Global Trade Grows 5.3%: What Every Logistics Company in Mexico Should Know

By María Gamba – Control Terrestre A few days ago the World Trade Organization (WTO) published a figure that made me stop and think: the volume of global merchandise trade grew 5.3% year-over-year during the first quarter of 2025. The figure is powerful, but what caught my attention most was the reason: companies, especially in North America, accelerated their imports to anticipate tariffs announced by the United States. And what does that have to do with us? Everything. At Control Terrestre, we work every day as cargo intermediaries. We know closely the pulse of logistics in Mexico and we know that these global movements don't stay in reports: they reach us on highways, at ports, in distribution centers... and in the decisions we make as companies. More active trade = more demanding logistics When trade grows, logistics challenges also grow. More products crossing borders means more pressure on the supply chain, more cargo in transit, and more need for coordination. On this occasion, the upturn came mainly from imports in North America (+19%), especially in sectors like machinery, precious metals and pharmaceutical products. That is, high-value merchandise that requires precision in handling and total traceability control. For Mexico, this represents an enormous opportunity. We are the natural bridge between Latin America and the United States, and if regional trade accelerates, Mexican logistics companies have to be ready to respond. It's not just about moving more, but moving better An increase in commercial volume doesn't always mean easy growth. On the contrary: it can stress installed capacity and evidence bottlenecks in our operations. For example: Customs times can lengthen if documentary processes are not optimized. The vehicle fleet can be overloaded if there's no efficient unit management. Logistics centers can become saturated if they don't have sufficient technological infrastructure. Here's where technology and strategic planning become indispensable. What should logistics companies in Mexico do? From my point of view, there are at least four key priorities for those of us operating in the supply chain: 1. Digitalize operations Today you can't talk about competitive logistics without talking about real-time visibility, management platforms, electronic traceability, and data analysis. With accelerated commerce, there's no margin for errors or improvisation. 2. Optimize routes and resources The increase in merchandise flow requires intelligent planning. Dynamic assignment systems, load control and demand-based programming are already a necessity, not a luxury. 3. Strengthen infrastructure Whether investing in distribution centers, cooling systems, specialized transport or simply preventive maintenance, we have to be ready to move more without losing quality. 4. Leverage strategic alliances Companies like Control Terrestre play a key role as bridges between clients and transporters, ensuring everything flows safely, legally and efficiently. In times of high demand, having reliable logistics allies makes the difference. And what about Mexico in all this? Mexico has a privileged geographic position, but that's not enough. If we really want to take advantage of trade growth, we have to raise the level of our logistics. And there are positive signs: Nearshoring continues driving investments in industrial parks, especially in the north of the country and the Bajío. Key projects are being developed, like the dry port in the Jalisco Logistics Center, which will bring customs closer to Guadalajara and decongest Manzanillo. And while all this happens, the Mexican logistics chain has to evolve at market pace. It's not enough to have good geographic location: we need technology, vision, efficiency and reliable allies. At Control Terrestre, we are ready for this moment From our trenches, at Control Terrestre, we have seen how commerce pace changes and how companies need more complete solutions. That's why, more than moving cargo, we connect opportunities. We connect key points in the logistics chain, reduce risks, facilitate regulatory compliance and optimize every step, from when merchandise leaves until it reaches its destination. We know intense months are coming. That the increase in imports, tariff adjustments, growth in key sectors like machinery and pharmaceutical products, will demand more from all logistics actors. And we also know that Mexico can rise to the occasion, if we know how to prepare. Conclusion Global trade grew in the first quarter of 2025. And it wasn't by chance. It was because the world is repositioning itself, because supply chains are shortening, and because companies are seeking efficiency, speed and proximity. Mexico has everything to become the protagonist of this new era... but only if its logistics allows it. So the question is: 👉 Are you ready to move more, better and faster? We are. At Control Terrestre, we are ready to help you take advantage of this wave of growth. Because logistics is not just moving things: it's moving businesses, moving countries, moving the future.