Opportunities in Mexico for Aerospace Manufacturing
- Luis Gonzalez Vela
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
The aerospace industry is undergoing sustained growth, driven by demand for commercial aircraft and the development of new technologies. In this article, we explore Mexico’s opportunities to position itself as a strategic destination for aerospace manufacturing, along with practical recommendations to seize these opportunities.
Global Outlook and Forecasts (2025–2033)
The global aerospace market is currently led by the United States, Europe, and Asia. However, Mexico is emerging as a key player in the global supply chain. Major OEMs are seeking to diversify their supplier base and reduce geographic dependencies, creating new market entry points.
According to Business Research Insights, aerospace components are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%, reaching USD $1.345 trillion by 2035. Growth is fueled by commercial fleet renewals, the rise of regional aviation, and expanding space programs.
Current machining trends include the processing of composite materials and advanced alloys such as titanium and Inconel, demand for ultra-precise tolerances (±0.001"), and the urgent need for more resilient supply chains. These factors present significant opportunities for manufacturers capable of meeting these technical requirements.
Tariff Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
Recent U.S. tariff policies present both challenges and unique opportunities for aerospace manufacturing in Mexico. As of the publication date, the U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican imports since March 2025, with increases to 30% announced for August. However, the aerospace sector is subject to specific exceptions that may mitigate these impacts.
Mexico benefits from key protections under the USMCA, especially for products that meet specific rules of origin. For aerospace, this means that components with high regional value content can retain preferential access, offering a competitive advantage to local manufacturers over direct imports
Aerospace companies can capitalize on this scenario by accelerating nearshoring strategies. While former President Trump has stated there will be “no tariffs if Mexico or its companies manufacture within the United States,” Mexico’s real opportunity lies in attracting investment aimed at serving the North American market through a regionally integrated manufacturing platform.
Why Mexico? Key Advantages for Attracting Manufacturing
1. Geostrategic Location and Trade Agreements
Mexico offers preferential access to key markets under the USMCA, with specific protections for aerospace goods that comply with origin rules. Despite current trade tensions, components with at least 62.5% regional content remain tariff-exempt. Agreements with Europe and Mexico’s participation in the CPTPP help diversify trade exposure beyond the U.S. market.
2. Established Metalworking Ecosystem and Specialized Clusters
Querétaro has become Mexico’s aerospace hub, home to major companies such as Safran and Bombardier. Other regions—Sonora, Baja California, and Chihuahua—offer specialized capabilities, while Nuevo León contributes advanced metallurgy expertise. This nationwide network of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers is already proficient in critical tolerances and certified processes.
3. Skilled Workforce and Competitive Costs
Universities like ITESM, UNAM, and UNAQ graduate engineers and technicians specialized in aerospace manufacturing. Salaries for equivalent technical roles are 20–30% lower than in the U.S. or Europe, while productivity remains competitive due to robust training programs.
4. Tax Incentives and Government Support
Special Economic Zones offer tax exemptions for investments in specialized machinery. CONACYT provides grants for R&D projects, while state-level programs include accelerated VAT refunds and support for international certifications.
Recommendations for Companies
1. Tariff Risk Mitigation
Develop strategies to maximize regional content and qualify for USMCA protections. Document the supply chain to ensure compliance with aerospace rules of origin. Consider diversifying exports to Europe and Asia-Pacific to reduce reliance on the U.S. amid tariff uncertainty.
2. Investment Planning
Evaluate ROI based on projected annual volumes, complexity of required tolerances, and potential tariff impact. Prioritize modular machinery that enables gradual capacity expansion as demand grows. Consider 5-axis machining centers and turn-mill centers for complex aerospace components and CMM systems for quality control.
3. Technical Training Programs
Invest in training for CNC operators and CAM programmers in AS9100 aerospace standards. Implement Lean Manufacturing methodologies with in-house certification in 5S and Kaizen to maximize operational efficiency. Build partnerships with local universities for ongoing workforce development.
4. Supplier and Partner Selection
Assess suppliers based on the following criteria: high-quality technical support, guaranteed availability of critical spare parts, proven aerospace project experience, scalable capacity, and strategic location to enhance regional content. Prioritize partners with valid AS9100 and NADCAP certifications.
Develop an AS9100 implementation plan with quarterly internal audits. Establish full traceability systems from raw material to finished product. Maintain up-to-date calibration records and training documentation, key elements for successful NADCAP audits.
Conclusion
Despite current tariff tensions, Mexico retains a unique competitive edge for aerospace manufacturing. USMCA protections and the ability to diversify export markets position the country as a strategic platform for companies seeking supply chain resilience and sustainable growth.
Contact us at Maquitec for expert guidance on selecting the right specialized machinery for aerospace component production.
