China has become one of Mexico’s main suppliers, with its companies expanding their presence in sectors such as automotive, technology, electronics, manufacturing, and port infrastructure. This relationship has a particular characteristic compared to other Latin American countries: while the Mexican industry is deeply integrated with the United States, a growing portion of the products and components it imports comes from China.
The economic relationship between China and Mexico has evolved in recent years in a way that cannot be explained solely by foreign trade figures. China is one of the major suppliers to the Mexican economy, with its manufacturers gaining presence in the national market, and various companies developing industrial investments or participating in infrastructure used by international trade. All of this occurs in a country whose economy maintains an exceptional integration with the United States through the USMCA.
This combination sets Mexico apart from other Latin American countries. In Peru, for instance, Chinese corporate presence is particularly visible in large mining operations, electric assets, or the Port of Chancay. In Mexico, the link is more concentrated in trade, industrial chains, technology, and the supply of components and equipment. The result is a triangular relationship where Mexico massively imports from China while directing the majority of its exports to the United States.
China, a major supplier to Mexico
In 2025, Mexico imported around 120 billion dollars in products from China, approximately 20% of all its foreign purchases, while Mexican exports to the Chinese market hovered around 9 billion. This disparity reflects a highly imbalanced trade relationship in quantitative terms, but it also highlights the role that Chinese suppliers have acquired within the Mexican economy.
The composition of these imports is particularly significant. Mexico buys from China phones and telecommunications equipment, electronic components, computers, machinery, electrical equipment, industrial parts, and numerous consumer goods. Some of these correspond to finished products destined directly for the Mexican market, while others are incorporated into production processes developed within the country.
Herein lies one of the fundamental characteristics of this relationship. Over the last few decades, Mexico has become a major North American manufacturing platform, particularly in sectors such as automotive, electronics, home appliances, machinery, and industrial equipment. Factories established in the country utilize components from numerous markets, with China occupying a relevant position among its suppliers. At the same time, the United States continues to absorb more than 80% of Mexican exports.
Chinese companies also seek to produce in Mexico
This relationship has begun to evolve from the export of products manufactured in China to a greater business presence within Mexican territory. Manufacturers from various sectors have established facilities, shopping centers, or distribution structures, while others have studied productive investments to serve both the Mexican market and other Latin American destinations.
The automotive sector is one of the most visible examples. Chinese brands have rapidly increased their commercial presence in Mexico, coinciding with their international expansion and the growth of electric and hybrid vehicles. Companies like BYD, MG —part of the Chinese group SAIC—, Chery, JAC, Geely, and GWM are already part of the Mexican market, although their industrial strategies and the degree of local production vary.
The officially recorded direct investment remains much lower than the volume of trade. Data from the Ministry of Economy indicated about 2.72 billion dollars in foreign direct investment from China between 1999 and 2024. However, these statistics do not always reflect the total investment linked to Chinese groups, as some operations are channeled through companies established in third countries.
The industrial interest in Mexico is closely related to the characteristics of its economy. The country has an extensive manufacturing network, specialized suppliers, competitive costs, and proximity to the largest consumer market on the continent. Additionally, the USMCA is in play, although the agreement’s rules of origin and U.S. trade policy condition the possibilities of using Mexico as a platform to access the United States.
Technology and telecommunications, a consolidated presence
Chinese activity in Mexico is not limited to traditional industry. Technology companies from the Asian country have been operating in the Mexican market for years, particularly in telecommunications, electronics, and digital services.
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