Mexico’s Aerospace Industry Gains Altitude with 2024 Census

Nearshoring

In a significant move, the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (Femia) announced the initiation of a comprehensive census in early 2024 to assess the expanding landscape of the country’s aerospace sector. Over the past two decades, Mexico has witnessed a remarkable surge in the presence of national firms within the aerospace industry, evolving from non-existence to constituting around 30% of the total industry by 2019.

Luis Lizcano, Femia’s Executive Director, attributes this growth to increased interest from major aircraft manufacturers in collaborating with Mexican companies. Emphasizing the positive impact, Lizcano stated, “We have seen this growth of Mexican companies because large aircraft manufacturers are looking for them more. This is good news for everyone.”

The upcoming census aims to update industry data, building on the 2019 survey that identified 370 companies in the aerospace sector, with 30% being of Mexican origin. Femia anticipates a notable increase in this figure, reflecting the sector’s ongoing expansion.

While the aerospace industry primarily focuses on producing and selling aircraft parts, with a significant market presence in the United States and Europe, Femia acknowledges the key states contributing to this growth: Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo León, and Querétaro.

Despite facing challenges, such as the 31.8% decline in exports to approximately US$6.6 billion during the pandemic-hit 2020, the Mexican aerospace industry remains resilient. Femia remains optimistic about the future, recognizing the importance of continued efforts to boost the number of national companies and fortify Mexico’s position in the global aerospace arena.

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Mexico’s Automotive Industry Accelerates into 2024

Nearshoring

As we approach the end of 2023, Mexico’s automotive industry is steering towards a remarkable comeback, showcasing substantial growth in both domestic production and international exports. Overcoming the challenges of a recent crisis, the sector is set to conclude the year on a positive note, with promising statistics reflecting a significant upswing.

Positive Momentum in November:

According to recent figures released by the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA), November 2023 witnessed a robust performance in auto assembly and exports. The assembly of light vehicles in Mexico surged by an impressive 18.1%, with a total of 329,415 units produced, compared to the same month in the previous year.

Domestic car sales also fueled the industry’s success story, demonstrating a remarkable 31.9% increase in November. A total of 128,961 new cars were sold within Mexico, underscoring the resurgence of consumer confidence and demand in the automotive market.

Industry-wide Growth:

The upward trajectory in the automotive sector is not confined to specific players; rather, it’s a trend embraced by nearly all automotive companies operating in Mexico. While the majority experienced growth, a few witnessed contractions in their production during November. Notable among these were Toyota (-52.7%), Mercedes Benz (-12.7%), General Motors (-2.6%), and Audi (-1.8%).

Despite production setbacks, key players like US General Motors and Japanese automaker Toyota maintained solid growth in sales within Mexico, reinforcing the industry’s resilience and adaptability.

Export Dynamics:

In the realm of exports, the Mexican automotive industry continued to make strides on the global stage. However, a handful of companies experienced declines in car exports during November. Audi (-14.7%), KIA (-6.0%), Toyota (-5.0%), and Mercedes Benz (-3.1%) faced export challenges. Nevertheless, the overall export performance remained robust, reflecting the industry’s capacity to navigate complexities.

Optimistic Outlook for 2023:

As the automotive sector accelerates into the final month of the year, industry experts project that 2023 will culminate with the most promising results recorded in at least four years. Expectations are high for strong performances in production, foreign shipments, and domestic sales, marking a pivotal turnaround from the challenges faced in recent times.

The growth witnessed in Mexico’s automotive industry throughout 2023 is a testament to the sector’s resilience, adaptability, and determination to overcome adversity. As we eagerly await the conclusive results for December, the positive momentum experienced in November suggests that Mexico’s automotive industry is not just bouncing back – it’s accelerating toward a prosperous future.

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