Why Should You Import Used CNC Machines from the USA to Mexico Before New Tariffs Increase Costs?

Why Should You Import Used CNC Machines from the USA to Mexico Before New Tariffs Increase Costs?

Mexico has been a manufacturing based economy since the late 1960s with the end of the US farm labour agreement, with a program known as the bracero program. Several manufacturing industries like automobile, electronics and aerospace have driven the county’s economy to new heights, with the automotive sector solely contributing 17.6% of the country’s manufacturing sector. For all these reasons, CNC machines have always been a product in demand in the market of Mexico as those machines help manufacturing companies in automating their tasks. 

However, the recent tariff war threats that have started between both the USA and Mexico have put pressure on every business house concerned with CNCs. The federal administration of the USA is pushing for tariffs on several products being imported into the USA from Mexico, and the Mexican government has promised to retaliate for the same. However, Mexico has not declared an official tariff rate as of 18th March 2025. Also, the USA being the home to some reputable CNC companies like Haas, Siemens, and Mazak makes it difficult for entrepreneurs to find a new exporter, and they’re left with the only option of navigating the current situation with intelligence. 

So, what should a manufacturing entrepreneur do? Start preparing? Or wait for the official declarations? We would suggest you take precautionary steps – which is importing CNC machines from the USA to Mexico before any such tariff sanctions take place, even better to go with used CNC machines. 

But why so? Let’s find out. 

Why is importing used CNC machines from the USA to Mexico before tariffs take place important for you?

Let’s dive deep into knowing how importing used CNC machines from the USA before tariffs take place can be a game changer for you – 

1. Faster availability – Standing at this time of pressure, used CNC machines offer you faster execution of the import deals. If you order new machines, the CNC machine makers may take time to develop them. Though some big companies have a large inventory, they are still going to take time to supply you with a new CNC machine depending on the features you need in them. In the case of used machines, you can just find the right machines for your company and get them delivered at the fastest. 

2. Cost Saving – New machines cost a lot. A new CNC machine can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars while used machines can be found at a substantially lower cost depending on the age, features and condition of the machine. For small and medium business owners, the price of a margin becomes a significant barrier and with looming possibilities of tariffs, the possibilities of getting a machine at a lower price are decreasing so it’s better to act fast. 

3. Access to advanced technologies – A CNC machine that’s three to four years old is going to have all the advanced technologies and if managed in the right way, the machines will give you mostly similar performance to a new machine. Businesses in the USA continuously change or upgrade their machines to keep up with the advancement of the production technology world, so you will get a vast option of used CNC machines for your needs. 

4. Minimize depreciation cost – CNC machines like any other industrial equipment face a fast depreciation of value from the day it gets purchased for the first few years of operation.  On the other hand, a used CNC will already have undergone most of its depreciation and the new buyer will not have to experience that rapid speed of price depreciation. Buyers can make the most out of their investments if they purchase a used CNC machine and then also take good care of it.

5. Reducing lead time for machine management – The lead time of machine management which includes ordering, import and installation is a significant consideration for all businesses. Purchasing a new machine increases the lead time as it takes time for the supplier to manufacture, make all arrangements and finally export. In contrast, used CNC machines are ready to be shipped with very little time needed for installation, cutting down the total lead time for your business. 

A successful business is made by predicting the future and making decisions faster and the trade future between Mexico and the USA doesn’t look that good as of now, so as an entrepreneur you should make your purchasing calls as early as possible. Purchasing the used CNC machines from Machine Station before tariffs get announced can give you best returns at least in the near future till all these tariff wars get resolved.