Reynosa industry leaders urge binational action as 2026 USMCA review looms

By Anayancy Ulloa

REYNOSA, Tamaulipas — With the 2026 review of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) less than a year away, manufacturing and government leaders in Reynosa are urging both nations to safeguard the trade stability that underpins the Rio Grande Valley’s economy.

At Foro Index Reynosa 2025, held last week, hundreds of maquiladora executives, suppliers, and officials gathered to discuss how Mexico’s northern industrial belt can stay competitive amid tariff uncertainty and rising labor pressures. 

The forum, organized by Index Reynosa, is considered one of the most influential meetings for the border manufacturing sector.

“Every meeting like this represents much more than a work agenda — it’s an opportunity to share experiences, identify challenges, and find ways to collaborate between companies, suppliers, and authorities,” said Alfredo Guajardo, president of Index Reynosa.

Reynosa’s resilience

Reynosa Mayor Carlos Peña Ortiz credited the city’s maquiladora sector for driving Tamaulipas’ lead in job creation and foreign investment, calling it a “pillar” of border development.

“Reynosa has become an example of steady and resilient growth,” Peña Ortiz said. “Events like this reflect our city’s capacity to generate employment, attract investment, and remain at the forefront of industrial competitiveness.”

Mauricio Treviño, the city’s secretary of economic development, said Reynosa continues to post strong hiring and investment figures despite global supply-chain strain. He noted the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) recently ranked Reynosa second nationwide for market efficiency — up from fifth place last year.

“Investment has continued to arrive, with strong employment numbers and a solid job offer,” Treviño said. “Reynosa has proven to have an enviable economic resilience compared to any other municipality in Mexico.”

Preparing for new trade pressures

Industry representatives cautioned that continued growth depends on keeping trade policies stable as the USMCA review approaches.

“The end of 2025 still brings many challenges — but also opportunities,” said Jesús González, vice president of Index Reynosa. “If new tariffs or taxes are imposed, we’ll need to redouble our efforts to maintain our position against other markets.”

González said sustained collaboration between Mexico and the United States will be crucial to protect industrial corridors like Reynosa–Pharr, which together handle billions in annual trade and employ tens of thousands of workers in advanced manufacturing.