Toyota México’s senior director of external affairs and trade compliance, Lizette Gracida says, “Mexico’s nearshoring is a historic opportunity with strategic challenges”

Lizette Gracida, senior director of external affairs and trade compliance at Toyota México, highlighted nearshoring’s transformative potential during her recent Red Sofa interview. While acknowledging Mexico’s historic role as a nearshoring hub, she stressed the need for comprehensive strategies to fully capitalise on its opportunities.

“Nearshoring is a historic opportunity for Mexico,” Gracida remarked, noting that geopolitical shifts and the USMCA agreement have accelerated regional integration. However, she expressed concern that new investments primarily come from established companies, while smaller tier two and tier thee suppliers face significant barriers.

Gracida emphasised the necessity of improving Mexico’s ranking on the Savills Nearshoring Index, currently at 15th place. Key obstacles include limited logistics infrastructure, clean energy availability and complex trade facilitation processes. She advocated for a national master plan to address these areas, improve competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment.

Reflecting on Toyota’s $1.4 billion investment in hybrid vehicle production, Gracida underscored the importance of sustainable policies to support smaller suppliers, streamline compliance and enhance regional integration. She concluded optimistically, saying, “We are committed to collaborating with the government to ensure Mexico can seize this opportunity.”

With strategic planning and public-private collaboration, Mexico can overcome challenges and secure its position as a global nearshoring leader.