The North American automotive sector has long been recognized as one of the most integrated and efficient production ecosystems in the world. Mexico plays a central role in this structure, supporting the manufacturing and movement of millions of vehicles and auto parts that keep the region’s economy moving.
But 2025 reminded us that even the most solid industries can be shaken by external forces. This year, uncertainty surrounding potential US import tariffs created a ripple effect across the automotive supply chain. Many OEMs slowed or paused their orders as they waited to understand what these policies would mean for their operations. That hesitation quickly translated into lower production levels in Mexico and, naturally, a direct impact on logistics and transportation companies like Mexlog.
For us, the effect was clear: we saw up to a 23% reduction in operational volume — one of the most significant contractions we’ve faced in recent years. And while that kind of drop is never easy, it pushed us to rethink, reinvent, and strengthen several aspects of our operations. Thanks to the resilience of our team and the strategies we put in place, we were able to close the year with positive numbers despite the turbulence.
Even without being fully implemented, the mere possibility of new tariffs had immediate consequences. A proposed 25% tariff on vehicles and auto parts coming from Mexico, as has been discussed, would raise costs across the board. Some estimates show that the price of a vehicle in the United States could increase by as much as US$6,000 under such conditions.
This kind of environment affects the entire chain:
- Manufacturers must adjust production schedules.
- Export volumes fluctuate.
- Logistics and transportation face tighter margins, unpredictable flows, and shifting priorities.
For companies like Mexlog, the challenge is staying consistent and reliable even when the external landscape becomes anything but.
Something important often gets overlooked: the automotive industry in North America does not operate as three separate countries — it works as one. A single vehicle can cross the border multiple times before reaching its final destination. Components assembled in Mexico feed plants in the United States, and vice versa.
From our daily perspective of moving units across North America, from dealerships, to ports and final customers, such as large fleets, we see these dynamics play out in real time. Even a small regulatory change can impact delivery times, inventory flow, and overall operational efficiency. For many years, companies have relocated operations and production to the Mexican market not only because of its proximity to the largest consumer in the world, the United States, but also due to its strong quality practices. This shift has been referred to as “the Mexico moment,” and despite the complications brought by recent tariff discussions, automotive companies remain committed to their holistic manufacturing investments in North America as one seamless region.
At Mexlog, we know we can’t control global trade decisions, but we can control how we respond to them. That’s why, over the last year, we doubled down on:
- Technology and real-time visibility to improve planning and reduce uncertainty.
- Automation and AI to offset rising costs and maintain operational efficiency.
- A flexible infrastructure that allows us to manage fluctuations in volume and border dynamics.
These investments did not just help us weather the challenges of 2025, they reinforced our long-term competitiveness.
While tariffs will likely remain a political tool, one thing is clear: the automotive industry in Mexico is resilient and essential to North America’s competitiveness. The region’s future strength will depend on collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to innovate.
Mexico now has a unique opportunity to position itself even more firmly as the automotive hub of the continent. If we continue investing in technology, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships, we won’t just navigate moments of uncertainty, we’ll come out stronger.
At Mexlog, we remain committed to leading with agility, vision, and a deep understanding of the industry we’ve served for more than three decades. The road ahead will bring challenges, but we’re ready to drive forward.