How to export to Mexico?
A foothold for North American expansion: Export strategy for the growing market of Mexico with a population of 130 million.
Market Overview
Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America, with a population of approximately 130 million and a GDP of about $1.3 trillion. It serves as a gateway to the North American market through the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), and there is active investment from Korean companies as a manufacturing hub.
Market Characteristics
💡 In simple terms: "The backdoor to North America, a manufacturing hub!" 📌 Key Features: • The second-largest economy in Latin America, a manufacturing powerhouse • Duty-free access to the U.S. and Canada through USMCA • Concentration of population and consumption in the Mexico City metropolitan area • Active entry of Korean companies (Samsung, LG, Hyundai, etc.) 🛒 Distribution Channels: • Supermarkets: Walmart Mexico, Soriana, Chedraui • Convenience Stores: OXXO (the largest in Mexico) • Department Stores: Liverpool, Palacio de Hierro • E-commerce: Mercado Libre, Amazon Mexico 📊 Consumer Characteristics: • High price sensitivity • Rapid influx of U.S. trends • Rising popularity of K-culture • Young population (average age 29)
Key Regulations
📋 Key Regulations for Exporting to Mexico: 【COFEPRIS (Health Regulatory Agency)】 • Food: Sanitary Registration (Registro Sanitario) • Cosmetics: Operating Notice (Aviso de Funcionamiento) • Pharmaceuticals/Medical Devices: COFEPRIS Approval 【NOM Standards】 • NOM Certification - Mandatory Standards in Mexico • Applicable to electrical products, electronic products, food, etc. • ANCE Certification (Electrical/Electronic) 【Labeling Requirements】 • Spanish labels are mandatory! • NOM-051 (Strengthened Food Labeling) • Health Warning Labels (High Sugar/High Salt/High Fat) 【Customs Requirements】 • Importer Padrón Registration is mandatory • Pedimento (Customs Declaration) ⚠️ Note: Mandatory food warning labels since 2020!
Business Culture
🤝 Mexican Business Culture: 【Characteristics】 • Relationship (Relación) centered business • Warm and friendly atmosphere • Emphasis on family and personal relationships • Flexible concept of time 【Meeting Etiquette】 • Handshake + light hug (Abrazo) greeting • Focus on relationship building in the first meeting • Preference for lunch meetings (2-3 hours) • Business attire and appearance are important 【Negotiation Style】 • Discuss business after building trust • Rushing can have a negative effect • Active price negotiations • Maintaining relationships is important alongside contracts 🗣️ Language: • Spanish is essential! (Limited English) • Interpreter or local partner recommended
Buyer Discovery Methods
🎯 Mexico Buyer Discovery Strategy: 【Utilizing KOTRA】 📞 KOTRA Mexico City Trade Office: +52-55-5514-3173 • Buyer discovery support • Export consultation meetings (multiple annually) • Network of companies entering Korea 【Exhibition Participation】 • Expo ANTAD (Retail): Guadalajara, March • Expo Pack (Packaging): Mexico City, June • Plastimagen (Plastics): November • Cosmoprof North America (Beauty): Held in the USA, numerous Mexican buyers 【Online Channels】 • Mercado Libre (largest in Latin America) presence • Amazon Mexico • Liverpool online mall 【Network】 • Korean Chamber of Commerce in Mexico • Network of companies entering Korea (Samsung, LG partners) • ProMéxico (Mexican Investment Promotion Agency) 💡 Strategy Tip: It is recommended to start with local subsidiary deliveries for Korean manufacturers!
Business Culture
Buyer Types
large retail chain
Walmart, Soriana, Liverpool, etc.
Industrial goods importer
Specialized Components/Materials for Manufacturing Suppliers
Korean companies' local subsidiaries
Suppliers for partners such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai
Logistics Information
Lead Time
Maritime (Pacific) 18-22 days, Air 2-3 days
Est. Shipping Cost
Sea $2,500-4,000/20ft, Air $4-7/kg
Payment Method
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can we export to the United States through Mexico?
A. By meeting the USMCA origin regulations, you can export duty-free to the U.S. and Canada after processing in Mexico. However, it is essential to meet the origin criteria (such as regional value content), so a preliminary review is necessary.
Q. Is the Mexico NOM certification mandatory?
A. Items subject to NOM mandatory certification, such as electrical/electronic devices, gas appliances, and certain food products, cannot be cleared through customs without certification. Please verify if your item falls under the subject category and obtain certification through accredited organizations like ANCE.
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