Industrial-Chinatown on the US south is preparing for Trump-Zölle
Industrial-Chinatown on the US south is preparing for Trump-Zölle
Monterrey in Mexico is a city in which industrial developments and Chinese investments receive a new face. A huge industrial park extends over the rural landscape, with rows of warehouse -sized manufacturing units. Logos and signs in red and gold - lucky colors in the Chinese tradition - illuminate the otherwise gray facades. The delicious smell of Pekingente penetrates from a canteen on site.
a new industrial hub
However, this development is not found in Beijing or Shanghai, but only a few hours from the Texas border, in northern Mexico. With street signs in both Chinese and Spanish and the flag of the People's Republic of China, which blows high next to the Mexican flag, this is one of many "industrial chinatowns" that have been created in recent years around Monterrey. This transformation from arable land to factories revives both the local and the national economy.proximity to the US market strategy
A large part of this growth is the phenomenon of the " Nearhoring " attribute-Chinese companies that move their production to Mexico to get a tariff-free access to the US market under the USMCA trade agreement. President Donald Trump had negotiated this agreement with Mexico and Canada during his first term, but now threatens with Mexican goods and the creation of an "external income service" to collect fees.
The challenges of companies
Matt Harrison, President of Kuka Home North America, a furniture manufacturer based in Monterrey, fears that the future could be bleak. "Simply put, an inch of 25 % on Mexican goods brings me out of business," said Harrison. He and the Mexican company partners are now planning their options if the trading restrictions actually occur. However, César Santos, an entrepreneur who greeted Chinese investments in his country, sees the future optimistic. "Even with an inch of 25 % in Mexican goods, many companies believe that it is still the better option than to leave production in China," he said to CNN.
a new era of economic growth
Santos opened up its 1,500 Acres Land 2013, initially with Chinese partners who wanted to build factories closer to their US customers. The increase in Chinese investments in Mexico, which rose from just $ 5.5 million to $ 570 million in 2022 in 2013, further fueled this dynamic. "When they raised tariffs in China, these companies came to us," said Santos. This trend continues, while new factories are stamped out of the ground and products from electronics to furniture to car parts are exported to the USA.
The cultural combination
In the factories of the Hofusan industry park, which already offer 40 Chinese companies, Mexican and Chinese work cultures come together. The labor mix is almost exclusively Mexican, with a share of around 95 % local workers. The Kuka Home Work, which is closer to the city center of Monterrey, produces high -quality furniture for renowned retail chains such as Crate & Barrel. "We export 90-95 % of what we produce here," said a supervisor proudly.
The future in view
Even with a possible customs load, many Mexicans and Chinese see opportunities in this economic upswing. "We have created rooms for thousands of jobs and there is still a lot of potential," added Santos. "If the US market becomes too challenging, let's take a look at Latin America and other regions." In view of the current geopolitical challenge, it is crucial for Mexico to maintain the right partnerships.
The focus on economic relationships between Mexico and China is stronger than ever, while companies and workers adapt in a dynamic environment and explore new opportunities.
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