Export to Mexico

Export to Mexico: a 2026 guide for US manufacturers

5 min read · Updated 2026-09-26 · By the Fromerica team

USMCA gives qualifying US goods preferential access to Mexico, and since January 2026 Mexico charges higher tariffs on many goods from countries without a trade agreement. This guide covers what a US manufacturer needs to get right: origin certification, what your Mexican buyer must have in place, and the US-side filings.

USMCA and the 2026 joint review

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force on July 1, 2020. Article 34.7 sets a 16-year term and a joint review at the sixth anniversary; if a party does not confirm an extension at that review, the parties hold a joint review every year for the rest of the term.

In July 2026, USTR said the United States did not agree to renew USMCA in its current form and that the agreement remains in force. Watch each annual review for changes.

Why US origin matters more since 2026

According to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, from January 1, 2026 Mexico raised import tariffs on 1,463 tariff lines (including automotive, textiles, apparel, footwear, steel, aluminum, plastics, household appliances, toys, furniture, paper and cardboard, and glass) only for countries with which it has no trade agreement. The United States has one, so the increase does not apply to US goods.

USMCA certification of origin

According to CBP, there is no required certificate of origin form for USMCA. The certification can be provided on an invoice or any other document, as long as it includes the nine minimum data elements in Annex 5-A. Only the producer, exporter or importer may complete it; a distributor that is none of these cannot.

What your Mexican buyer needs

All Mexican importers must be registered in the Padrón de Importadores; more than 400 items also require a sector-specific registry.
The basic import document is the pedimento de importación, accompanied by a commercial invoice in Spanish and a bill of lading.
Since August 1, 2023, Mexican importers must also comply with the Complemento Carta Porte.
Products must meet Mexican standards (NOMs); for example, NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 covers labeling of prepackaged food and non-alcoholic beverages.

US-side steps for every shipment

Classify the product with its 10-digit Schedule B number (Census Bureau search tool); the first 6 digits are the Harmonized System code your buyer uses for their own tariff.
File Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, through ACE AESDirect or a direct connection, when the value under an individual Schedule B number is over $2,500 or an export license is required. The USPPI or its authorized agent files it.
Check your export classification. According to BIS, items subject to the EAR that are not listed on the Commerce Control List are EAR99 and, in most situations, need no license, unless they go to a restricted end user, end use or destination.
Screen your buyer, consignee and end user against the Consolidated Screening List, which combines export screening lists of the Departments of Commerce, State and the Treasury.

Screen a buyer →Guide: how to export from the USA →Look up HTS codes →

Frequently asked questions

Do US products enter Mexico duty free?

Goods that meet USMCA rules of origin and have a valid certification of origin receive preferential treatment. A product made outside North America and resold from the US generally does not qualify.

Is USMCA still in force after the 2026 review?

Yes. USTR said in July 2026 that the agreement remains in force. Under Article 34.7, it is now reviewed every year.

Does Mexico’s 2026 tariff increase affect US exports?

No. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, it applies only to countries without a trade agreement with Mexico.

Official sources

This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.