How Nearshoring to Mexico is Revolutionizing the Future of Supply Chain
The pandemic created a massive crisis in the global supply chain, with new restrictions creating delays and affecting most manufacturers and shipping companies. Due to the health crisis, companies have been rethinking their supply chain strategies to ensure resilience and agility in the face of future shocks. One emerging trend is nearshoring, or the practice of relocating manufacturing operations closer to home.
What Is Nearshoring?
Nearshoring has gained popularity as an effective supply chain strategy and an alternative to the pre-pandemic method of offshoring. In nearshoring, a company works with manufacturers, suppliers, and other businesses located near its home country or territory. For example, businesses in the U.S. might choose to nearshore their operations to Mexico. Since the country is just next door, the company can optimize its supply chain, achieve cost savings and avoid long delays.
Offshoring, on the other hand, is the practice of outsourcing labor and supplies to countries with advanced capabilities, like India and China. However, the pandemic revealed significant challenges in managing offshore operations, making nearshoring an increasingly appealing choice.
Start with a Nearshoring Freight Analysis!
Advantages of Nearshoring to Mexico
For companies in the U.S., Mexico nearshoring is becoming an attractive option instead of offshoring to China or India. In 2022, many international companies have started their expansion to Mexico — and for good reason. Nearshoring to Mexico offers advantages like:
- Proximity to the U.S. and a similar time zone to allow for faster, more cost-effective shipping times
- More stable currency fluctuation that’s favorable for foreign investments
- Mexico has a strong cultural alignment with the U.S., making it easier to maintain effective working relationships
- Better intellectual property rights
- Skilled workforce with diverse capabilities and work ethic
- Ability to ship via truckload versus sea or air freight
How to Achieve Success When Nearshoring to Mexico
Mexico nearshoring may seem like a great alternative for those who want to avoid the hurdles that the pandemic brought about. However, it may not be the best strategy for some businesses. To succeed in your strategy, you need to:
1. Investigate and Plan
Are there potential suppliers in Mexico that could provide your needs? It’s not wise to cut ties with current partners if there’s no guarantee they have what you’re looking for. Choosing the right location is also important, like proximity to your company’s facilities, infrastructure and availability of skilled labor.
2. Collaborate and Work Closely
This step applies to building strong relationships with your Mexican partners including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, logistic providers (3PLs), and government agencies. This involves regular communication, collaboration and a willingness to understand and respect cultural differences.
3. Prepare Contingencies and Stay Compliant
You could fall into some common pitfalls when nearshoring, so be prepared to adapt and mitigate issues before they become disastrous problems. Ensuring smooth operations extends to shipping to Mexico, so it’s crucial to stay compliant with Mexican regulations, including customs regulations, tax laws, and labor laws.
4. Invest in Technology
Investing in technology such as a Transportation Management System (TMS) and other supply chain management tools can help improve efficiencies, visibility, and communication throughout your supply chain.
5. Partner with a Reliable Nearshoring Provider
Partnering with a reliable nearshoring and cross-border logistics provider like BlueGrace can help you navigate the cultural, language, and legal differences of doing business in Mexico. A great provider can help you manage your supply chain, reduce transportation costs, and ensure compliance with regulations.
The Future of Nearshoring
As companies try to avoid another supply chain crisis, nearshoring is quickly becoming the preferred practice over offshoring. The efficiency nearshoring promises is also one advantage that’s making more and more companies commit to the shift. For businesses in the U.S., nearshoring to Mexico will be the next trend. Before you jump on this new opportunity, be sure to consult with experts so you’ll make a more informed decision for your situation.
Next Steps: Chat with BlueGrace
As you begin your plans to shift to nearshoring in Mexico, you’ll need the right systems, experts, and tools to succeed. Let BlueGrace help with our data-driven technology and tailored solutions for your logistics needs. Contact us for a complimentary nearshoring freight analysis.
Related Posts
Maximize Business Growth with Cross-Border Shipping to Mexico - LinkedIn Live
Maximize Business Growth with Cross-Border Shipping to Mexico - LinkedIn Live View Webinars
Harnessing Nearshoring Potential: Answers to Key Questions
Harnessing Nearshoring Potential: Answers to Key Questions View Whitepaper
What is Nearshoring and Friendshoring?
What is Nearshoring and Friendshoring? Read The Logistics Blog®
