Jalisco Deepens Trade, Investment Ties With Canada

Summary: Jalisco is reinforcing its role as a strategic hub for Mexico–Canada trade and investment after hosting the largest Canadian business mission to date, amid renewed US tariff pressure and upcoming USMCA review discussions. The initiative strengthens bilateral cooperation across manufacturing, technology, agribusiness, logistics and innovation, while positioning Jalisco as a gateway for Canadian capital, talent collaboration and supply chain integration in North America. The effort reflects Mexico’s broader push to diversify trade partners, attract foreign investment and mitigate external trade risks under shifting US policy conditions.

Jalisco strengthened its investment, trade and education agenda after hosting a major Canadian business mission in Guadalajara, reinforcing its role as a strategic hub in Mexico–Canada economic relations amid shifting North American trade dynamics. 

The visit brought together representatives from about 80 Canadian companies and 25 business associations, underscoring growing bilateral cooperation and positioning Jalisco as a key gateway for Canadian investment in Mexico.

Jalisco Ranks as Mexico’s Fourth-Largest Exporter to Canada

Against this backdrop, state officials highlighted Jalisco’s expanding role in bilateral trade during an opening briefing on the state’s economic outlook.

Jalisco is Mexico’s fourth-largest exporter to Canada, a ranking that reflects the state’s relevance within the framework of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and its ability to support long-term partnerships between exporters, investors and manufacturers from both countries.

Cindy Blanco Ochoa, head of the Jalisco Ministry of Economic Development, said the state has attracted US$1.073 billion in foreign direct investment over the past seven years and is now home to 237 companies with Canadian capital, reinforcing investor confidence in Jalisco’s diversified industrial base.

Academic and Technology Cooperation Takes Center Stage

Beyond trade and investment, the mission also emphasized innovation and talent development as pillars of long-term competitiveness.

A high-level meeting led by Fanny Guadalupe Valdivia Márquez, head of the Jalisco Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, brought together university leaders and business organizations with Tim Louis, Parliamentary Secretary of Canada.

The talks focused on academic exchanges, technology transfer and joint business development initiatives designed to strengthen cross-border innovation ecosystems.

That dialogue was reinforced by participation from executives representing the Universidad Panamericana, the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, INDEX Occidente and CANIETI Occidente.

The engagement allowed the Canadian delegation to connect with priority sectors such as agribusiness, advanced manufacturing and the creative industries, helping integrate supply chains and open the door to joint projects across North America.

Canada–Mexico Trade Push Expands Nationwide

The Jalisco meetings formed part of a broader Canadian trade mission to Mexico that also included events in Mexico City and Monterrey.

Mexico’s Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard and Canada’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, said a new bilateral action plan — including elements related to the USMCA review — will be presented to both governments in 1H26.

The mission brought together 240 organizations and 370 business leaders, with more than 1,000 business meetings scheduled nationwide. LeBlanc described it as the largest Canadian business delegation to Mexico to date, reported MBN. 

Priority sectors identified include port infrastructure, information technology, logistics, critical minerals, drones, artificial intelligence, aerospace, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, mining, robotics and other emerging technologies.

Tourism and security cooperation were also highlighted as areas of growing engagement. According to LeBlanc, more than 3 million Canadians are expected to visit Mexico in 2026, representing about 7% of Canada’s population, with numbers continuing to rise. He also emphasized the need to strengthen security coordination and military cooperation between the two countries.

“As our two countries seek to further diversify their trade, there is no better time than now to forge new partnerships, following in the footsteps of companies such as McCain Foods, Grupo Bimbo and Bombardier Recreational Products, to name just a few,” LeBlanc said.

Trade Diversification Accelerates Amid U.S. Tariff Pressure

These efforts come as both Mexico and Canada navigate increased trade uncertainty stemming from US policy shifts.

Following the re-election of Donald Trump in January 2025, Washington imposed new tariffs on steel, aluminum and automotive products, disrupting cross-border supply chains. Canada responded by accelerating trade diversification under Prime Minister Mark Carney, strengthening ties with Europe and Indo-Pacific partners.

Mexico also faced renewed pressure, including a 25% tariff on certain imports and additional duties on steel, aluminum and vehicles, prompting officials to seek exemptions and protect domestic employment.

Sheinbaum Highlights Investment, Environment and Energy Strategy

In meetings with Canadian executives, President Claudia Sheinbaum described discussions as constructive, focusing on new investment opportunities and environmental responsibility.

Sheinbaum also raised concerns over Canadian mining companies that concluded operations in Mexico without completing environmental remediation, while noting progress in broader investment talks, reported MBN. 

She also addressed the possibility that the United States could ease steel and aluminum tariffs and outlined her administration’s strategy to strengthen energy sovereignty by expanding renewable energy and reducing dependence on imported natural gas.

Jalisco Positions Itself as a Strategic North American Platform

As the Canadian mission continues with business matchmaking and investment discussions, Jalisco is reinforcing its position as a strategic partner for Canada and a platform for global market access.

State officials said the combination of skilled talent, academic collaboration and a diversified industrial base positions Jalisco to attract new projects in manufacturing, technology and innovation-driven sectors as North American trade relationships evolve.

Bilateral Strengthening Consolidates Regional Integration

MBN sat down with Carla Bustillos, CANCHAM General Director, and revealed opportunities for both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Bustillos said that beyond the commercial agreement, which dates back approximately 30 years, there is a foundational alliance that impacts various areas of social, political, cultural, and economic development in both countries.

“This existing bond possesses great inherent strength, and the current political rapprochement between the two nations is reactivating and awakening it. Recently, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the initial meeting for the Alliance’s work plan, which will begin in 2026. This mechanism greatly aids the development of the bilateral plan currently shared by both countries.” 

CANCHAM beleives that by strengthening the Canada-Mexico relationship, we will further advance the regional integration of North America.