How CH Robinson is Responding to US-Mexico Nearshoring

CH Robinson is expanding its North American cross-border operations, adding more than 450,000 square feet of warehousing and cross-docking space in El Paso, Texas, which lifts its total footprint on the US–Mexico border to more than two million square feet. This larger network supports an environment in which trade between the United States and Mexico grows and where companies want dependable cross-border solutions.

The expansion takes shape at a time when Chihuahua, across from El Paso, is Mexico’s top export state. Chihuahua reached US$47.551bn in export value in Q2 2025, a 35.7% rise over the same period in 2024.

Mexico’s manufacturing exports rise by 13.5% year-over-year, with high-tech products leading the country’s export categories. Chihuahua sits at the centre of this trend, especially in computer and communication equipment manufacturing. High-tech manufacturing needs a strong logistics base and the company now positions itself to support that base.

Jay Cornmesser, Vice President for Mexico cross-border services at CH Robinson, says: "We continue to see El Paso emerge as a vital gateway for not just high-tech freight, but also automotive, medical devices and healthcare products."

He adds that Juárez, located across the border, holds a large maquiladora manufacturing base. A maquiladora is a factory in Mexico that imports materials duty-free, assembles goods, then returns those goods for export.

Jay explains: "Our expansion in El Paso is a direct response to the evolving needs of our customers in today’s dynamic trade landscape."

Nearshoring trends push demand for logistics

Companies from many sectors are moving operations into Mexico as nearshoring – shifting production closer to the end market to shorten supply chains – grows.

Many firms that enter Mexico for the first time require end-to-end support to manage the country’s specific logistics rules, infrastructure and customs environment. This applies to upstart tech firms, food and beverage companies and automotive manufacturers that want simple, predictable shipping, storage and cross-border clearance.

Jay says: "For example, we’re currently supporting a fast-growing SMB food and beverage company based in Europe as they expand into Mexico to better serve the North American market.

"As they made the jump to expand, they needed a partner who could handle everything—customs, warehousing, multi-modal transportation, technology, and AI solutions. They needed an error-proof program that mitigated any potential for missteps that would cost time and money. That’s where C.H. Robinson excels. Our strategic growth at the border is designed to provide the agility and scalability that fast-moving industries require.

"By leveraging our integrated logistics capabilities, companies can streamline their supply chains and stay compliant as they adapt to new shipping, storage, and trade regulations."

The El Paso development fits with the company’s growth in Laredo, the top US–Mexico port. Together these locations create a supply chain network designed to stay responsive as trade patterns shift and as more companies want production inside North America.

Michael Castagnetto, President of North American Surface Transportation at CH Robinson, adds: "Our customers are navigating a landscape where agility is everything. With 35 years of proven expertise in Mexico, boots on the ground, AI-driven solutions and two million square feet of strategically located facilities on the border, we set the standard for end-to-end service.

"We’re not just reacting to change—we’re anticipating it, ensuring our customers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market."

Trade policy shapes the environment

The political setting around US–Mexico trade in 2025 shapes demand for border logistics.

The United States is still pursuing the "Fair and Reciprocal Plan on Trade," which focuses on reciprocal tariffs and tougher positions on goods from partners without free trade agreements, especially China. Goods from Mexico stay largely exempt due to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, known as USMCA.

Both countries have raised tariffs on Chinese imports to push nearshoring and protect domestic production, which moves more manufacturing into Mexico and lifts the need for border capacity.

US–Mexico talks now link security, migration controls and trade access. New arrangements ask Mexico to take on border security and drug trafficking measures in exchange for tariff relief and continued free trade access. About 84% of US–Mexico trade remains tariff-free under USMCA rules, yet migration and fentanyl issues influence the political climate. This pushes companies to look for supply chain security and border processes that stay quick.

CH Robinson’s expansion is therefore a response to political expectations, wider security priorities and pressure for a resilient North American production base.