Mexico-UK Partnership Poised for Growth With CPTPP Ratification

UK Ambassador Susannah Goshko urged Mexico to complete the ratification of Britain’s Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) accession, stressing that it “would open a new chapter” for bilateral cooperation. She pointed to shared priorities between Plan México and the United Kingdom’s Modern Industrial Strategy as a foundation for expanded economic ties. 

“It would make trade with Mexico easier because it will lower tariffs. That is a clear objective for us, to achieve economic growth between both countries in the coming years,” she told reporters.

Goshko added that there are many parallels between the UK industrial strategy and Plan México. “We see huge potential for collaboration, and it will become even more accessible once Mexico ratifies the United Kingdom as a CPTPP member. We are awaiting that important step, and I believe the synergy between both plans will be very interesting.”

During the event, José Octavio Tripp, Director General for Europe, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that both nations maintain a strategic partnership and a broad scope for collaboration in trade, investment, science, technology and innovation. “Plan México is generating countless opportunities that will allow us to attract greater British investment. The potential ahead of us is enormous,” he said.

Core Priorities: Climate Action and Education

Goshko stressed that the bilateral relationship is advancing in strategic areas including climate action, the energy transition, cybersecurity, digitalization and education, supported by postgraduate scholarships and English-language programs. More than 3,000 Mexicans have completed master’s degrees in the UK, consolidating the country’s position as a leading academic destination for Mexican students. 

Cultural connections continue to thrive, highlighted by the participation of more than 100 British artists in this year’s Cervantino International Festival, while football remains a key bridge between the two societies. “Today, Mexico and the United Kingdom share a solid environmental agenda rooted in common values that promote social justice and development,” she said.

Trade & Strategic Position

Mexico’s main exports to the United Kingdom in 2024 were passenger vehicles, primarily from San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, and Mexico City. Imports from the United Kingdom were also mainly passenger vehicles, valued at US$172 million, with Mexico City as the top destination, reported the Ministry of Economy.

From January to December 2024, the United Kingdom invested US$823 million in Mexico, mainly in Mexico City (US$568 million), Jalisco (US$109 million), and Nuevo Leon (US$92.3 million). Regarding FDI specifically, the United Kingdom invested US$713 million in Mexico during the same period, with US$587 million in reinvested earnings, US$119 million in intercompany accounts, and US$6.51 million in new investments. Over the longer term, from January 1999 to December 2024, Mexico has received a total of US$22.1 billion in UK FDI, with US$11.96 billion in new investments, US$7.20 billion in reinvested earnings, and US$2.95 billion in intercompany accounts.

Despite these figures, the United Kingdom is not among Mexico’s top trading partners. In 2025, it accounted for 0.6% of Mexico’s exports (US$1.56B) and 0.38% of imports (US$981M), resulting in a net trade surplus of US$579 million. From the United Kingdom’s perspective, Mexico remains a relatively minor partner, ranking 41st–42nd among its global trade partners and representing 0.3–0.4% of UK trade.