Megan Richford

March 30, 2020

The global pandemic began due to the initial outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic in Wuhan, China. With no new deaths in the Hubei province for several days, one might assume that manufacturing in China will soon return to business-as-usual, ending the disruptions to the global supply chain that have affected companies in the U.S. and […]

February 5, 2020

If you travel regularly, or if you work in e-commerce or an export/import business, you have most likely encountered the phrases “Duty-Free” and “Section 321 De Minimis.” Often the terms are used offhand and interchangeably without having a clear idea of what they mean or why they were first established.  Many people are also unaware […]

December 28, 2019

In an effort to drive profits, businesses must constantly seek new avenues to improve cost savings and optimize. One of the primary ways that many companies find competitive cost advantages involves nearshoring or offshoring parts of their operation to external professionals with skilled expertise.  Naturally, you may wonder what the difference is in nearshoring vs. […]

December 9, 2019

As a business grows, evolves, and optimizes, it must seek cost-savings and competitive advantages by utilizing both internal and external economies of scale. Eventually, it reaches a point where it becomes efficient to specialize by breaking up certain processes and passing them along to other specialists who can perform them with greater expertise or at […]

November 5, 2019

In the last decade, market forces have altered the global manufacturing landscape, shifting the market share out of China’s grasp as other business havens became viable alternatives. Mexico, for example, has become an increasingly enticing option for American manufacturers seeking cheap but highly skilled labor, reduced supply chains, and clearer visibility over the entire process. […]

October 31, 2019

In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was ratified, causing an upheaval in the global trade and manufacturing landscapes. The restrictions, stipulations, and incentives within the newly minted trade deal suddenly made Mexico an attractive, cost-effective manufacturing option for American and Canadian countries. Consequentially, this foreign interest created a manufacturing resurgence and completely […]

October 9, 2019

Recent economic forecasts shine brightly on the continued growth and future of manufacturing in Mexico. Expert’s optimism for sustained growth is based on trends demonstrating an increasing share of American manufactures fleeing Asia—namely China—for Mexico, citing competitive wages, specialized workers, and the global costs of oil as deciding factors. Hearing this, you may be curious […]

September 30, 2019

Over the last two decades, Mexico has made substantial strides within the global manufacturing economy. Thanks to fluctuating market forces and changes in trade agreements, a steady tide of American manufacturers have fled China in lieu of closer proximity and friendlier business climate with their southern neighbors.  If you also are considering relocating your manufacturing […]

September 25, 2019

According to the US census, 34.8% of the United States’ imports in 2018 were from two countries: China and Mexico. Both countries are manufacturing hubs that can export goods at a reduced rate. And American businesses rely on partnerships with manufacturing plants in both countries to reduce labor, shipping, and infrastructure costs. Keeping these expenses […]

September 19, 2019

Over the last decade, there’s been a renaissance taking place of manufacturing in Mexico. Changes in free trade agreements and regulations have created an extremely friendly business climate, providing benefits such as low-cost high-skilled workers, decreased shipping costs, and greater oversight—all of which resulted in an American manufacturing diaspora from China.   Seeing this steady […]

September 9, 2019

The American economy is currently in the midst of a boom the likes of which hasn’t been seen since World War II. In early July, the U.S. broke records by hitting 121 months of growth, the longest economic expansion in the history of the country. Despite the fact that we have massive GDP growth and […]

September 8, 2019

The past decade has ushered in an era of unprecedented economic growth and development within Mexico. Viewed as an emerging market, particularly in the commodities and manufacturing sectors, it now has the 15th largest economy in the world with a 2018 GDP of $2.6 trillion. Economists suggest that the recent growth within the manufacturing sector […]

January 15, 2018

Manufacturing In Guanajuato Located in central Mexico just northwest of Mexico City, Guanajuato is currently the fastest growing state for manufacturing in Mexico. The automobile industry in Mexico is fueling the growth of Guanajuato with the opening of four new plants in Mexico in 2014 from Honda, Mazda, Volkswagen and, just to the north in […]

December 21, 2017

For over two decades, NAPS has revolutionized the administration and compliance management industry in Mexico by providing expert advice, outstanding service and effective tools to help companies successfully manufacture in Mexico.

December 11, 2017

January 2, 2017

As the manufacturing industry continually shifts to nearshoring operations in Mexico from China, the preponderance of products made in Mexico is steadily increasing. As a consumer, the first concern is whether or not the quality of the product made in Mexico is commensurate with those made in the United States and China. In addition to […]

December 19, 2016

Outsourcing and offshoring are often used synonymously, however the terms in fact have two very different meanings and implications. Outsourcing is when a company negotiates a contract with a third party to perform a specific function. When outsourcing a process or operation, it is vital to find a company or person that specializes in the […]

December 12, 2016

This content was last updated on July 17, 2019. Maquiladora Definition A Maquiladora is a factory or manufacturing operation in Mexico run by a foreign company and exporting its products to the country of that company. These factories import certain raw materials on a duty-free and tariff-free basis for manufacturing and then export the manufactured […]

November 10, 2016

  Globalization has truly changed the economic landscape, leading to diverse growth all over the world. In recent years, Mexico has become a hub for major companies, particularly those with manufacturing needs. The new factories, experienced workforce, low labor costs, and improved trade agreements—particularly NAFTA—have contributed to the growth of new businesses in Mexico. NAFTA […]