Mexico Exports Evolve as SMEs Seek Greater Global Access

Mexico’s export sector is gaining momentum as nearshoring, digital transformation, and women-led entrepreneurship reshape the country’s role in global trade, according to speakers at COMCE’s Foro de Mujeres Exportadoras 2026. Panelists highlighted the need to expand access to financing, technology, and export support programs to help more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) compete internationally.

During the panel, “From Local to Global: Women Redefining Global Trade,” government officials, business leaders, and exporters discussed how Mexico can capitalize on shifting global supply chains while increasing the participation of women-owned businesses in international markets.

“We need more Mexican entrepreneurs reaching global markets,” said María de Haas, Director of International Relations, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy. “Our goal is for more SMEs to export Mexican products and services to the world.”

The discussion comes as Mexico continues to benefit from nearshoring trends and growing demand for regional supply chains across North America. Speakers said the country’s strategic location, manufacturing base, and trade agreements are creating new opportunities for businesses across sectors ranging from manufacturing and logistics to technology and consumer products.

Despite those opportunities, panelists acknowledged that many SMEs still face significant barriers when attempting to export, including limited financing, regulatory complexity, and a lack of international market knowledge.

Jacqueline García, CEO, International Bee Products, said building an export business required navigating certifications, logistics, customs requirements, and cultural differences across multiple markets, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“Many people underestimate how complex exporting can be,” García said. “You do not know how to export until you understand the specific market you are entering. Every country operates differently.”

She noted that access to financing remains one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs seeking international growth and emphasized the importance of partnerships with government agencies, advisors, and logistics providers.

“The government has been an important ally throughout our journey,” García said. “International expansion requires support networks. You cannot do it alone.”

Silvia Armendáriz Bárcenas, Manager, Livingston International, said compliance requirements continue to be one of the most challenging aspects of international trade.

“Many companies struggle with product valuation, permits, and country-specific regulations,” she said. “In some sectors, obtaining the necessary certifications can take months or even more than a year.”

According to Armendáriz, specialized advisors and strong strategic partnerships are increasingly necessary to help exporters navigate changing regulatory environments and avoid costly delays.

Technology and artificial intelligence also emerged as key themes throughout the discussion. Speakers argued that digital tools are becoming essential for companies seeking to improve competitiveness, manage operations more efficiently, and identify opportunities in foreign markets.

“If you are not already learning how to use AI and digital tools, you risk falling behind competitors,” García said.

Panelists agreed that technology is transforming global trade, but stressed that innovation must be combined with human judgment, strategic thinking, and adaptability.

Mary Carmen Cabrera, CEO, BusinessKids, said international growth is often driven by the strength of professional networks and institutional collaboration. Her organization, which promotes entrepreneurship education for children, now operates in 36 countries through a network of 148 franchises.

“Networks were fundamental to our international expansion,” Cabrera said. “No company builds global growth in isolation.”

She argued that many Mexican businesses still perceive exporting as excessively complicated or risky, limiting their willingness to pursue international opportunities.

“International trade changes the way you think,” Cabrera said. “You stop focusing only on your local market and begin viewing the world as a potential customer.”

While acknowledging the benefits of artificial intelligence, Cabrera cautioned against relying solely on technology without investing in education and critical thinking skills.

“Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it cannot replace people’s ability to analyze, create, and learn,” she said.

The panel also explored the growing role of women in industries traditionally dominated by men, including manufacturing, logistics, energy, and technology. De Haas argued that increasing women’s participation in these sectors could strengthen Mexico’s competitiveness and support future industrial development under the USMCA framework and Industry 5.0 initiatives.

“We want to see more women exporting, more women leading global companies, and more women participating in strategic industries,” she said.

According to De Haas, achieving that objective will require greater access to financing, stronger digital skills programs, improved care infrastructure, and broader female representation in leadership and decision-making positions.

“These transformations require coordinated efforts from government, the private sector, and educational institutions,” she said.

Speakers concluded that Mexico’s export opportunity extends well beyond nearshoring alone. Long-term success, they said, will depend on the country’s ability to develop talent, strengthen SME participation in global value chains, accelerate technology adoption, and empower more women to become leaders in international trade.

As global supply chains continue to evolve, panelists argued that Mexico is increasingly positioned not only as a manufacturing platform, but also as a source of innovation, entrepreneurship, and export-driven growth.