With opportunities so plentiful, all you need is an international shipping partner and some local market insights, and you’ll be ready to cash in! Read on as we explore how to export to Mexico, including the consumer trends and customs regulations you should know.
Mexico’s economy continues to impress. GDP growth is forecast to continue at 1.5-2% through to 2027.(2)
And the second largest in Latin America after Brazil.
Mexico is the 9th largest digital population in the world.(4) Representing an internet penetration of 78.6% from a total population of 126 million.(5)
Mexico’s e-commerce sector is predicted to grow at an annual rate (CAGR 2023-2028) of 11.81%.(6)
Mexico’s e-commerce average revenue per user (ARPU) is USD$864. This is higher than Brazil (USD$434) and higher than the overall ARPU for Latin America (USD$502).(8)
Most popular online stores in Mexico, as of September 20239
(% of respondents who had purchased from that store in the previous 12 months; multiple answers allowed)
Most popular categories for online purchases in Mexico, as of September 202310
Perhaps unsurprisingly given its borders, Mexico’s biggest trade partner by far is the US, accounting for 54% of all imports to Mexico.
Approximately one-third of all online transactions made in Mexico in 2022 were settled using credit or charge cards. E-wallets and debit cards were the next most popular methods, accounting for 27% and 22% of transactions, respectively.12
Some of the major shopping events and holidays in Mexico include:
The most common products with paperwork or permits required are food, electronics, cosmetics, food supplements, toys, medicines and medical devices, for personal effects the CNEE for its acronym in Spanish (Comisión Nacional del Espacio Exterior) has to prove with a copy of the stamped passport and airplane ticket with a maximum of 6 months from the enter to the country. If the paperwork is not delivered by the consignor the shipment is abandoned after 60 days from the arrival and the recovery is managed between the customer and the government.
Clients most consider the import taxes and duties on many products, which can add to the cost of shipping. Shippers need to factor in these costs when pricing their products and managing their logistics.
For the compliance on the local regulations shippers need to ensure that their products comply with these regulations to avoid delays, fines, or capture of the shipment.
Over a certain amount and special goods need formal customs clearance and need to have cooperation with a customs agent (DHL can help customers with that, as long as they have all the asked documents) to import in accordance with the formal entry.
Mexico like many nations, strictly monitors packaging materials coming into the country. This is done to protect agriculture industries from insects and pests.
Wooden packaging and pallets
Ensure all wood packaging material entering Mexico is pest-free, de-barked, heat-treated or fumigated, and marked with an ISPM 15 logo certifying that it has been appropriately treated. Shipments containing noncompliant wood packaging material will not be allowed to enter Mexico.
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