Jan 10, 2025
For apparel brands that rely on cross-border fulfillment, recent changes to Mexico’s import regulations present significant challenges. On December 19, 2024, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a presidential decree that increased tariffs on textile goods and imposed stricter restrictions on temporary imports under the IMMEX program. These changes disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and force apparel brands to rethink their fulfillment strategies.
Here’s what you need to know and how to navigate the evolving landscape.
Effective December 20, 2024, the new regulations include:
The stated goal of these measures is to protect Mexico’s domestic textile industry, which has suffered job losses and economic decline in recent years.
Many U.S.-based apparel brands utilize Mexican warehouses under the IMMEX program for manufacturing and fulfillment. These facilities allowed brands to reduce costs and streamline cross-border logistics. With new restrictions, brands must rethink their operational models.
The tariff increases significantly impact the cost of importing textile goods into Mexico for manufacturing or distribution. These additional expenses can compress profit margins, forcing brands to reassess their pricing strategies.
Apparel brands frequently rely on the Section 321 import program, which allows goods valued under $800 to be imported into the U.S. duty-free. This strategy minimized tariffs and optimized fulfillment. However, the new restrictions on IMMEX imports complicate Section 321 operations, especially for brands that rely on consolidated shipments through Mexican fulfillment centers.
As more companies pivot to exporting goods directly to the U.S. without utilizing Mexico’s IMMEX framework, border crossings are expected to experience increased delays. These logistical hurdles further strain apparel brands’ delivery timelines.
If you’re importing goods into Mexico and later exporting them to the U.S., you may be eligible for duty drawback programs. This allows for partial recovery of tariffs paid on exported goods.
Work with logistics partners to diversify your supply chain, reducing dependency on a single fulfillment model or location.
A trusted logistics partner can provide guidance, compliance expertise, and seamless fulfillment solutions to minimize disruptions.
We help you design alternative fulfillment solutions that align with your brand’s unique needs, including transitioning to U.S.-based operations or exploring other trade-friendly regions.
Our compliance experts guide you through the regulatory landscape, ensuring your business remains operationally compliant and cost-effective.
With a network of warehouses across the U.S., we offer reliable storage, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery solutions that minimize disruptions.
The changes to Mexico’s import regulations are challenging for apparel brands, but they also present an opportunity to rethink and strengthen supply chain strategies. By adapting to these new circumstances and partnering with experts like CIRRO Fulfillment, your brand can continue to thrive in an evolving global market.
For personalized guidance and solutions tailored to your apparel brand, contact CIRRO Fulfillment today.
