New tariffs in the automotive industry:

The new logistics challenge that redefines supply chains

The recent imposition of 25% tariffs on imported cars and auto parts in the U.S. under the Trump administration has set off alarm bells in the global automotive industry. Beyond the immediate impact on prices and sales, there is a key aspect we cannot ignore: international logistics.

Direct effect on supply chains

Automakers have operated for decades with highly interconnected global supply chains. A part produced in Mexico, assembled in Canada, and shipped to the U.S. could travel thousands of miles before reaching the final consumer. With the new tariffs:

• Transportation and customs costs are rising.

• The search for local suppliers is being accelerated to reduce risks.

• Cross-border flows under the USMCA become a strategic negotiation factor.

Logistics as a competitive advantage

In this new scenario, logistics is not a support area, but the factor that can make the difference between losing or gaining market share:

• Route optimization: designing more efficient corridors to reduce time and costs.

• Nearshoring: attracting more production to Mexico to take advantage of its proximity and the trade agreement.

• Technology applied to supply chain visibility: using digital traceability to anticipate disruptions and adjust in real time.

Opportunity for Mexico

Although tariffs represent a challenge, they also open an opportunity for Mexico as a strategic manufacturing and logistics hub. If automakers seek to minimize costs compared to the U.S., our country becomes a natural ally for assembly and export, provided we strengthen:

• Border infrastructure.

• More agile customs processes.

• Intermodal transportation capabilities.

In conclusion, tariffs are not just a trade measure: they are a catalyst for transformation in automotive logistics. Companies that know how to adapt quickly with innovative logistics solutions will be the ones to lead in this new scenario.