INDEX Backs Digital Customs Rollout in Nuevo Laredo

Summary: Mexico is accelerating the digitalization of its customs system through the implementation of the Electronic Value Declaration (MVE), with ANAM and the export manufacturing sector coordinating to improve trade efficiency, transparency and regulatory compliance. Industry leaders, including INDEX Nuevo Laredo, support the initiative while advocating for a phased rollout backed by technical assistance, as infrastructure investments, supply chain localization under the USMCA and logistics expansion reinforce Nuevo Laredo’s position as a strategic North American manufacturing and trade hub. 

Mexico’s transition toward a digital customs system is advancing with closer coordination between government authorities and the export manufacturing sector. As part of that effort, INDEX Nuevo Laredo participated in a working session organized by Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM) and COMCE Noreste’s Laredo Chapter to support the implementation of the Electronic Value Declaration (Manifestación de Valor Electrónica, MVE), a platform designed to modernize customs operations and improve foreign trade efficiency.

The meeting brought together federal officials, export manufacturers and business organizations to review the progress of the initiative, identify operational challenges and define mechanisms for an orderly transition to the new digital platform. The MVE is expected to strengthen traceability, increase transparency and improve efficiency in Mexico’s import and export processes while supporting broader efforts to digitalize the country’s customs system. 

Export Manufacturers Call for Phased Implementation

As Mexico advances the digital transformation of its customs operations, manufacturers are seeking to ensure that the transition minimizes disruptions to international trade and supply chains.

During the meeting, Enrique Morán, President of INDEX Nuevo Laredo, outlined the perspective of Mexico’s export manufacturing industry. He said the MVE should be introduced gradually, supported by technical assistance and clearly defined operational criteria that provide legal and operational certainty for companies operating under the IMMEX program.

Morán reiterated the sector’s commitment to complying with customs regulations while supporting the modernization initiatives led by federal authorities. He added that the success of the MVE will depend on continuous communication and coordination between the public and private sectors throughout the implementation process.

The working session was led by ANAM Director General Héctor Alonso Romero, accompanied by officials responsible for modernization, infrastructure, customs investigations, operations and information technology. COMCE President Andrés Franco, representatives of the organization’s Laredo Chapter and foreign trade specialists also participated in the discussions.

One of the main announcements made during the meeting was ANAM’s decision to triple the capacity of its technological servers. The agency said the expansion is intended to ensure platform stability during the rollout of the Electronic Value Declaration and reduce the risk of interruptions to import and export operations.

Federal customs authorities also confirmed their willingness to maintain close collaboration with industry throughout the implementation process, making technical adjustments as needed to support an orderly transition and limit operational impacts on companies.

Investment and Infrastructure Expand Nuevo Laredo's Role

The customs modernization initiative comes as Nuevo Laredo experiences one of its strongest periods of industrial expansion in recent decades, driven by manufacturing investment, logistics infrastructure and the continued integration of North American supply chains.

According to Morán, the city has attracted more than US$350 million in new industrial investment through plant expansions and new manufacturing operations. He said Nuevo Laredo has strengthened its position as Latin America’s leading logistics hub, supported by its strategic location along the US-Mexico border, reported MBN. 

Several infrastructure projects are expected to reinforce that position over the coming years. The World Trade Bridge is scheduled to expand from eight to 16 lanes beginning in 2027, with completion targeted for mid-2028. The project is expected to increase border capacity and improve freight movement between Mexico and the United States.

Additional logistics improvements include the inauguration of the Mex 2 peripheral highway, which will provide a direct connection between Monterrey-bound routes and the international border crossing, facilitating cargo transportation.

Energy infrastructure is also being expanded to support industrial growth. INDEX Nacional is working with federal and state authorities on projects to increase electricity transmission from southern Tamaulipas and develop a natural gas interconnection from Piedras Negras to meet rising industrial demand. 

USMCA Drives Regional Supply Chain Integration

As infrastructure investments continue to strengthen Nuevo Laredo's industrial base, manufacturers are also adapting their sourcing strategies to meet evolving trade requirements under the USMCA.

INDEX Nuevo Laredo is promoting greater domestic procurement by encouraging companies to source materials already produced in Mexico, including steel, aluminum, textiles and leather. The organization is also supporting efforts to develop new domestic manufacturing capacity for components that continue to be imported.

"Companies are immediately shifting to buy in Mexico when the supply exists," Morán said.

He added that increasing traceability requirements in international trade are accelerating digital transformation across manufacturing operations. Companies have expanded compliance teams and adopted real-time tracking platforms that improve visibility throughout supply chains and strengthen regulatory compliance for customers.

The manufacturing sector continues to generate a significant economic impact in the region. Companies affiliated with INDEX Nuevo Laredo employ more than 41,000 workers directly and support approximately 140,000 indirect jobs across logistics, transportation, food services and related industries.

Industrial activity has also translated into higher household income. Workers received more than MX$260 million in profit-sharing payments during May alone, while average industrial wages remain two to three times higher than Mexico’s minimum wage, reinforcing Nuevo Laredo’s role as one of Mexico’s most important manufacturing and logistics centers.