We invite Illinois small businesses to join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities’ Office of Trade and Investment on a multi-sector trade mission to Mexico from July 14-20, 2024. Participants will receive a customized itinerary which will include one-on-one pre-vetted meetings with potential distributors and business partners.

Mexico is the 14th-largest economy in the world and has enjoyed stable economic growth since the 1990s. Mexico’s economy is expected to achieve steady levels of growth in 2023 and beyond driven by external demand and foreign investment. Last year, Illinois exported over $11 Billion to Mexico, its second largest export market. Top exports included chemicals, transportation equipment, machinery, petroleum and coal products, food products, as well as aerospace, water technologies and medical equipment.

Given Mexico’s large, diversified market, most Illinois products and services have ample market opportunities. The United States-Mexi- co-Canada Agreement (USMCA), provides additional trade-related benefits for Illinois companies. One of the key benefits for Illinois’ small businesses was raising the threshold for requiring payment of duties and taxes, benefiting those businesses just starting to export.

Close cultural, social, and economic ties make Mexico a natural market to consider for first-time exporters and those firms looking for new export markets.

Participation Details:

Companies selected to participate in the mission will receive the following, in accordance with ISTEP Program eligibility guidelines:

• Pre-scheduled meetings
• In-country briefings and networking opportunities
• 50% – 75% partial reimbursements of lodging and air costs
• Assistance with travel logistics
• Interpreting services

Participation Fee: $750

Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

For more information contact:
Chris Sedgwick, International Trade Specialist – Americas
chris.sedgwick@illinois.gov / (312) 204-9480