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Article 3 - Volume 35/1 - 2025

Paper title:

Spatial analysis of multimodal connectivity in Mexico to identify strategic states for nearshoring

Author(s):

Lizbeth TOVAR1

1 Faculty of Geography, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Mexico

Pages:

24 - 40

Publishing date:

18 June 2025

Abstract:

Nearshoring is a strategic approach that allows companies to establish operations close to their consumer markets, offering a key opportunity for Mexico given its geographic location, skilled workforce, and trade agreements with North America. This strategy helps businesses reduce costs, improve supply chain resilience, and enhance operational efficiency by relocating production or services to closer locations. Infrastructure plays a crucial role in nearshoring, as efficient connectivity between roads, railways, ports, airports, and intermodal terminals is essential for logistics and transportation. This research evaluates multimodal connectivity in Mexico using geographic information systems (GIS) to identify the states best positioned for nearshoring operations. The methodology consists of two stages: the first includes a comprehensive literature review and data collection, while the second focuses on spatial data analysis by applying the concepts of location, distribution, accessibility, and spatial association. The results determine multimodal connectivity levels across Mexican states and identify those with the highest potential, advantages, or challenges for nearshoring development and investment.

Keywords:

Nearshoring, multimodal freight transport, spatial analysis, connectivity, geographic information systems