In the wake of a steep 50% U.S. tariff on imported steel, companies in Mexico are turning to American steel to remain competitive and expand exports to North America. This strategic shift is making nearshoring to Mexico even more attractive—especially in regions like Nuevo León, where industrial infrastructure and geographic proximity to the U.S. offer unmatched advantages.

Why U.S. Steel Is Key to Mexico’s Export Competitiveness

To avoid the 50% tariff, many firms are now sourcing steel of U.S. origin. Though it can be slightly more expensive than domestic steel, the tariff exemption with U.S. certificates of origin results in significant savings when exporting back to the U.S. market.

Steel-intensive products—like metal cages and frames—can see cost hikes of up to 50% if local steel is used and exported. Companies that switch to U.S. steel are maintaining price competitiveness and preserving long-term customer relationships.

Nearshoring in Nuevo León: A Strategic Industrial Hub

Nearshoring in Nuevo León continues to accelerate thanks to key regional advantages:

• Close proximity to the U.S. border
• Advanced energy and transportation infrastructure
• Skilled labor, especially newly graduated engineers
• Security and business-friendly governance
• Tax incentives and industrial support policies

According to Javier Zarazúa, President of the Council for Supply Chain Professionals (CSCMP) in Mexico, foreign direct investment in Nuevo León remains robust due to these combined factors.

Tax Incentives Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Nuevo León’s government is actively supporting foreign direct investment in Mexico through fiscal incentives like:

• Partial exemption from payroll taxes
• Relief on taxes for acquiring industrial land

These measures help reduce operational costs for incoming companies and reinforce Mexico's position as a leading nearshoring destination.

Logistics and Digitalization Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency

José Treviño Calderón, CIO of Dicka Logistics, highlights the role of logistics innovation in Nuevo León. Real-time tracking, digital monitoring, and public-private coordination have made the state a trusted location for international supply chain operations.

Clients now demand complete traceability and fast response mechanisms—capabilities that Nuevo León’s logistics sector increasingly offers.

A Second Wave of Nearshoring? All Eyes on U.S. Tariff Policy

Should the U.S. eventually remove tariffs on steel from Mexico while maintaining restrictions on Chinese imports, experts predict a new wave of nearshoring to Mexico.

Such a move would:

• Strengthen Mexico’s integration into U.S. supply chains
• Further increase industrial investment in northern Mexico
• Deepen trade ties under the USMCA framework

Conclusion: Nearshoring Strategy Bolstered by Smart Steel Sourcing

By leveraging U.S.-origin steel, companies in Mexico are not only avoiding steep tariffs but also positioning themselves for long-term export success. Nearshoring to Mexico, especially in industrial regions like Nuevo León, is reinforced by smart material sourcing, tax incentives, logistics readiness, and investor confidence.

As global trade policies evolve, Mexico’s industrial base continues to grow—powered by adaptability, strategic location, and a sharpened focus on foreign direct investment and supply chain resilience.