Executive Summary
The main regulatory development this week was the extension of Mexico’s Electronic Manifestación de Valor, or MVE, transition period through September 30th, 2026. Mandatory electronic compliance is now scheduled to begin on October 1st. The extension gives importers more time to prepare, but it should not be treated as a reason to put the process on hold. Companies should use the next two (2) months to review their valuation records, confirm internal responsibilities, and begin testing with their Mexican customs broker.
Mexico’s economy also performed better than expected during the second quarter. Preliminary results showed GDP increasing 1.5% from the first quarter and 2.1% compared with the same period in 2025. Primary, industrial, and service activities all contributed to the improvement.
Cross-border truck capacity remains available, although coverage continues to be selective. Reliable execution depends heavily on early shipment visibility, complete documentation, realistic transit expectations, and access to qualified cross-border drivers.
Regulatory Update
Electronic Manifestación de Valor Extended Through September 30th, 2026
SAT and ANAM have extended the MVE transition period through September 30th, 2026, with mandatory electronic compliance scheduled to begin October 1st.
The MVE is part of Mexico’s broader customs digitalization effort. It requires importers to electronically submit the information and supporting documentation used to determine the declared customs value through VUCEM.
Importers should use this additional time to review:
- Commercial invoices and purchase agreements
- Proof of payment
- Freight and insurance charges
- Royalties, assists, and commissions
- Related-party transactions
- Recurring supply and pricing agreements
- Access to VUCEM, e.firma, and digital seal certificates
- Internal responsibility for preparing and transmitting the MVE
Testing with the Mexican customs broker should also begin before October. The broker can assist with preparing and transmitting the information, but the importer remains responsible for making sure it is accurate and complete. Incomplete or inconsistent valuation records could lead to customs delays, additional document requests, or increased scrutiny once the requirement becomes mandatory.
USMCA Review
During the July 1st joint review, the United States did not agree to extend the USMCA in its current form. This does not mean the agreement has ended. The USMCA remains in force, and qualifying goods continue to receive preferential treatment while the review and negotiating process continues.
The third bilateral negotiating round concluded in Mexico City on July 23rd. Discussions included:
- Automotive trade
- Steel and aluminum
- Economic security
- Labor
- Agriculture
- Electronic payment services
- North American manufacturing
- Regional supply chains
Following the meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard directed their teams to meet again in Washington during September 2026.
No immediate changes to border transportation or customs procedures have resulted from the review. Manufacturers and importers should continue using USMCA benefits where applicable while maintaining complete origin documentation and clear supplier traceability.
Transportation Update
Current Market Conditions: Selective
Cross-border dry van capacity remains available through Laredo, El Paso, Otay Mesa/San Diego, and South Texas. However, finding an available truck does not always mean the shipment can be executed reliably.
The most difficult freight to cover continues to include:
- Same-day and short-notice requests
- Border-to-regional moves into Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio
- Direct-service freight requiring qualified cross-border drivers
- Shipments with incomplete customs documentation
- Loads with firm appointments and limited loading flexibility
- Irregular lanes without consistent return freight
Short-haul freight can be more difficult to cover than longer-distance moves. Carriers have fewer opportunities to recover empty miles and repositioning costs, so many will prioritize longer lanes or freight with a better round-trip opportunity. Carriers are also giving preference to customers that provide consistent volume, flexible appointments, accurate shipment details, and balanced northbound and southbound freight. The issue is not whether there is a truck somewhere in the market. The issue is whether the correct driver, equipment, customs setup, crossing location, and final-mile capacity can all be lined up on short notice. Earlier visibility gives everyone more options and helps limit last-minute rate exposure.
Economic Outlook
Mexico’s preliminary second-quarter GDP results showed a meaningful improvement compared with the first quarter.
On a seasonally adjusted basis:
- Overall GDP increased 1.5% quarter over quarter
- Primary activities increased 3.3%
- Secondary activities, including manufacturing and construction, increased 1.6%
- Tertiary activities increased 1.5%
Compared with the second quarter of 2025, GDP increased 2.1%. Mexico’s economy grew an estimated 1.2% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The results support a more positive outlook for industrial activity and cross-border freight demand. Companies should still continue monitoring the USMCA review, customs requirements, and changes to North American sourcing and manufacturing strategies.
Air and Ocean
Air and ocean operations remained generally stable during the reporting period, with no major nationwide disruption identified in the information reviewed for this update.
Ocean shippers should continue monitoring:
- Vessel and terminal schedules
- Port congestion
- Customs inspections
- Container availability
- Free time, demurrage, and storage exposure
- Inland trucking and rail availability
Manzanillo continues to handle significant container volumes, making advance planning for container recovery and inland transportation especially important. Alternative gateways, including Lázaro Cárdenas, should also be considered when they make sense from both a cost and operational standpoint.
On the airfreight side, IATA reported that global cargo demand increased 6% year over year in May. Demand remains active for high-value and time-sensitive cargo, which can place pressure on premium capacity even when the broader market appears balanced.
RIM Market Insight
Mexico’s cross-border market remains stable, but successful execution increasingly comes down to preparation, not simply whether equipment is available.
The MVE extension gives importers valuable additional time to get their valuation process in order before October 1st. At the same time, the USMCA review and selective truck capacity continue to create planning risk.
Companies providing early shipment visibility, complete customs documentation, and realistic lead times will be in a much better position to protect service levels and control costs.
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please reach out to your RIM Representative or to our Director of Mexico Business Development, Tony Pastrana at TonyPastrana@rimlogistics.com.