The Asian Giant and Mexican Logistics: A Link in Transformation

In recent years, the relationship between China and Mexico has transcended simple commercial exchange, becoming a key driver for the logistical transformation of our country. As Control Terrestre, we have closely observed how this dynamic, although asymmetrical, drives significant changes and presents challenges that require constant professionalization.

China has consolidated as Mexico's second-largest trading partner, with a compound annual growth of 10% between 2019 and 2024. However, this relationship is characterized by a deep asymmetry: Mexico imports considerably more than it exports. In 2024, Chinese imports reached $129.795 billion (USD), compared to exports of only $9.937 billion (USD). This imbalance generates a persistent trade deficit and has multiple implications for our supply chain.

One of the main consequences is vulnerability to logistical disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The dependence on key products such as electronics, machinery, and supplies from China exposes Mexican companies to risks. The 2025 Logistics Pulse, a relevant study in the sector, reveals that 85% of large Mexican companies import supplies from Asia, which underlines this dependence.

Furthermore, the saturation of Mexican ports and customs, such as Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo, is a direct effect of the high volume of Chinese merchandise. This translates into bottlenecks, longer waiting times, and an increase in logistics costs, both for storage and transportation. The situation is aggravated by the flow of empty containers returning to China, further increasing costs and reducing the efficiency of the system.

The phenomenon of nearshoring adds another layer of complexity. The arrival of new production plants in Mexico, including many of Chinese origin, has triggered the demand for internal logistics services and services to the United States. This pressure, combined with a national infrastructure that the 2025 Logistics Pulse rates as "barely regular," demonstrates the limited capacity to absorb the growing volume of goods.

Faced with this scenario, Mexico has responded with an acceleration in investment in logistics infrastructure. In 2024, the government allocated 227 billion pesos (MXN) to the modernization of more than eight thousand kilometers of federal highways. Strategic projects such as the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec seek to position Mexico as an alternative to the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through freight trains and modernized ports.

At Control Terrestre, we understand that China has been a determining actor in the reconfiguration of Mexican logistics. It has driven commercial growth, attracted industrial investments, and tested our infrastructure. But, at the same time, it has forced us to strengthen our customs capabilities, review our trade policy, and adapt to a new geoeconomic balance. The coming years will be crucial to consolidate this transformation and capitalize on the historic opportunity to position Mexico as a leading manufacturing and distribution hub on the continent.