s advantageous geographical position, bordered by oceans and with access to natural resources. “Mexico can naturally provide not only for North America but for the world,” he added. Tajonar emphasized that ANIERM has been instrumental in helping exporters, particularly in light of Mexico’s status as a predominantly importing nation in recent years. 

Amid the shifting geopolitical landscape, including upcoming US elections and the modernization of the USMCA in 2026, Tajonar emphasized that the era of globalization is giving way to regionalization. “If the United States and Canada do not continue with the policy of integration, they would be making a grave mistake,” he said. He urged for a collaborative industrial policy among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “We need to have a regional industrial policy, not just initiatives driven by a single politician,” he added. “Today, we have news of investments coming to Mexico for semiconductor production, and this should extend to other sectors, not just automotive.”

Signing of the Agreement Between National Chamber of Commerce, ANIERM

In conjunction with the anniversary celebration, a collaboration agreement was signed between ANIERM and the National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO). This agreement aims to promote the use of arbitration as an effective alternative for resolving business disputes.

The agreement will enable both institutions to provide legal support to their members through the CANACO Mediation and Arbitration Center. “We all know that the Mexican judicial system is going through critical times. Entrepreneurs need certainty. Therefore, including an arbitration clause in agreements, not just for logistics services but also for international sales, means relying on arbitration and avoiding the judicial system of any country. This will facilitate procedures in case of conflicts, reduce costs, simplify judicial processes, and ultimately allow us to continue doing business,” says Tajonar.

Tajonar was optimistic about the future of ANIERM, which has a renewed commitment to promoting crucial infrastructure initiatives for the country. “As an association, we have been very optimistic and proactive. There will no longer be an airport in Texcoco, but we are going to promote AIFA, the most important cargo airport in the country, which was developed in a very short time. We are also promoting the Interoceanic Corridor (CIIT). We are working to develop the necessary infrastructure that positions Mexico as a logistics hub for North America and eventually for the world. That is what ANIERM will continue to do: generate more business opportunities worldwide,” he said.

Despite challenges, ANIERM focuses on promoting significant infrastructure projects to position Mexico as a logistics hub for North America and beyond. “We strive for greater business opportunities in the global market,” said Tajonar.