Italy Highlights Mexico as Key Machinery Market

Mexico reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner for Italy’s industrial sector during the second edition of National Made in Italy Day, a business-focused event that gathered more than 100 industry leaders, business chambers, and diplomatic authorities in Mexico City. The forum, organized by the Italian Embassy in Mexico, the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), Confindustria and Federmacchine, highlighted deepening bilateral cooperation in innovation, manufacturing and trade.

During the event, Confindustria’s research center presented the INGENIUM report, which confirmed Mexico as the largest Latin American buyer of high-tech Italian machinery. According to the analysis, Mexico absorbs 45% of Italy’s Latin America-bound exports of ACT machinery—technology-intensive equipment emphasizing automation, creativity and advanced manufacturing—surpassing Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru.

Italian Ambassador to Mexico Alessandro Modiano said the bilateral relationship is experiencing “one of its strongest moments,” driven in part by the modernization of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement, which will eliminate tariffs on 99% of industrial and agricultural goods. The updated framework is expected to open new trade routes, diversify supply chains, and boost strategic sectors including automotive, advanced manufacturing, machinery, food and beverages, and industrial technology.

Modiano noted that nearly one-third of all Italian exports to Latin America go to Mexico, and about 40% of that total, valued at more than €32.5 billion, consists of industrial machinery. This technological flow, he said, has been key to upgrading Mexico’s production capabilities in recent years.

Francisco André, the European Union Ambassador to Mexico, emphasized that economic ties between Mexico and the EU have quadrupled since the original agreement took effect. The renewed deal will expand opportunities for exports, investment and specialized employment across both regions.

María De Haas, Director General of International Relations, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, highlighted the shared symbolic and industrial value of the labels Made in Italy and Hecho en México, citing their alignment in quality, safety and innovation standards.

The INGENIUM report also found that Italian machinery exports to Latin America grew at an average annual rate of 6.7% between 2018 and 2023, outpacing global growth. Mexico, with a technologically advanced export-oriented manufacturing base, is among the five emerging markets with the highest growth potential for Italian industrial innovation.

Industry leaders including Sergio Contreras, Executive President, COMCE, said Mexico’s rising demand for precision technology reflects its push to strengthen production processes in key sectors. Olga Gravela, Director, ICE in Mexico, highlighted the expansion of the “Machines Italia” program, which connects Italian manufacturers with Mexican companies seeking next-generation industrial solutions.

With the second edition of National Made in Italy Day, both countries reaffirm their commitment to strengthening supply chains, accelerating technology transfer and boosting competitiveness across their manufacturing ecosystems.

Mexico: EU´s Priority Investment Destination

MBN reported that the European Union is reinforcing its position as Mexico’s second-largest foreign investor, and many of its companies have targeted strategic sectors, which include manufacturing, energy, technology, and logistics. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec Corridor is emerging as a flagship project within the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, with initiatives in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and workforce training. 

“Mexico needs more foreign investment and we are working to make that happen. The EU is the second-largest investor in the country, which proves the strategy is working,” said Italy’s Ambassador to Mexico, Alessandro Modiano, during the 4th Binational Convention, New Routes and Bridges of Progress, hosted by the American Society of Mexico (AMSOC).

Since the year 2000, more than €200 billion has been allocated to projects in Mexico, spanning infrastructure, energy, and trade, officials said this week. European firms are contributing to the modernization of key Mexican ports such as Veracruz, Lázaro Cárdenas, and Progreso, bringing technical expertise and innovation capacity.

Modiano said the EU views Mexico as a strategic partner in industrialization and the global transition toward sustainability. “We are working to continue investing. Mexico offers skilled labor, macroeconomic stability and institutional certainty: fertile ground for large economic groups,” Modiano said.