Mexico has rapidly integrated with the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure in the United States through the growth of its technology exports. However, the country still participates mainly in assembly and integration stages, while a limited portion of the value generated remains within the national economy.
The relevance of the phenomenon goes beyond the increase in outward shipments. For AI to become a sustainable productive advantage, Mexico will need to develop local suppliers, design capabilities, specialized services, and business operations capable of turning technological investment into measurable results.
Export growth shows a concrete opportunity
UBS's latest report notes that Mexican technology exports are the fastest-growing component within the country's manufacturing base. This progress is related to US investment in AI infrastructure, diversification of Asian supply chains, and preferential access to the U.S. market.
Areas with expansion potential include electronics components manufacturing, cooling and energy systems, testing and packaging, as well as other specialized industrial inputs. Mexico does not need to concentrate the entire high-end semiconductor supply chain to reap benefits; it can also strengthen the capabilities that are already being installed in the country.
Dependence on imported inputs limits national value
The main obstacle lies in the composition of production. UBS estimates that more than 95% of inputs used in computer and electronics manufacturing are imported, compared with around 70% in the automotive industry.
This dependency reduces domestic content, limits the multiplier effect on employment, and decreases demand that remains in the Mexican economy. Therefore, the next step is not only to attract more assembly lines but to build a local network of suppliers, talent, technology services, and more specialized processes.
The revision of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement can also influence the evolution of this industry. Trade rules and regional integration will be relevant to define how flows of components, equipment, data, and services linked to AI are coordinated.
From infrastructure to operational value
The challenge also affects Mexican companies. The expansion of data centers and computing equipment creates opportunities, but the economic impact will depend on whether organizations can adopt technology, centralize information, and turn automation into repeatable improvements in sales, customer service, inventories, and productivity.
At Onix Board we help companies move from isolated initiatives to more connected operations via multichannel conversational automation, unified inbox, ecommerce management, AI-assisted support, and analytics dashboards by flow and channel. This approach allows starting with concrete cases, establishing indicators, and evaluating results before scaling an implementation.
Mexico already holds a relevant position within the North American tech value chain. The outcome of this opportunity will depend on its ability to move from assembly to a deeper participation, with higher domestic content, specialized suppliers, and companies capable of capturing value through efficient digital processes.