Air Cargo from China to Mexico Grows 550%: e-commerce case study

Between 2021 and 2024, Mexico has seen air cargo from China soar by 550%, now accounting for 27.5% of all goods arriving by air.

The volume of air cargo from China arriving in Mexico has grown by 550% in the last three years, representing a significant increase in bilateral trade driven by the e-commerce boom.

This situation has transformed the import and logistics landscape in Mexico, with a direct impact on the domestic market. Chinese e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress, Temu and Shein have been key players in this change, facilitating the direct sale of Asian products to Mexican consumers, which has allowed them to offer competitive prices and has generated greater demand for imported products.

This growth has not only driven the arrival of more goods via scheduled flights, but has also encouraged the diversification of air routes between China and Mexico, with new scheduled and charter services connecting key Chinese cities with Mexican logistics hubs such as Felipe Angeles International Airport.

This expansion of air infrastructure is a strength for the Mexican economy, as it strengthens international connectivity and improves the country's capacity to handle large volumes of goods.

In turn, the development of large urban warehouses dedicated to the import of Chinese products, such as those in Mexico City, is a strategic advantage, allowing greater flexibility in the distribution and storage of products.

In 2021, air cargo from China accounted for 5.3% of the total volume of goods arriving in Mexico by air, and as of last July, that ratio soared to 27.5 percent.

The growth in imports of Chinese goods presents, however, certain challenges. The de minimis regime, which facilitates duty-free imports of low-value products, has been exploited by large Chinese marketplaces, creating unfair competition for Mexican producers and distributors.

This situation highlights a weakness in the current trade regulations, as the regime was not designed for the current volume of e-commerce. In addition, the dependence on Chinese platforms and the massive entry of Asian products may negatively affect local producers, who face fierce competition in terms of prices and product availability.

Mexican companies, for their part, have the opportunity to adapt and take advantage of this growth in international trade. The increase in demand for imported products and the expansion of logistics infrastructure open up opportunities for local businesses to collaborate in the supply chain, participate in the distribution and warehousing sector, or even create strategic alliances with Chinese companies.

Mexico can also capitalize on the phenomenon of the nearshoringThe country's air trade growth, using its geographic location and developed infrastructure to establish itself as a key bridge for Chinese companies seeking access to the U.S. market, could also drive the development of new services and improve the country's logistical competitiveness, generating long-term benefits. This growth in air trade could also drive the development of new services and improve the country's logistics competitiveness, generating long-term benefits.

Despite the opportunities, there are significant threats that the Mexican market must consider. The dominance of Chinese e-commerce platforms could displace local businesses, affecting the balance of the domestic market. In addition, the growing influence of foreign companies in the distribution and logistics sector poses the risk of over-reliance on these platforms for the flow of goods, which could compromise economic sovereignty in key areas. 

Globally, the growing geopolitical tension between powers such as the United States and China could also have implications for Mexico, as any change in trade relations could drastically alter the flow of goods and import policies.

The increase in the arrival of air cargo from China to Mexico presents a mixed scenario of great opportunities and challenges for the Mexican market. The country has strengthened its logistics infrastructure and its capacity to handle a significant volume of goods, which generates competitive advantages. However, the growing influence of Chinese e-commerce also presents risks that must be addressed to protect local producers and maintain market balance. Adapting to these changes, capitalizing on strengths and carefully managing threats, will be key to the future of international trade in Mexico.

Collaboration: Editorial Auge.