Learn about barriers to market entry and local requirements, i.e., things to be aware of when entering the market for this country.
Mexico’s size and diversity are often under-appreciated. It can be difficult to find a single distributor or agent to cover this vast market. Also, the Mexican legal system differs in fundamental ways from the U.S. system, so U.S. firms should consult with competent legal counsel before entering into any business agreements. The banking system in Mexico has shown signs of growth after years of stagnation, but interest rates remain comparatively high. In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find it difficult to obtain financing at affordable rates despite Mexican Government efforts to increase access to capital for SMEs.
U.S. companies need to conduct thorough due diligence, and should be conservative in extending credit and alert to payment delays. As one element in a prudent due diligence process, the U.S. Commercial Service offices in Mexico offer services to conduct background checks on potential Mexican partners. U.S. companies should assist Mexican buyers explore financing options, including U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) programs, especially since Mexico is the largest market for EXIM in the world.
Mexican customs regulations, product standards and labor laws may present challenges for U.S. companies. U.S. Embassy commercial, agricultural, intellectual property rights, standards, and labor officers are available to guide firms with respect to regulations that affect their particular export product or business sector.
Continued violence involving criminal groups has created heightened insecurity in some parts of Mexico, including in some border areas. The State Department provides a security assessment of every state in Mexico. All U.S. travelers to the country are strongly encouraged to visit the Department of State’s Travel Warning website at: Department of State's Travel Warning.
Prepared by U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
( Melissa )18 Dec,2017
