On April 2, 2025, the United States government announced the implementation of "reciprocal tariffs" on multiple countries, establishing a base tariff of 10%. However, a week later, a 90-day pause was applied for most trading partners; nevertheless, tariffs on China were simultaneously increased. This decision is part of a strategy aimed at correcting trade imbalances and strengthening the U.S. domestic industry.

This new trade policy significantly impacts the global medical device (medtech) industry, which relies on imported components such as sensors, chips, plastics, and metals, mainly from Asia. The increased cost of these inputs raises production costs for American companies, while also generating uncertainty and causing delays in supply chains.

In response to these measures, several international companies in the medtech sector have accelerated their investments in production facilities within the U.S., although they have warned that relocating manufacturing domestically will require considerable time and resources.

Against this backdrop, in the North American region, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) serves as the primary regulatory framework for trade in medical devices among the parties, with any disputes to be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.

In this regard, the agreement stipulates that products originating in Mexico that comply with the rules of origin set forth in the USMCA benefit from a 0% tariff upon entry into the United States. These rules specify the required level of regional content, and compliance is essential for Mexican manufacturers to maintain their competitiveness and preferential access to the U.S. market.

Likewise, it is important to briefly highlight the 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, in effect since March 2025, which may impact the production costs of medical devices that utilize these materials, regardless of their origin under the USMCA.

In this context, the key strategy for the Mexican medical device industry is to ensure strict compliance with USMCA rules of origin to maximize the benefits of the zero-tariff provisions. At the same time, it is crucial to closely monitor the evolution of U.S. trade policies and assess supply chains to mitigate the impact of tariffs on materials such as steel and aluminum. Adaptation and a thorough understanding of the USMCA are essential to successfully navigate the current tariff landscape.

Mexico possesses strategic strengths that enable it to proactively address challenges arising from international tariff policies. The country’s growing commitment to diversifying investments in the medical device sector, along with the federal government’s promotion of the "Made in Mexico" initiative, positions Mexico as an attractive destination for the manufacturing and export of high-value-added products. This institutional support aims to strengthen national production capabilities, promote value chain relocation (nearshoring), and establish Mexico as a key hub in the medtech supply chain by leveraging its geographic proximity, extensive network of trade agreements, and skilled workforce. These factors provide manufacturers with a solid platform to mitigate risks, optimize costs, and secure preferential access to strategic markets such as the United States.

This matter will continue to be closely monitored and analyzed.

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