{"id":9923,"date":"2026-04-22T09:47:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T09:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/9923\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T09:47:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T09:47:20","slug":"mexico-japan-pledge-stronger-trade-and-investment-ties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/9923\/","title":{"rendered":"Mexico, Japan Pledge Stronger Trade and Investment Ties"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mexico and Japan reaffirmed their strategic partnership on April 20, with President Sheinbaum and Prime Minister Takaichi agreeing to strengthen ties in trade, investment, energy and economic security, including a proposed bilateral dialogue framework covering Mexico’s mineral resources. The engagement coincides with the 21th anniversary of their Economic Partnership Agreement and comes as US tariffs on Japanese goods pressure global supply chains, reinforcing Mexico’s position as a nearshoring hub for Japanese manufacturers across automotive, electronics and industrial sectors. With over 1,600 Japanese firms operating in Mexico and US$4.28 billion in FDI recorded in 2024, the relationship carries significant weight for Mexico’s manufacturing base and trade diversification strategy.<\/p>\n

President Claudia Sheinbaum and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a phone call on April 20, agreeing to deepen the strategic relationship between their countries across investment, trade, cooperation and energy.<\/p>\n

Sheinbaum confirmed the conversation via her official X account<\/a>, noting both leaders committed to continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. “We spoke about the importance of strengthening relations between both countries in the areas of investment, trade and cooperation,” Sheinbaum wrote.<\/p>\n

The Mexican president also thanked Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its environmental support on river sanitation and atmospheric pollution reduction, and proposed expanding that framework to additional areas.<\/p>\n

Sheinbaum noted that more than 1,600 Japanese companies operate in Mexico, generating approximately 350,000 direct jobs in the country.<\/p>\n

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the call, adding that Takaichi proposed establishing a dialogue framework that includes economic security with Mexico, which the ministry described as a nation with rich mineral resources. Takaichi also requested Mexican cooperation in creating a favorable environment for Japanese companies operating in the country.<\/p>\n

A Relationship Built Over Decades<\/p>\n

The call comes as Japan and Mexico mark the 21th anniversary of their Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA),<\/a> in force since April 1, 2005. Over two decades, the accord has made Japan Mexico’s sixth largest trading partner.<\/p>\n

Japan has been the Asia-Pacific country with the largest foreign investment in Mexico since 1999, reaching more than US$37 billion by mid-2024. In 2024 alone, Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI) into Mexico totaled US$4.28 billion, with Guanajuato (US$1.95 billion), Mexico City (US$727 million) and Baja California (US$592 million) as the top recipient states.<\/p>\n

Japanese multinationals including Bridgestone, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Sony and Toyota maintain operations in Mexico, while Mexican companies such as KidZania, Orbia and Sukarne operate in Japan.<\/p>\n

Bilateral trade reflects a complementary industrial relationship. Japan’s primary exports to Mexico include motor vehicle parts and accessories, electronics, steel products, medical equipment and video gaming consoles. Mexico’s main exports to Japan include copper ores and concentrates, electrical equipment, silver, meat, fruits and alcohol.<\/p>\n

In April 2025, Mexican exports to Japan reached US$348 million, while imports from Japan totaled US$1.76 billion, resulting in a trade balance of US$1.41 billion in Japan’s favor.<\/p>\n

The automotive sector remains the backbone of the relationship. Japanese manufacturers have built a significant industrial presence in Mexico over decades, supported by a robust supply chain network.<\/p>\n

Nearshoring and Tariff Pressures Add Context<\/p>\n

The leaders’ conversation comes amid shifting global trade dynamics. US tariffs on Japanese products have introduced uncertainty in supply chains, while Mexico continues to position itself as a nearshoring destination for companies seeking access to the North American market.<\/p>\n

Analysts note that US protectionist policies could indirectly benefit Mexico, as Japanese firms may seek to localize production within North America to maintain access to US consumers. Mexico’s geographic position, extensive free trade agreement network and manufacturing capacity continue to attract foreign investment despite that uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Both countries are also members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the G20, OECD and WTO, providing multiple channels for ongoing economic coordination.<\/p>\n

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