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The Daily Insight

Why do US companies manufacture in Mexico?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published May 21, 2026

U.S. companies in Mexico enjoy a range of advantages, including reduced cost of production, convenient geographical location, and government incentives such as the maquiladora (IMMEX) program.

What US companies manufacture in Mexico?

Successful U.S. Companies in Mexico: How They Got There

  • Ford. The automotive industry has had a significant presence throughout maquiladoras in Mexico, exemplified by Ford’s gradual migration of production south of the U.S. – Mexico border.
  • Volkswagen.
  • Sabritas.
  • Nestle.

Why would a company want to have a maquiladora?

Maquiladoras receive raw materials from companies in the U.S. to assemble and export back as finished manufactured goods. Simply put, maquiladoras benefit Mexico because they incentivize external investment by encouraging foreign investors and businesses—especially United States ones—to set up plants in Mexico.

Why have so many US factories moved to Mexico?

More affordable labor costs, a highly educated workforce, and Mexico’s proximity to the United States are only three of the main reasons why many multinational companies choose to move their manufacturing operations to Mexico.

Is it really cheaper to manufacture in China?

One of the most well-known advantages of manufacturing in China is that it’s cheaper than making goods in many other countries. Lower Chinese manufacturing costs translate into better margins and lower prices for the end user. Your brand’s gross profit can increase with the lower cost of production.

What was the impact of NAFTA on Mexican farmers?

NAFTA was passed during a time of recession in Mexico, which contributed to the minimal effect of the Act. Additionally, liberalization of trade as a result of the Act contributed to the loss of “nearly two million” agricultural jobs as a result of competition from the highly subsidized U.S. agricultural industry.

How does the Mexican economy work?

Mexico has a strong economy with a gross domestic product that ranks 15th globally, thanks largely to its manufacturing and petroleum exports. Its economic power translates poorly to the country’s populace, almost half of which live in poverty.

Is Mexico an emerging economy?

Mexico meets all the criteria of an emerging market economy. The country’s gross domestic product, or GDP, per capita beats most of its peers in the developing world but falls short of the threshold required for classification as a developed country.