APIMEX: Mexican suppliers. Changes and challenges
Since March 2026, Mauricio Ruiz Campos has served as president of the Association of Industrial Supplier Companies of Mexico (APIMEX), which was known as ANPIC until 2015.
“The name change,” Ruiz Campos explained, “was prompted by the diversification of our members' production into other industrial sectors (such as automotive, aerospace, logistics, healthcare and textiles), expanding our scope beyond the footwear and leather goods industry. However, the name ANPIC was retained to identify our well-established international trade fair.”
“APIMEX brings together Mexican suppliers of materials, components, chemicals, technology, hides and leather, although the latter sector has its own industry association, CICUR. In the technology sector, many of our members represent foreign brands and operate alongside local manufacturers.”
“In response to changes in the market, our association is closely following these new developments, and we have focused on expanding services for our members. For example, we assist with quality certifications, emphasize training in new manufacturing processes, and organize workshops and certificate programs on AI, e-commerce and marketing. We establish agreements with municipal and state authorities so that our members can gain exposure through different government platforms and access additional benefits.”
“In short, we are reinventing APIMEX so that members see value not only in exhibiting at ANPIC, but also in taking advantage of a range of services and benefits for their companies.”
“In fact, we are currently visiting the Italian trade fairs (Lineapelle and Simac Tanning Tech) to gather information and keep our members informed about upcoming developments in our industry.”
“Of our total membership, between 40 and 45% export to countries across the region and the Americas in general, with hides and leather, chemicals and adhesives among the leading product categories. At the same time, we also import materials, components and technology under a controlled and sound customs policy. We prioritize importing what we do not produce, which also offers advantages in improving our competitiveness.”
“Regarding our ANPIC trade fair, since the pandemic, when activity declined globally, we have been working to restore its former scale and prestige as one of the most important exhibitions on the international calendar. Mexico is the second-largest footwear-producing country in Latin America and, as such, needs a strong and diversified supplier industry capable of meeting local and regional demand.”
“In this regard, we have launched an ambitious internationalization plan to reestablish ANPIC as an international center of attraction. To achieve this, we have established connections with counterpart organizations in Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Italy and other countries, with the aim of reaching mutually beneficial agreements that will allow us to expand into new markets.”
Industrial cluster integration: Concentration in León, Guanajuato.
Geographical proximity and nearshoring: Proximity to the United States and Canada allows faster response times than sourcing from Asia.
Preferential trade agreements: T-MEC and TLCUEM (with the European Union).
Skilled workforce: A tradition of craftsmanship combined with technology.
Innovation in sustainable materials: The industry is transitioning toward environmentally friendly processes and recycled and biodegradable materials.
Leather quality and reputation: A globally recognized industry.
