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What’s New This Week

Good morning, As we close out 2024, the forces shaping the next year are already in motion, from seismic shifts in global trade to the transformative power of AI and the rising influence of key communities. The future isn’t waiting—it’s here, and it’s changing fast. Are you ready to see what’s coming?

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The Quick Courier

Trade Winds

Navigating the IMMEX Shift: Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Manufacturers

A tectonic shift is underway in the world of cross-border trade, and it’s one that could reshape the economic landscape for manufacturers on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexico’s recent restrictions on apparel imports under the IMMEX program aim to close loopholes that have long been exploited to circumvent tariffs on Chinese goods. While the move has caused ripples of uncertainty across the logistics and 3PL sectors, it also presents a unique window of opportunity for U.S. manufacturers to reclaim their competitive edge. But with opportunity comes complexity—how businesses navigate this new terrain could determine the future of North American trade.

Power Move

What Do People Think Will Happen in 2025?

As we close 2024, a recent Ipsos survey offers fascinating insights into global expectations for 2025. From rising temperatures to AI reshaping the workforce, these predictions highlight challenges and opportunities. But what do they mean for North America, especially for the border and U.S.-Mexico relationship?

Latino Growth and Influence

Latinos are shaping the future of North America. With over 40 million Mexican-Americans driving the U.S. economy and a growing middle class in Mexico, this demographic is central to addressing shared challenges. Their leadership and innovation can help the U.S. and Mexico collaborate on critical issues like trade, technology, and environmental solutions.

Climate and Collaboration

Eighty percent of global respondents predict rising temperatures, and 72 percent expect more extreme weather in 2025. North America faces shared environmental risks, but also opportunities. By expanding cross-border clean energy projects and water management efforts, the U.S. and Mexico can model effective climate collaboration. Business and community leadership will be essential, especially as public skepticism about government action persists.

AI and Workforce Transformation

Concerns about AI replacing jobs (65 percent of respondents) are real, but 43 percent believe AI will also create new roles. North America has the chance to lead in AI-driven industries, but this requires bold investments in reskilling workers and fostering bilingual, cross-border tech education to maintain a competitive edge.

Economic Pressures

With nearly 80 percent of respondents expecting prices to rise faster than incomes, the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship is crucial. Cross-border supply chain efficiencies and nearshoring trends can help stabilize prices and drive growth. Latino communities, often hardest hit by inflation, stand to benefit from policies that prioritize affordability and opportunity.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, the U.S. and Mexico must work together to rise above global uncertainty. By leveraging shared strengths and the growing influence of Latino communities, North America can lead in trade, innovation, and social progress—turning challenges into opportunities.

What do you think? I read your comments.

The Border Buzz

Preparing Border Regions for the Workforce of the Future

As 2025 approaches, border regions like Nogales, Sonora, and Arizona are poised to become hubs for economic growth, driven by cross-border collaboration and workforce development. With industries like semiconductors booming, the future demands a new approach to education and training.

Semiconductors as a Catalyst

Arizona’s rise as a global semiconductor hub, with giants like TSMC and Intel, creates a ripple effect for Mexican communities. Mexico can complement this growth with skilled labor, components, and logistical support, driving cross-border economic success.

The Need for Trade Education

To meet the demands of tomorrow, we must invest in:

• Bilingual technical training: Equipping workers with skills to excel in advanced manufacturing.

• AI-based curriculum development: Preparing for the rise of automation and new technologies.

• Cross-border internships: Building real-world experience and fostering collaboration.

A Model for Global Success

Aligning education, government, and private industry will make border regions innovation leaders. By focusing on talent development, the U.S. and Mexico can turn challenges into opportunities, ensuring a resilient and thriving workforce for the future.

Border regions are more than trade corridors—they’re the foundation for shared success. Investing in people and partnerships today will define North America’s economic future.

Power Poll

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