Business

El Bajío contributes significantly to the economy of Mexico.  Although El Bajío’s largest industry is agriculture, a number of other important industries operate within the region.  From farming strawberries to refining oil, to raising livestock, el Bajío has a strong interest in generating more business.  A variety of U.S. firms already operating in the region can supply much of what is needed to generate economic growth and, in turn, increase the well being of the region.

Bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States is very strong.  In 2006, bilateral trade in goods and services was over $343 billion, which translates to over $39 million in business per hour.  Although the trade ties between the U.S. and Mexico have always been considerable, the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 significantly impacted trade levels.  In fact, the level of trade has nearly quadrupled from the pre-NAFTA average of $88 billion annually.

A typical business owner from El Bajío that is seeking U.S. suppliers should contact the U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Service for assistance.  Last year over half of Mexican imports came from the United States.  The tendency of Mexicans to buy products from its northern neighbor comes from a longstanding reputation of reliability, good service, competitive pricing and a duty-free trade environment.  Mexico’s exports to the U.S. are also strong.  In 2006, U.S. buyers consumed 85% of all that Mexico exported.

Additionally, business owners operating in el Bajío that are seeking investors in order to grow their business can often locate needed investment in the United States.  In fact, el Bajío has already drawn attention from U.S. firms, such as Campbell Soup Company and Cargill, which have devoted foreign direct investment in the region in order to gain Mexican market share and export to the Latin American region.  Queretaro has focused on high-technology investment in the aerospace sector, which has also attracted attention from U.S. and foreign investors and suppliers.  We encourage you to visit the U.S. Commercial Service website for additional information and resources.

In order to finance export purchases and induce private investment there are a number of resources available from both the United States and Mexican governments.  The U.S. government has three main agencies that work in hand with Mexico for these specific purposes: U.S. Trade and Development Agency; Export-Import Bank; and Overseas Private Investment Corporation.  As well, Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development currently has fifteen programs, many of which could prove quite useful for businesses in el Bajío.  Please visit these websites for information on eligibility and program specifics.

The U.S. Embassy’s Commercial Service in Mexico City helps el Bajío firms find U.S. suppliers and identify new American technologies.  With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce can assist el Bajío firms to develop joint projects with American companies.

The U.S. Commercial Service has offices in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana.  For assistance in locating a U.S. provider of a particular product or service please register online or call Alejandra Calderon, Director, American Business Information Center at (52-55) 5140-2651.