E-COMMERCE

By FedEx | January 14, 2026

Mexico’s trade ties with Asia are strengthening, unlocking new possibilities across the global supply chain. Surging imports, stronger export capacity, and a booming e-commerce market make Mexico a promising destination for APAC businesses ready to expand across borders.

• Asia-Mexico trade is evolving, with Asian imports into Mexico reaching a record USD 132.19 billion in the first half of 2025.
• Mexico’s role in the global supply chain has expanded, thanks to its strategic location and strong trade links with the US and Canada.
• E-commerce growth in Mexico offers new opportunities for APAC brands. 80% of Mexico’s consumers already shop across borders, with a growing appetite for Asia-made electronics and beauty products.

Could the Asia-Mexico trade lane be the next major corridor reshaping the global supply chain? Many regional businesses are already treating it as a breakout market, with momentum building on both sides.

Imports and exports between Asia Pacific (APAC) and Mexico have reached record levels as companies diversify their supply chains and respond to growing consumer demand. In the first half of 2025, Asian imports into Mexico surged to an all-time high of USD 132.19 billion, accounting for 42.5% of Mexico’s total imports.

Mexico also maintained trade flows to the region, with China accounting for 3.1% of total exports. Shipments of electronics, industrial machinery, and automotive parts have been particularly robust.

What was once a niche trade lane is rapidly becoming a serious opportunity for APAC businesses looking to expand across borders. Mexico’s strategic location, strong trade links with the US, and expanding role in the global supply chain are turning it into both a gateway to North America and an attractive consumer market in its own right.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving this shift, and what it could mean for your business.

Mexico’s strategic rise in the global supply chain

As more companies diversify their supply chains, many are seeking production bases closer to end customers. Mexico offers precisely this geographical benefit.

Manufacturers in industries such as automotive, electronics, and machinery are increasingly shifting operations to Mexico. They’re responding to changing cost structures, the need for supply chain diversification, and the advantage of being geographically close to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Mexico’s proximity to the US gives businesses a natural edge. Through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), companies that manufacture in Mexico can access the US market on preferential terms. This has encouraged many global producers to move to or expand operations in Mexican industrial hubs.

Nearshoring has become especially appealing to APAC businesses that aim to continue serving American customers efficiently. As a result, Mexico’s role as a major trading hub in North America has expanded. In 2024, the country even surpassed China as the leading source of US imports, benefiting from cross-border supply chains and regional manufacturing integration.

This evolution is influencing trade flows with Asia. Automotive producers, for example, now produce or assemble vehicles in Mexico while continuing to rely on Asia for raw materials and precision components. This dynamic creates a steady stream of inbound, high-value shipments from Asia into Mexico.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s export capacity is expanding. Exports of machinery and equipment rose 28.7% year-over-year in July 2025, while electronic equipment exports increased by 10.2%. As its manufacturing output grows, Mexico is gradually increasing trade with Asian markets. The nation is also seeking to deepen cooperation with ASEAN and preparing for possible accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), signaling closer ties between both regions.

More Mexican consumers are looking east

Beyond industrial production, Mexican consumers are showing greater interest in APAC brands. Electronics is one of the fastest-growing categories, with Chinese smartphone brands like Xiaomi and Oppo gaining significant market share. Many Mexican consumers see these brands as offering strong performance at affordable prices.

The appeal doesn’t stop at electronics. Categories such as K-beauty, fashion, and lifestyle goods are also seeing growth. The K-beauty market in Mexico, for one, is expected to nearly double from USD 360.74 million in 2023 to USD 634.10 million by 2032. Social media trends, influencer content, and wider distribution across online and physical stores are fueling this rise.

With Mexico emerging as one of Latin America’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets, APAC businesses have a clearer path to reach new customers in the region through direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels. About 13% of retail sales in Mexico now come from e-commerce, the highest share in Latin America.

What’s more, cross-border e-commerce is already widespread in Mexico, with about 8 in 10 shoppers purchasing from international platforms. It is also projected to account for about one-fifth of total online sales by 2027. In particular, Chinese e-commerce marketplaces such as Shein, Temu, TikTok Shop and AliExpress have gained significant traction among Mexican consumers, reflecting the growing influence of Asian sellers in the market.

The rise of online shopping, combined with growing trust in cross-border purchases, is quickly making Mexico an attractive destination for D2C businesses in APAC. This creates more opportunities for APAC brands to test niche products and reach new consumers.

Connecting Asia to Mexico with reliable logistics and air freight solutions

Mexico’s potential is undeniable but fully unlocking it requires one essential enabler: reliable international logistics. Air networks between Asia and Mexico are critical for high-value or time-sensitive shipments, which depend on predictable transit times and frequent air freight options.

Asian manufacturers supplying machinery, automotive components, electronics, and renewable energy equipment stand to benefit as demand for these goods rises in Mexico’s industrial sectors.

Companies expanding into this trade corridor need a logistics provider that can handle customs clearance, maintain reliable delivery times, and provide shipment visibility. With our extensive global network and experience supporting cross-border trade, FedEx can help businesses ship confidently into new and fast-growing markets like Mexico.

FedEx offers a range of international air freight solutions to securely transport heavy shipments, especially for manufacturers moving high-value components. Our near-real-time tracking capabilities also enable businesses to better manage supply chains and respond quickly to customer needs.

Seize momentum in the Asia-Mexico trade lane

The Asia-Mexico trade corridor is maturing quickly, reshaping how goods move and where opportunities emerge. With more goods flowing in both directions, rising industrial demand, and a growing consumer base, Mexico is becoming a high-potential launchpad for APAC businesses looking to expand.

Supply chain shifts will continue, and companies that adapt early will be well-placed to grow. Reliable logistics will play a key role by giving businesses the speed and confidence to scale. As one of the world’s most dynamic trade corridors takes shape, FedEx provides the logistics solutions to help your business thrive. Learn more about our shipping capabilities here.