Mexico, Singapore Strengthen Ties During State Visit

Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam arrived in Mexico on Nov. 30 for his first state visit to Latin America. The visit coincides with the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Mexico. The main purpose of the visit is to inaugurate Singapore’s new embassy in Mexico, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Representing Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Mexico’s Acting Foreign Minister and Deputy Minister for North America, welcomed President Shanmugaratnam, his spouse, and Singapore’s official delegation at Military Air Base No. 19 in Mexico City at 7:30 p.m.

According to the Foreign Ministry, as part of the official itinerary, Sheinbaum will receive the Singaporean head of state on Dec. 1 at the National Palace, accompanied by members of her cabinet. The leaders will hold a bilateral meeting, followed by a session with business representatives from both countries to strengthen economic ties and explore investment opportunities.

President Shanmugaratnam’s visit underscores the shared interest of Mexico and Singapore in deepening political, commercial, and cooperation within the framework of their partnership in the Asia-Pacific region.

Singapore’s Participation in Key Events

During his visit, President Tharman will officially inaugurate the Mexico-Singapore Business Forum and the exhibition, El Galeón Acapulco-Manila: SOMOS PACÍFICO – A World Born of the Tropics. In partnership with the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) and National Gallery Singapore (NGS), the exhibition showcases nearly 80 pieces from Singapore’s National Collection alongside artifacts from Mexico and other regions, highlighting the historical and cultural connections across the Pacific.

Mexico-Singapore Economic and Trade Relations

Mexico and Singapore formally established diplomatic relations on 22 Dec. 1975, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership in Asia-Pacific. Since then, both countries have steadily expanded cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation.

In 2024, Mexico’s top exports to Singapore, totalling US$1.15 billion, were machines and data processing units, which represented US$500 million. Exports were mainly destined for Chihuahua (US$328 million), Jalisco (US$248 million), and Nuevo León (US$222 million). On the import side, totalling US$2.156 billion, Mexico primarily purchased diodes, transistors, and similar semiconductors from Singapore, valued at US$343 million. The largest import destinations were Baja California (US$536 million), Mexico City (US$486 million), and Chihuahua (US$464 million).

Monthly trade data for September 2025 showed exports to Singapore at US$88.2 million and imports at US$215 million, resulting in a trade deficit of US$127 million. For 2025, Singapore accounted for 0.19% of Mexico’s total exports (US$936 million) and 0.43% of imports (US$2. 06 billion), leading to a net trade deficit of US$1.128 billion. Within Mexico, the states with the highest net trade with Singapore in 2024 were Coahuila de Zaragoza (US$150 million), Nuevo Leon (US$94.9 million), and Jalisco (US$55.9 million).

FDI from Singapore to Mexico reached US$70.3 million from January to December 2024. The largest recipients were Mexico City, Jalisco, and Queretaro. Since 1999, Mexico has received over US$1.049 billion in cumulative FDI from Singapore, mainly in intercompany accounts, new investments, and reinvested earnings.

Remittances between the two countries remain modest. In the 3Q025, Mexico received US$80,600 from Singapore, while Mexicans in Singapore sent US$44,700 back to the city-state.