Global supply chain disruptions and the ensuing rise in uncertainty have rendered it imperative for each country to reassess its foreign policies. Amidst these shifts in the international landscape, Mexico has recently garnered considerable attention as an ideal candidate for nearshoring to penetrate the North American region. Mexico emerges as a compelling nexus, offering a strategic gateway for North America, Central America, and South America expansion, alongside its abundance in core minerals crucial for rechargeable battery manufacturing.

South Korea, confronted with national imperatives such as ensuring a stable supply chain for critical minerals, diversifying exports, expanding market reach, and adapting to supply chain restructuring, must recognize the strategic importance of Mexico. The primary objective of this study is to delve into Mexico’s strategic significance and explore avenues for collaboration. Specifically, this study conducts a comprehensive analysis of Mexico’s diverse trade and policy initiatives, categorizing them into sectors such as supply chain restructuring, digital transition, renewable energy, and health and medical. Subsequently, we aim to outline directions for collaboration within each sector.

Mexico, forming a pivotal axis within the North American economy alongside the United States and Canada, is not immune to the recent U.S.-led supply chain reorganization. It is believed that Mexico aims to leverage this supply chain restructuring for its own benefit. Seizing the opportune moment, as it garners attention as an optimal candidate for nearshoring, Mexico seems poised to integrate into a new supply chain or global value chain while fortifying its existing global value chain. Consequently, the analysis and forecast of Mexico’s supply chain policies are crucial for identifying fresh opportunities for collaboration.

As Mexico experienced growth in exports across various industries, its engagement in global value chains also strengthened. This was propelled by a rise in the percentage of foreign value-added, attributed to the expansion of imports of intermediate goods from abroad. The heightened backward linkages in Mexico, coupled with its substantial exports to the United States, underscore the country’s significance as a hub in the Americas and a strategic gateway for entering North America.

Another noteworthy aspect in the context of the global value chain is that Mexico’s share of value-added in its exports to the United States is lower compared to its trade with other countries. This presents a concerning scenario for Mexico, indicating a potential inclination to undertake various political and policy initiatives aimed at augmenting the value-added of its exports to the United States in the future. Indeed, Mexico revised its mining law in April 2022, and in February 2023, a bill was passed, transferring the responsibility for buried lithium to the Ministry of Energy and designating a portion of Mexico’s Sonora region as a lithium mining protection area. This move is intended to further enhance domestic value-added and strengthen Mexico’s forward linkage in the global value chain by minimizing foreign capital participation and reinforcing state control in the mining sector, where the country’s value-added and global demand are substantial.

In contrast, in technology-intensive industries characterized by low value-added, Mexico is adopting a strategy to integrate into the new global value chain by increasing foreign value-added. The tax benefit legislation, announced by the Mexican government in October 2023 to promote nearshoring, can be interpreted as a measure encouraged against this backdrop.

Meanwhile, with the global spread of digital transformation, Latin American countries, including Mexico, are actively embracing digital technology and intensifying efforts to transition towards a digital society. The impact of digital transformation is evident in significant changes across major countries in Latin America, with governments expanding their initiatives to develop digital infrastructure and e-government. As society undergoes rapid transformation due to digital advancements, and new collaborative needs arise, it becomes essential to assess Mexico’s digital transformation policy, trade, and commerce issues, and explore opportunities for cooperation.

Mexico’s digital environment is exhibiting ongoing improvement, as reflected in digital access and usage indicators. Notably, Mexico’s Mode 1 imports (cross-border supply) are experiencing a notable uptrend, particularly in distribution services, transportation services, and insurance and financial services.

As part of its digital transformation phase, Mexico is implementing various policies to establish norms and address unfair practices in the digital sector. Simultaneously, the country is formulating the National Digital Strategy 2021-2024 to outline the government’s overarching digital policy direction. A central focus of this strategy is universal Internet accessibility, affirming the Mexican government’s commitment to prioritizing the resolution of the digital gap problem.

Examining the digital-related provisions of Mexico’s recent trade agreement, it is evident that Mexico intends to refrain from permanently imposing tariffs on electronic transmissions. The country is concurrently introducing a legal framework and measures designed to protect consumers. Furthermore, in agreements such as the Mexico-Panama FTA, CPTPP, and USMCA, Mexico is incorporating highly binding provisions that ensure the free movement of data, including personal information, through electronic means for the purpose of conducting business among the agreement parties.

Notably, Mexico’s digital trade policy aligns with U.S.-led liberal digital norms. This strategic direction is anticipated to play a pivotal role in establishing a foundation for the expansion of trade and investment in digital products and services within Mexico.

Turning our attention to renewable energy, Mexico boasts strengths in renewable energy production, owing to its geographical and climatic characteristics. Consequently, with the growing global demand for renewable energy, investment opportunities in Mexico’s renewable energy generation of electricity are expected to expand, leading to an increased demand for technological cooperation in this field. It is opportune to proactively examine Mexico’s major policies related to renewable energy at this juncture and forecast its future direction. Such insights are valuable as crucial data in exploring ways for cooperation between Korea and Mexico.

Mexico’s electricity production is predominantly fossil fuel-based. In contrast to the previous administration, the AMLO government is pursuing a policy that prioritizes fossil energy development over renewable energy, resulting in the suppression of the latter. This seemingly restrained stance on renewable energy is believed to be geared towards securing energy independence and security by reverting to the pre-2020 energy reform system. This involves diminishing the influence of foreign companies while bolstering the market power of state-run entities. Nevertheless, considering that Mexico’s domestic laws and civil society actively support greenhouse gas reduction and climate change initiatives, it is essential to comprehend changes in Mexico’s energy policy under the assumption that Mexico will engage in climate change responses in the mid to long term.

The health and medical sector in Mexico has become a focal point for cooperation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the country faced challenges in securing essential medical supplies such as masks and vaccines. Due to its robust manufacturing base and proximity to the United States, notable shifts are evident in the health and medical devices and services sector post-COVID-19. With an increasing number of companies, domestic production of Mexican medical devices is on the rise. Measures are being introduced to facilitate market access and alleviate regulatory burdens. If this trend persists, Mexico’s exports in the health and medical sectors are expected to grow, necessitating exploration of opportunities for cooperation with Mexico to diversify Korea’s exports.

In this context, the AMLO government revised the Federal Procurement Act on Medicines and Medical Supplies to streamline the international procurement of medical devices, medical services, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, efforts are underway to resume treatment for diseases unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic. As interest in digitalization has surged in both the public and private health and medical service sectors due to the pandemic, technology adoption has proliferated in the medical industry. A policy to promote this technological integration was actively pursued.

Given the challenges that Mexico is currently confronting and its recent policies in the four areas mentioned above, what cooperation can we explore with Mexico?

In the ongoing initiative to attract foreign investment, as promoted by Mexico in the fields related to semiconductors, batteries, and electric vehicles, Korea must establish itself as a key participant in the value chain centered on North America through robust trade with Mexico. Simultaneously, efforts should be directed towards expanding market share in North America. To achieve this, various avenues, such as the negotiation of a Korea-Mexico FTA or becoming an associate member of the Pacific Alliance, should be explored. Given the increased activity of Chinese manufacturing companies in Mexico amid the recent US-China competition, a different landscape is emerging compared to before. Consequently, there is a potential risk that Korea’s position in the global value chain centered on North America might weaken in the future.

With the anticipation of increased nearshoring in the future, it is crucial to focus on cooperation in infrastructure and transportation-related services in Mexico. The growth in industrial complexes, driven by the influx of multinational companies into the manufacturing sector, will naturally elevate the demand for infrastructure construction. Moreover, given Mexico’s strategic approach to participating in new supply chains in technologyintensive industries such as semiconductors and batteries, ensuring stable and efficient transportation becomes paramount. Continuous attention must be devoted to the transportation service sector.

In the face of global uncertainties, including supply chain disruptions, Mexico may be inclined to decrease its excessive reliance on the North American economy in the long term. Consequently, anticipating potential policy initiatives by Mexico to diversify exports, currently concentrated in the United States and Canada, towards Central and South American countries becomes crucial. It is imperative to be mindful of preparing cooperative measures that recognize Mexico as a strategic gateway for entering Central and South America.

With regard to collaboration in the digital transformation, the Korean government, local authorities, education-related organizations, and private companies might consider actively suggesting partnerships with Mexico’s relevant organizations in digital education. It is anticipated that in the future, a substantial portion of the population in Mexico, who previously lacked access to the digital environment, will swiftly become part of the digitally engaged population. However, the Mexican government has not implemented significant policies focused on enhancing digital literacy for those vulnerable to internet access issues.

Moreover, the hastening pace of digital transformation is amplifying the need for and underscoring the significance of cybersecurity. In this context, a collaborative project can be envisioned, wherein different agencies of our government offer guidance based on their diverse experiences in formulating Mexico’s cybersecurity policy and establishing a cyber attack response system. The escalating demand for cybersecurity is not only rapid but, given the transnational and interconnected nature of cyberspace, elevating the cybersecurity standards of partner countries can also enhance our own cybersecurity.

While the AMLO government exhibits a reserved stance toward renewable energy, the demand for distributed power generation using renewable sources is substantial, given Mexico’s inadequate transmission and distribution infrastructure. In line with the PRODESEN 2023-2037 energy development plan, the Mexican government intends to expand distributed power generation. Consequently, there is an opportunity to explore participation in the construction of distributed electricity generation facilities under 500kW, which are subject to fewer government regulations. Besides meeting the demand for distributed power generation, it is crucial to consider this option from a short-term perspective as it does not necessitate approval from the Energy Supervisory Commission.

In Mexico’s pharmaceutical production and consumption market, the competition between global pharmaceutical companies and local firms is intense, posing challenges for Korean companies entering the market as new entrants. Therefore, establishing strategic partnerships with local pharmaceutical companies and distributors is crucial, and one viable option is to engage in license-based drug exports. Moreover, considering the specificities of Mexico’s drug registration and procurement environment, if a product is equivalent to patented offerings and demonstrates price competitiveness, it has the potential to gain acceptance in the market. Pharmaceutical companies can facilitate product uptake through various cooperation channels such as academic conferences and exhibitions. It is essential to enhance market awareness by consistently disseminating information.

As a result of Mexico’s policy to broaden access to universal health and medical services, the demand for medical supplies in hospitals and clinics, diagnostic equipment including imaging devices, and general home health care devices is on the rise. Notably, the policy targets the provision of services to underprivileged individuals residing in small cities, rural areas, and remote regions, with the potential for increased utilization of remote medical services, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Considering the capabilities of Korean companies in the health and medical fields, the case of India’s collaboration with Mexico holds significance. The Indian government and pharmaceutical companies actively initiated a collaborative system with Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic when Mexico sought alternatives to expensive branded drugs and raw materials traditionally provided by pharmaceutical companies in developed countries. Through strategic partnerships, India successfully entered the market by proactively establishing a cooperation system aligned with the health and medical environment and demands. This included actively promoting technology transfer for local manufacturing of vaccines and medicines. Therefore, by supporting companies’ advancement through the establishment of a cooperative network between policy agencies and regulatory authorities, there is a need to reexamine and revitalize the representative cooperation channels established in the past by both of Korea and Mexico.