Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1540984
24 SMT007 MAGAZINE I NOVEMBER 2025 The message is that Mexico is not closing its market; it is strengthening its industrial platform and protecting strategic sectors. International Reactions: Early Dialogue and Constructive Tone China and South Korea reacted quickly, yet both chose dialogue over confrontation. China launched a formal investigation into the proposed measure. Shortly after, on Sept. 25, Mexico's Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard met with Ambassador Daojiang Chen. The meeting was described as constructive; Mexico clarified that the proposal carries no political motivation, and both parties agreed to maintain a technical dialogue to avoid tension. South Korea expressed concern, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors. Through bilateral meetings, both governments agreed to establish technical working groups to safeguard current investments and assess possible exceptions. These early engagements confirm that the focus remains on stability and business certainty—not confrontation. Potential Impacts on Mexico's Electronics Industry For electronics manufacturing, the main areas of attention are: • Higher costs for sensitive inputs (connectors, harnesses, plastics, subassemblies) if sourced from non-FTA countries • More stringent documentation requirements to prove origin and secure preferential treatment • Adjustments to just-in-time models, poten- tially requiring buffer inventories or supplier diversification Overall, the risks appear manageable. Compa- nies with strong compliance processes and supply chain flexibility are well positioned to adapt. Many operations could even strengthen their competi- tiveness by maximizing USMCA benefits and lever- aging existing government programs. Alternatives and Strategic Options To mitigate risks and seize opportunities, compa- nies should: • Strengthen origin compliance: Reinforce traceability and certification under USMCA and other FTAs. • Leverage PROSEC and Rule 8: Use key instru- ments to reduce tariffs on critical imports. • Diversify suppliers: Expand sourcing within North America, Latin America, and Europe. • Develop domestic supply chains: Partic- ularly for cables, plastics, and connectors, where substitution is feasible. • Adjust contracts and finances: Include tariff- adjustment clauses and build working-capital buffers. Guanajuato and Mexico: Partners for a Reliable Future The proposed tariff reform should be viewed not as a threat to openness but as part of Mexico's evolution toward a more resilient and strategically aligned trade model. For the global electronics industry, several real- ities stand firm: existing treaties safeguard core supply chains; diplomatic engagement with Asia remains constructive; and Mexico continues to offer a skilled workforce, specialized clusters, and unmatched proximity to the United States. From Guanajuato—the industrial heart of Mexico— COFOCE is supporting companies navigating these changes, ensuring that the state continues to lead as a reliable hub for global electronics manufacturing. In a shifting world economy, Guanajuato's commitment to innovation, compliance, and international collab- oration reaffirms one truth: Mexico remains open for business and Guanajuato is at its core. SMT007 Yazmin Elizabeth González Vázquez is coordinator of Logistics and Foreign Trade Promotion of the State of Guanajuato (COFOCE). Yazmin is an international trade professional with over two decades of experience in customs, automotive, and global logistics. Currently at COFOCE, she advises com- panies on trade compliance and cross-border oper- ations, while also sharing her expertise as a univer- sity lecturer. Her work bridges policy, practice, and strategy in Mexico's role within global trade.