According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexico’s exports to the US totalled 264 billion USD in the first six months of 2025, up 6% year-on-year and the highest figure since records began in 1993. With this result, Mexico remains the largest exporter to the US market, well ahead of Canada (198 billion USD) and China (167 billion USD).
On the other side of the trade ledger, figures from the US Census Bureau show that between January and June 2025, Mexico retained its position as America’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 432 billion USD — accounting for 15.2% of total US trade. Canada followed with 370 billion USD (13%), and China with 223.5 billion USD (7.9%).
Economists have praised Mexico’s record exports to the US, noting that achieving such figures is no easy feat given the Trump administration’s persistent escalation of trade barriers against countries worldwide, including Mexico. Nearly 51% of Mexican exports are currently subject to tariffs ranging from 25% to 50%, applied to strategic goods such as automobiles, steel, aluminium, copper, and agricultural products.
Analysts have pointed to several key factors behind Mexico’s exceptional export performance.
First, it reflects the agility and adaptability of domestic businesses, as well as the solid tariff framework provided by the US–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which has helped sustain a steady flow of trade.
Second, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has been proactive, determined yet tactful in defending national interests. Through high-level talks, including a phone call between the US and Mexican leaders, Washington agreed to delay tariff implementation against Mexico City by 90 days and pledged to adjust certain trade barriers to avoid a deeper trade conflict.
Mexico’s flexible policy management and the adaptability of its domestic enterprises have been highly regarded by political and economic experts in the country. They note that, while many nations have had to sharply reduce export volumes or redirect their markets, Mexico has held firm in its exports to the US, the world’s largest consumer market. This resilience not only reflects the competitiveness of Mexican goods but also demonstrates the broader economy’s capacity to adjust to external political and trade upheavals.
Nevertheless, experts caution that it is too soon to assume Mexico can sustain such high export levels to the US in the long term, making it essential to actively tap into other promising markets.
On August 5, President Sheinbaum met with Canadian officials who are visiting in Mexico City, including Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. She said the talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties in the economy, security, and trade diversification, with emphasis on building resilient supply chains, developing inter-port trade routes, advancing the digital economy, and ensuring energy security. Analysts view this partnership between two North American nations facing the risk of high US tariffs as particularly significant at this sensitive juncture.
The US, Canada, and Mexico are scheduled to review the USMCA at the end of 2025, amid repeated statements by President Donald Trump expressing lukewarm support for the trilateral trade pact. Should the US withdraw from the agreement, Mexico would face considerable losses. For that reason, diversifying markets, increasing the value of supply chains, and strengthening domestic capacity remain strategic priorities to sustain growth and safeguard the export position of the world’s tenth most populous nation.
