With 103 years of relations, Mexico and the Czech Republic share a special connection that today includes a similar economic challenge: a heavy dependence on neighboring markets. Within the context of global trade tensions, Mexico and the Czech Republic’s agendas have points in common, including trade and economic cooperation, and the promotion of democratic values. 

July 27, 1922, marks the establishment of diplomatic relationships between Mexico and the Czechoslovak Republic in 1922, only four years after the latter’s proclamation as a sovereign State on Oct. 28, 1918. This long-standing relationship was reaffirmed decades later when, on Jan. 1, 1993, the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic peacefully dissolved into two independent nations. In a significant show of support, Mexico officially recognized the new Czech Republic on that very same day, becoming one of the first countries in the world to do so and ensuring the continuity of their diplomatic ties.

Strengthening Economic Ties 

According to Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, the Czech Republic’s admission to the European Union  in 2004 was an important milestone that significantly strengthened economic ties with Mexico. He noted that before the Czech Republic acceded to the Global Agreement between Mexico and European Union, bilateral trade in 2003 stood at US$93 million. By 2020, that figure had reached US$1.65 billion, a 1700% increase within the framework of the trade agreement. 

With a total bilateral trade value of US$2.57 billion in 2024, the economic relationship between Mexico and the Czech Republic continues to grow. Mexico represents over half of the Czech Republic’s exports to Latin America, making it the country’s main trade partner in the region. Conversely, the Czech Republic is Mexico’s 10th-largest trading partner within the European Union and its 31st largest partner globally. 

In 2024, Mexico’s main export to the Czech Republic was machine parts and accessories, valued at US$88.1 million. The primary origins for these sales within Mexico were Mexico City, Jalisco, and Sonora. Conversely, Mexico’s main import from the Czech Republic was telephones and wireless network devices, totaling US$276 million, according to the Ministry of Economy (SE). 

Mexican exports to the Czech Republic totaled US$502 million in 2024, while imports from the Czech Republic totaled US$2.07 billion. This resulted in a trade deficit of US$1.57 billion in favor of the Czech Republic.

Shared Challenges 

The Czech Republic is an open economy that exports approximately three-quarters of its production, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment. With a population of around 10.9 million, the country has a strong industrial tradition, developed infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. Its capital, Prague, has 1.3 million inhabitants, with other major cities including Brno, Pilsen, and Ostrava. This export-oriented model presents a shared challenge with Mexico, as both economies are highly dependent on large, neighboring trade partners: the European Union for the Czech Republic and the United States for Mexico, as noted by Edvard Kozusnik, the Czech Republic’s Deputy Minister of Trade, in an interview with MBN.

CzechTrade, the country’s official trade promotion agency, considers several fields as promising for bilateral cooperation, including water and waste management, smart mobility and ICT, mechanical engineering, and the mining and energy industries.

Mexican companies in the food and beverages and infrastructure sectors are already investing in the Czech Republic, which offers logistics advantages, including a privileged geographical position, at the center of Europe, allowing companies to have a footprint in Western and Eastern Europe. 

“There are already Mexican investors in the Czech Republic, including large companies like CEMEX and Bimbo. Additionally, logistics infrastructure plays a significant role in this relationship. Mexican investors are very satisfied with the Czech market. It is not just about the Czech market itself but also about the surrounding region. When we talk about Prague and the Czech Republic, we are also talking about Poland, Hungary, and the Baltic countries,” said Kozuznik.

Despite a challenging global economic situation, the Czech Republic reports positive GDP and trade indicators. During 1Q25, the Czech Republic’s exports registered a 3.6% year-on-year increase, driven by sales of electrical products and machinery. Over the same period, imports rose by 4.6%. According to the European Commission, the country’s GDP grew by 1.1% in 2024 and is expected to grow by 1.9% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026, driven by internal demand.