Mexico pulled in $21.4 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Q1 2025—its highest first-quarter total ever. The surge is largely driven by one trend: manufacturers relocating from Asia to North America. Brands are racing to shorten supply chains, reduce tariffs, and take full advantage of duty-free benefits under the USMCA.
Economists estimate that nearshoring could boost Mexico’s GDP by up to three percentage points over the next five years. And according to a recent survey, 71% of U.S. CEOs plan to re-route or expand supply chains within the hemisphere in the near future.
But one challenge remains: How do U.S. companies find and vet trustworthy Mexican manufacturers without an existing network or Spanish fluency?
That’s where NearTrade comes in.
NearTrade: The Marketplace for North American Manufacturing
NearTrade is a B2B sourcing platform built specifically for U.S. buyers seeking North American manufacturers. Unlike traditional global directories that are crowded with Asian suppliers, NearTrade is focused entirely on factories in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.
With NearTrade, sourcing teams can:
- Search by product or process – from cut-and-sew denim to CNC-machined parts
- Filter by compliance – including USMCA origin, IMMEX program, certifications, and MOQ
- Message directly – in-platform chat plus optional WhatsApp integration for real-time communication
- Share files once – spec sheets, tech packs, and NDAs are stored in a shared workspace visible to each selected supplier
Most importantly, NearTrade doesn’t charge commissions or get in the way of your transaction. Buyers work directly with factories to handle payments, samples, and production—just with better tools.
How U.S. Brands Use NearTrade to Manufacture in Mexico
Here’s what it looks like when a U.S. apparel brand shifts production to Mexico using NearTrade:
- Define the specs – A DTC fashion label needs 1,500 custom denim jackets for Fall 2026
- Search the platform – They search: “denim jackets · MOQ < 2,000 · Mexico”
- Contact manufacturers – They message two vetted factories with product details and a tech pack
- Request samples – The brand and supplier agree on pricing and shipping; NearTrade logs the sample status and tracking info
- Collaborate in real-time – Pocket design is tweaked via WhatsApp; all chats are saved to the NearTrade project thread
- Greenlight production – With samples approved and USMCA documentation squared away, the brand launches full production
The Future of Sourcing: Nearshoring Meets Digital Matchmaking
Platforms like NearTrade are reshaping the future of supply chains. What once required weeks of international travel can now be accomplished in a single afternoon online.
As Mexican manufacturing sees historic investment levels—and states compete with tax incentives and infrastructure—Nearshoring is no longer a backup plan. It’s a boardroom strategy.
Ready to explore North American manufacturing?Create a free NearTrade account, browse qualified Mexican factories, and run a test order.You might just discover that “Made Nearby” is your new competitive edge.