MEXICO-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of MEXICO exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting MEXICO imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | MEXICO | | Country Code | MX | | Total US Imports | $761.25 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 9+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 0% (USMCA) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 9+ different products from MEXICO in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Auto parts/accessories (HS 8708)

Import Value: $223.68 billion (29.4% of total)
HS Code: 8708
Tariff Rate: View HS 8708 MX tariff

Auto parts/accessories is a major export from MEXICO, representing 29.4% of bilateral trade.

2. Motor vehicles for transport of goods (HS 8704)

Import Value: $211.12 billion (27.7% of total)
HS Code: 8704
Tariff Rate: View HS 8704 MX tariff

Motor vehicles for transport of goods is a major export from MEXICO, representing 27.7% of bilateral trade.

3. Medical instruments (HS 9018)

Import Value: $148.54 billion (19.5% of total)
HS Code: 9018
Tariff Rate: View HS 9018 MX tariff

Medical instruments is a major export from MEXICO, representing 19.5% of bilateral trade.

4. Electrical wiring harnesses (HS 8544)

Import Value: $99.76 billion (13.1% of total)
HS Code: 8544
Tariff Rate: View HS 8544 MX tariff

Electrical wiring harnesses is a major export from MEXICO, representing 13.1% of bilateral trade.

5. Refrigerators/freezers (HS 8418)

Import Value: $40.15 billion (5.3% of total)
HS Code: 8418
Tariff Rate: View HS 8418 MX tariff

Refrigerators/freezers is a major export from MEXICO, representing 5.3% of bilateral trade.

6. Parts of engines (HS 8409)

Import Value: $24.73 billion (3.2% of total)
HS Code: 8409
Tariff Rate: View HS 8409 MX tariff

Parts of engines is a major export from MEXICO, representing 3.2% of bilateral trade.

7. Ignition/starting equipment (HS 8511)

Import Value: $9.71 billion (1.3% of total)
HS Code: 8511
Tariff Rate: View HS 8511 MX tariff

Ignition/starting equipment is a major export from MEXICO, representing 1.3% of bilateral trade.

8. Hot-rolled steel coil (HS 7208)

Import Value: $2.11 billion (0.3% of total)
HS Code: 7208
Tariff Rate: View HS 7208 MX tariff

Hot-rolled steel coil is a major export from MEXICO, representing 0.3% of bilateral trade.

9. Vehicle bodies (HS 8707)

Import Value: $1.44 billion (0.2% of total)
HS Code: 8707
Tariff Rate: View HS 8707 MX tariff

Vehicle bodies is a major export from MEXICO, representing 0.2% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Auto parts/accessories | 8708 | $223.68B | 29.4% | | 2 | Motor vehicles for transport of goods | 8704 | $211.12B | 27.7% | | 3 | Medical instruments | 9018 | $148.54B | 19.5% | | 4 | Electrical wiring harnesses | 8544 | $99.76B | 13.1% | | 5 | Refrigerators/freezers | 8418 | $40.15B | 5.3% | | 6 | Parts of engines | 8409 | $24.73B | 3.2% | | 7 | Ignition/starting equipment | 8511 | $9.71B | 1.3% | | 8 | Hot-rolled steel coil | 7208 | $2.11B | 0.3% | | 9 | Vehicle bodies | 8707 | $1.44B | 0.2% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

USMCA Benefits: As a USMCA member, MEXICO enjoys duty-free access for qualifying goods:

Tariff Rate: 0% for USMCA-compliant products
Requirements: Certificate of Origin, rules of origin compliance
Coverage: Most manufactured goods, agricultural products
Total Savings: Billions in avoided tariffs vs. MFN rates

Key Advantages:

Zero tariffs on qualifying goods
Regional value content rules encourage North American supply chains
Streamlined customs procedures

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific MEXICO products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

MEXICO goods typically ship to the US via:

Land Border Crossings:

Laredo, TX (largest)
El Paso, TX
San Diego, CA
Nogales, AZ

Ocean Routes:

Mexico ports to US Gulf Coast (Houston, etc.)
West Coast connections (Manzanillo to LA/Long Beach)

Advantages:

Short transit times (1-3 days land, 3-7 days ocean)
Lower freight costs vs. Asia
Just-in-time delivery capability

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 3-7 days | Port-to-port | | Land Border | 1-3 days | Cross-border trucking | | Door-to-Door | 5-10 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

Low risk (USMCA protection)
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Regional supply chain bottlenecks
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge MEXICO tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from MEXICO
Current Tariff: 0%
Hedge: Buy "MX-US Tariff > 25%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on MEXICO:

Blend MEXICO with other USMCA countries and Asia
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Maximize 0% USMCA tariffs:

Ensure Certificate of Origin compliance
Meet regional value content requirements
Work with qualified customs brokers

Related Resources

MEXICO Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
USMCA Qualification - 0% tariff requirements
Container Shipping Routes - MEXICO-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04