Mexico is U.S. packaging machinery exporters’ second-largest market, accounting for more than $100 million in export sales. And, with the World Bank predicting 3.6 percent growth in GDP, Mexico’s standing as one of the top markets for U.S. exports is not likely to change.

“Mexico continues to be a strong and resilient market for U.S. exporters,” said Jorge Izquierdo, vice president of business development, PMMI. “And the marketplace is only expected to expand in the coming years as population growth creates demand.”

By 2014, food consumption in Mexico is expected to grow nearly 27 percent, and the pharmaceutical market is expected to reach US$16.4 billion, nearly twice what it was in 2009, according to PMMI research. By 2013, the Mexico packaging machinery marketplace is expected to reach US$90 billion.

“This is a country where our members need to have a presence,” Izquierdo added. “And PMMI is committed to making sure that happens.”

PMMI’s Latin America office with the support of the U.S. Commercial Service will be offering members two excellent opportunities to explore the market via a webinar and trade mission in 2011.

Webinar: Packaging Machinery in Mexico: The Buyer’s Point of View

For several years, PMMI has conducted Vision 2015 focus groups with packaging machinery buyers at the PACK EXPO trade shows. The goal is to determine what packaging machinery customers see as issues and trends for the near future.

Last year, PMMI extended the program, taking the high-level focus groups to Mexico to create Vision 2015 Mexico, a comprehensive look at the wants and needs of the growing packaging industry customer base in Latin America.

“Vision 2015 Mexico is an indispensable tool for understanding the major areas of opportunity in the Mexican marketplace,” Izquierdo noted. “It’s the voice of customers in an important international market, and it’s information exporters will need when they look to expand their revenue streams.”

On Feb. 10, 2011 at 2 to 3 p.m. EST, PMMI will present a webinar with Mexico trade experts from Hanhausen & Doménech Consultores, S.C, who partnered with PMMI to develop Vision 2015 Mexico,  and the International Trade Administration to review highlights from Vision 2015 Mexico and take questions about the Mexico marketplace. The one-hour webinar is open to all packaging professionals.

Trade Mission to Mexico: Open Doors in Latin America

In addition to being the world’s second largest importer of U.S. packaging machinery, Mexico was also recently noted as an ideal entry point for doing business in The Americas by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“As a region with a stable government, primed for growth, Mexico is certainly a great market by itself,” Izquierdo said. “But Latin America as a whole is a region full of developing nations and developing economies.”

Mexico will also host the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Tradewinds Forum for Mexico and the Americas. The event will run April 6-9 in Mexico City, and be followed by a trade mission (April 9-12) featuring business to business meetings with Mexican firms in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Tijuana, as well as consultations with Commercial Service Senior Commercial Officers from all over Latin America.

Interested parties can learn more at buyusa.gov.

“The Tradewinds Forum and the trade mission are going to be great opportunities to find growth opportunities in Mexico,” noted Izquierdo. “But it might not be for everyone, which is why PMMI’s Mexico City office is open year-round, to help members find opportunities that fit their timelines.”

Located in Mexico City, PMMI’s Latin America office offers these services … Members looking to make their mark on Mexico and Latin America are encouraged to contact Latin America office director Jose Martinez year-round: Latina@pmmi.org or phone number goes here.