Governor Jim Doyle will be leading the next Wisconsin trade mission to Mexico City and Guadalajara March 6 - 11, 2005. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce will organize one-on-one appointments for Wisconsin firms seeking to expand sales of their products or services in Mexico.

As of the third quarter of this year, Mexico has become Wisconsin's #2 export market. In 2003 Wisconsin firms shipped $788 million worth of products to Mexico. In the first nine months of 2004 Wisconsin firms shipped $754 million, a 34% increase over the same period in 2003.

Over 20% of Wisconsin exports to Mexico are industrial machinery, followed by electrical machinery (19%), paper products (11%), and transportation equipment (8%). Total exports of agricultural products, including livestock, crops, and processed foods account for about seven percent (7%) of Wisconsin exports to Mexico.

The Mexican economy, after facing a recession and negative growth in 2001, has experienced sustained positive growth since then. Mexico presents opportunities for many different Wisconsin manufacturers and service providers including:

• Industrial Machinery, including Metalworking Machinery
  
• Electronic/Industrial/Manufacturing components
  
• Auto Parts (OEM and aftermarket)
  
• Consumer Goods
  
• Processed Foods
  
• Infrastructure for Retail Outlets
  
• Electrical Power Systems
  
• Food Processing and Packaging Equipment
  
• Water Resources Equipment and Services
  
• Building & Construction Materials
  
• Medical Devices
  
• Plastics and Resins
  
• Oil and Gas Field Equipment & Services
  
• Agricultural and Dairy Equipment
  
• Paper Products
  
• Mining Equipment

Traveling with the Governor during a trade mission to an important foreign market like Mexico is an incredible experience. Mission participants get access to Mexican business and government decision-makers who would not be available under other circumstances. Trade missions also frequently generate positive press in the local business community, and joining a delegation makes it easier to tackle many of the logistical issues related to international travel. Being able to use this occasion to effectively establish or expand your contacts and presence in the market makes the trip something not to pass up. Secretary of Commerce Cory L. Nettles and Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Rod Nilsestuen will accompany the Governor and will be available to assist Wisconsin firms' international sales efforts.

The Department of Commerce trade promotion office in Mexico City will arrange appointment schedules tailored to the specific needs of participating businesses. Appointment schedules will be limited to the first 15 companies that have a deposit on file. No new appointment schedule requests will be accepted after February 1.

One-on-one appointments can be arranged with:

• qualified business contacts
  
• potential agents and distributors
  
• potential customers and end-users
  
• market information specialists
  
• government officials and regulators

The mission has been scheduled to coincide with two major trade shows - TECMA, the 11th International Machine Tool Show in Mexico City and ANTAD, the annual convention of the National Retail Association of Mexico in Guadalajara. The Department of Commerce is organizing a Wisconsin pavilion at each.

To reserve a spot on the mission or to obtain additional information, contact Jennifer Winner, phone: (608) 266-0413, e-mail: jwinner@commerce.state.wi.us.

--Stanley Pfrang

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.