Why printing closer to home makes sense

Why Mexico is the Smart Choice for Print Near-shoring in 2026

The global supply chain landscape has changed. After years of delays, rising costs, and unpredictable shipping, unprecedented tariffs and fees, businesses are rethinking where they produce printed materials. Nearshoring to Mexico has emerged as the obvious solution for companies serving the U.S. market.

Here's why printing close to home makes better business sense than ever before.

Lower Production Costs Without Compromise

Mexico offers production costs that compete with Asia, but without the hidden expenses. Labor rates remain competitive, and when you factor in reduced shipping, customs fees, and inventory carrying costs, the total cost of ownership drops significantly. The USMCA trade agreement eliminates tariffs on qualifying goods, giving you predictable pricing in an unpredictable market.

Recent data shows Mexico became the largest supplier of imports to the United States in 2024, with trade valued at $466.6 billion. This shift reflects what businesses already know: Mexico manufacturing delivers real savings.

Reliable Capacity When You Need It

Production capacity in Mexico has expanded rapidly to meet nearshoring demand. New infrastructure investments, including Puerto del Norte (Mexico's first major port in 24 years), have improved logistics throughout the northern manufacturing corridor. States like Monterrey (where our closest near-shore facility is located), Nuevo León, and Baja California now offer mature industrial ecosystems with proven printing capabilities.

Unlike overseas production where you wait weeks for updates, Mexican facilities operate in similar time zones. You can get timely responses from our dedicated production team and resolve issues in hours, not days.

Efficient Logistics to the U.S.

Geography matters. Shipping from Mexico to major U.S. markets takes days, not weeks. Ground transportation replaces ocean freight, cutting transit time by up to 80%. For time-sensitive campaigns, product launches, or clinical trial materials, this speed advantage is critical.

Cross-border shipping has become more efficient under USMCA, with simplified customs procedures and improved infrastructure at major crossing points. Your materials move faster with less risk of delays.

Supply Chain Resilience

The pandemic exposed the fragility of long, complex supply chains. Companies relying on cross-ocean shipping faced months-long backlogs, container shortages, and ballooning freight costs. Those problems haven't disappeared.

Nearshoring creates shorter, more agile supply chains. When you need to adjust print runs, modify designs, or respond to market changes, proximity makes you faster and more flexible. You're not locked into production schedules set months in advance.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Sustainability goals are no longer optional. Reducing emissions from your supply chain helps meet corporate environmental targets while improving your brand reputation. Printing in Mexico instead of Asia cuts transportation emissions by more than half. Shorter shipping distances mean less fuel burned and fewer containers on the ocean.

Mexico is also investing in renewable energy infrastructure, making clean production increasingly viable for manufacturers committed to sustainability.

One Partner for Multiple Needs

Working with a print partner such as AA Global Printing with production facilities in Mexico gives you a single point of contact for production, kitting, warehousing, and fulfillment. This integrated approach eliminates coordination headaches and reduces the chance of errors when materials move between multiple vendors.

For clinical trials, promotional materials, or multi-country campaigns, having one trusted partner managing the entire supply chain saves time and reduces risk.

Why Mexico Specifically

Mexico's advantages go beyond proximity. The country offers political stability, modern manufacturing infrastructure, and a skilled workforce experienced in serving U.S. quality standards. Government incentives for export industries and ongoing infrastructure improvements continue to strengthen Mexico's position as North America's manufacturing hub.

With electronics manufacturing in Mexico projected to grow from $53.2 billion in 2025 to $97.4 billion by 2031, the country is proving it can handle complex, high-value production across multiple industries.

The Bottom Line

Nearshoring print production to Mexico delivers measurable benefits: lower costs, faster delivery, reliable capacity, and reduced environmental impact. As global trade becomes more complex and unpredictable, the case for nearshoring grows stronger.

Companies that adapt their supply chains now will be better positioned for whatever comes next. Mexico isn't just an alternative to overseas production. For businesses serving North America, it's becoming the default choice.

Ready to explore nearshoring for your print needs? The time to move closer to home is now.

To find out more, contact AA Global Printing - details below or fill out our contact form.