The IMMEX (Maquiladora, Manufacturing, and Export Services Industry) program was created to attract foreign investment and boost industrial competitiveness. Over time, the role of IMMEX in Aerospace has proven essential in supporting high-tech industries. By leveraging IMMEX and maquiladoras in Mexico, the country has become a key global player in aerospace manufacturing, providing companies with cost-efficient production, access to a skilled workforce, and streamlined operational processes
The advantages of the IMMEX program extend across multiple industries, strengthening both the aerospace sector and Mexico’s broader economy. A key benefit is the ability for foreign manufacturers to import raw materials and components into Mexico without immediate tax and duty payments, as long as the finished products are exported within a designated timeframe.
This incentive helps aerospace companies streamline their supply chains, lower operational costs, and reinvest in innovation and infrastructure, reinforcing Mexico’s role as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and contributing to economic development in Mexico. By lowering costs and facilitating efficient supply chain management, IMMEX strengthens Mexico’s position as a global aerospace manufacturing hub.
As a result, regions such as Baja California have emerged as prime locations for aerospace production, attracting leading international companies and fostering industrial growth. This article explores how the IMMEX program enhances manufacturing capabilities, drives industry growth, and creates new business opportunities in Mexico.
How IMMEX Benefits Aerospace Manufacturing
For aerospace companies, participating in the IMMEX program offers a competitive advantage by providing multiple benefits, including:
Tax Incentives
IMMEX allows companies to temporarily import production materials without incurring import taxes or value-added tax (VAT). This results in significant cost savings, enabling businesses to allocate more resources to innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Efficient Supply Chain Management
By streamlining customs processes and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles, IMMEX accelerates production cycles. Aerospace manufacturers can integrate imported components into final assemblies more efficiently, ensuring timely deliveries to global markets and reducing logistical bottlenecks.
Competitive Manufacturing Costs
The combination of Mexico’s high-caliber workforce and IMMEX’s tax incentives makes aerospace manufacturing in the country highly competitive. Companies benefit from their operational costs compared to other global manufacturing locations while maintaining access to advanced production capabilities. These factors make Mexico a strategic destination for starting a business, particularly in high-tech sectors like aerospace.
Baja California: A Strategic Location for Aerospace Investment
Baja California is home to one of Mexico’s strongest aerospace clusters, with a history dating back to the 1960s. Today, the state boasts over 100 aerospace companies, including major manufacturers and suppliers that serve both commercial and defense aviation markets. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce (trade.gov), Baja California’s aerospace sector employs nearly 30,000 individuals, reinforcing its strong industry presence and attracting foreign investment in Mexico.
Baja California has developed specialized expertise in several critical areas of aerospace manufacturing:
- Aerostructures and Carbon Fiber Manufacturing: The region specializes in assembling structures for small aircraft and producing high-quality carbon fiber components.
- Advanced Electronics and Avionics Systems: Aerospace manufacturers benefit from expertise in PCB assembly, avionics systems, and integrated electronic components, similar to the well-established electronics manufacturing in Mexico.
- Precision Metalworking and Special Processes: With capabilities in CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and the largest wind tunnel in Latin America, Baja California supports cutting-edge aerospace production.
By combining the benefits of the IMMEX program with these specialized capabilities, Baja California has positioned itself as a premier destination for aerospace investment. The role of IMMEX in aerospace extends beyond tax incentives; it fosters innovation, strengthens supply chains, and enables companies to meet the industry’s rigorous standards while maintaining cost efficiency.

IMMEX and Baja California’s Aerospace Manufacturing Capabilities
Baja California stands out as a premier aerospace investment destination, offering a unique combination of experience, talent, and strategic advantages. The region’s aerospace industry has flourished for over six decades, evolving into one of Mexico’s most dynamic and competitive sectors. This long-standing expertise has fostered a highly skilled workforce proficient in advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, and aerospace-specific processes. As a result, aerospace companies operating in Baja California gain access to top-tier professionals and cutting-edge production technologies, making it a prime hub for contract manufacturing solutions.
Beyond its workforce, Baja California’s proximity to the United States is a significant advantage. Cross-border trade is seamless, allowing aerospace manufacturers to efficiently transport raw materials, components, and finished products. This reduces lead times, optimizes logistics, and enhances supply chain efficiency. The region’s well-established industrial ecosystem, coupled with these logistical benefits, creates an ideal environment for aerospace companies seeking to streamline operations while maintaining high-quality standards.
Establishing aerospace operations in Mexico requires careful planning and regulatory compliance. Tijuana Economic Development Corporation (Tijuana EDC) provides aerospace manufacturers with tailored support, ensuring they maximize the benefits of the IMMEX program while navigating Mexico’s business landscape effectively.
Who wouldn’t want to establish a strong industrial foundation in a thriving aerospace sector? With Tijuana EDC’s expertise, companies can unlock opportunities for growth, innovation, and investment in Mexico’s aerospace industry, further strengthening its global manufacturing leadership.
Let’s explore the ways Tijuana EDC supports manufacturers!
How Tijuana EDC Supports Aerospace Companies
- Expert Guidance on IMMEX Compliance: Ensuring companies meet all regulatory requirements to optimize tax and cost benefits.
- Site Selection and Business Development Assistance: Helping aerospace manufacturers identify the best locations in Baja California for their operations.
- Industry Networking & Strategic Partnerships: Connecting businesses with key stakeholders, including suppliers, government agencies, and research institutions.
The IMMEX program remains a driver of growth for Mexico’s aerospace industry. Baja California’s strategic advantages—including a highly skilled workforce, proximity to the U.S., and robust aerospace supply chain—make it the ideal destination for aerospace companies looking to expand their operations. This growth is also reflected in other advanced industries such as automotive and medical device manufacturing in Mexico.
With Tijuana EDC’s expertise and support, businesses can confidently navigate IMMEX regulations and capitalize on the region’s vast opportunities in aerospace manufacturing in Mexico. Having the right expertise and experience makes a difference in ensuring compliance, optimizing cost benefits, and successfully expanding operations within this high-tech industry.
Are you ready to take the next step? What to explore the opportunities that IMMEX offers in aerospace manufacturing? Contact Tijuana EDC today to discover how your business can benefit from Mexico’s thriving aerospace industry. If you enjoyed this article, you can check out, How Are Medical Devices Regulated in Mexico? Tijuana Leads or What Are the Most Used Medical Devices? Mexico’s Key Role.