Wed Sep 03 08:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Mazda Reconsiders Mexico Export Strategy Amid USMCA Challenges**
**Salamanca, Mexico –** Mazda is re-evaluating its export strategy from its plant in Salamanca, Mexico, due to evolving trade conditions and stringent regional content requirements under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The changes are impacting the competitiveness of vehicles exported to the United States.
Miguel Barbeyto, President of Mazda Mexico, confirmed a decline in both production and exports, citing the company’s heavy reliance on the U.S. market, which has become less viable due to a 25% tariff on vehicles imported from Mexico.
“We are definitely seeing a drop in production and exports because our main customer is the United States,” Barbeyto told Expansión. According to INEGI, Mazda’s exports plummeted by 28.5% in the first half of 2025, falling from 86,922 to 62,165 units. Production also decreased by 7.6%, from 119,539 to 110,432 units.
The USMCA rules requiring 75% of vehicle content to be sourced regionally, as well as strict origin requirements for key components, are putting pressure on Mazda. Japan and the European Union, which face lower tariffs and are not subject to USMCA restrictions, have a competitive advantage.
In response, Mazda is exploring alternative markets in Latin America, including Argentina and Brazil. However, logistical challenges, such as a lack of rail infrastructure and Brazil’s use of ethanol-powered engines, complicate this shift.
Mazda is not alone in experiencing export declines. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Stellantis, and BMW Group have also seen significant drops in exports from Mexico during the same period. Overall, automotive exports from Mexico fell by 1.38%, with the majority of vehicles still destined for the United States.
Rogelio Garza, President of AMIA, emphasized the importance of Mexico’s trade relationships in maintaining competitiveness. He added that discussions between the Mexican and US governments are underway, and warns that the “worst-case scenario would be a tariff above 15%. That would directly impact the domestic industry.”
The situation raises concerns for Mexico’s automotive ecosystem, as many local suppliers depend on export-bound vehicles, especially those produced by Japanese manufacturers like Mazda, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Any major shift in investment or export flows could have widespread implications for the supply chain.
Mazda aims to maintain profitability by diversifying into Latin America. However, this transition is expected to be slower and less lucrative than current US market numbers.
First Piper 