Mexico

Since the implementation of NAFTA, Mexican imports from the United States have increased exponentially, totaling over USD$111 billion in 2004. The United States accounts for nearly 75% of total Mexican trade and Mexico has become the United States’ second largest trading partner since NAFTA began. U.S. exports to Mexico are greater than U.S. exports to the rest of Latin America combined.

U.S. companies interested in capitalizing on the enormous market opportunities in Mexico should keep the following point in mind when evaluating potential business: Mexico’s size and diversity is often under appreciated by U.S. exporters. It can be difficult to find a single agent or distributor to cover this vast market. The principal commercial centers of Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Ciudad Juarez, and Tijuana each offer a different mix of leading industries and often a distinctive business culture. In addition, a host of secondary commercial centers offer significant market opportunities.

In 2004, Arizona exported over $3.8 billion worth of products to Mexico making it Arizona’s number one export market.

Best prospects (by sector) for US exports:

Export Manufacturing Sector (Maquiladora Industry)
Electronic Components
Computer Hardware, software and Services
Automotive parts and supplies
Low Income and Pre-Fabricated Housing
Franchising
Building and Construction Materials
Telecommunications Equipment and Services
Plastics/Resins
Oil and Gas Field Equipment and Services
Medical Devices
Water Resources Equipment and Services
Internet and E-Commerce
Intermodal Transportation Equipment
Pollution Control Equipment
Security and Safety Equipment and Services
Electrical Power Systems
Food Processing and Packaging
Education and Training

Source: US Foreign Commercial Service

A full copy of the Country Commercial Guide to Mexico can be obtained through the Market Research resource at: http://www.export.gov/