IMMEX Program Pillar of North American Integration

Mexico’s export manufacturing industry strengthened its role in North American economic integration as the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (INDEX) highlighted the IMMEX program as a cornerstone of regional competitiveness during a high-level working visit to Washington, D.C. Led by National President Humberto Martínez Cantú, the delegation sought to reinforce bilateral trade relations and consolidate Mexico’s position as the world’s 10th-largest exporting nation, according to the organization.

Regional Integration, Competitiveness

During meetings with key US public- and private-sector stakeholders, INDEX underscored the IMMEX program’s role in boosting regional competitiveness, attracting productive investment and strengthening supply chain resilience amid global economic volatility.

Industry representatives emphasized that IMMEX has become a critical mechanism for integrating manufacturing operations across North America, supporting export growth and enabling companies to respond more efficiently to disruptions in global supply chains.

Trade Agenda Priorities

The delegation addressed core issues shaping the regional trade agenda, including the review and strengthening of USMCA, regional and global trade flows, investment attraction, formal job creation and the continued development of resilient supply chains. INDEX said these factors are essential to sustaining export momentum and deepening industrial integration between Mexico and the United States.

Institutional Dialogue and Strategic Alliances

As part of the visit, INDEX held meetings with US government agencies and industry organizations to exchange technical perspectives and align priorities aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and legal certainty for export manufacturers.

The organization acknowledged the openness and constructive dialogue with US Customs and Border Protection, Caterpillar, Cummins, Medline, Eaton, as well as the US Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, Department of State, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the National Association of Manufacturers and the US Chamber of Commerce.

INDEX said the working tour reaffirmed Mexico’s strategic role within North American value chains and strengthened cooperation channels that support trade continuity, long-term investment and shared competitiveness, benefiting employment and industrial growth across the region.

Investment Promotion 

Mexico’s National Council of the Export Manufacturing Industry (INDEX), said it will continue to promote investment, strengthen bilateral dialogue with the United States and actively participate in the 2026 USMCA review amid a global environment marked by potential policy shifts on energy, migration and security, reported MBN.

In a statement, the organization said it is closely monitoring international developments that could influence the upcoming trade agreement review, while maintaining ongoing communication with officials from the governments of Mexico and the United States.

As part of its 2025 agenda, INDEX reiterated its commitment to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), supporting job creation and reinforcing the role of the export manufacturing sector as a key pillar of Mexico’s economy.

On regulatory matters, the council said it is paying close attention to proposed changes to Mexico’s General Import and Export Tax Law (LIGIE) and tariff adjustments under the General Import Tax Law (TIGIE), both measures promoted by the federal government through the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). 

Meetings with U.S. government agencies and global manufacturers reinforced Mexico’s strategic role in regional value chains, supply chain resilience and long-term investment under the USMCA framework.