In recent years, U.S. technology policies have undergone significant changes, directly impacting the global Information Technology (IT) industry. These modifications have created challenges and opportunities for companies and professionals in the sector, who must adapt to an increasingly regulated and competitive environment.
Impact on Mexico
Mexico has become a key player in the reconfiguration of the technology sector as a result of new U.S. policies. Restrictions on exports and technology controls have increased the demand for local manufacturing, driving the development of nearshoring in the region. Tech companies have begun relocating parts of their production and software development to Mexico to avoid the tariffs and trade barriers imposed by the U.S. on China.
According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), nearshoring in Mexico could represent a growth opportunity of more than $35 billion annually in exports, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and software. Multinational companies like Tesla, Intel, and Oracle have announced expansions in Mexico to take advantage of proximity to the U.S. and the tax incentives promoted by the Mexican government.
Another relevant impact is the increasing integration of Mexican talent into the global technology industry. U.S. immigration restrictions, particularly the 30% reduction in H-1B visas, have led companies like Google and Microsoft to expand their development centers in cities like Guadalajara and Monterrey, where they find highly skilled engineers and developers at competitive costs. According to the Mexican Association of the Information Technology Industry (AMITI), the demand for tech talent in Mexico has grown by 20% over the past two years, representing a significant opportunity for professionals in the sector.
Export Restrictions and Technology Controls
Restrictions on the export of advanced technology have directly affected Mexico in various areas. Under the current U.S. administration, controls over the export of semiconductors, specialized software, and artificial intelligence have impacted the operations of Mexican companies that depend on U.S.-developed components and tools. This has created uncertainty in sectors such as electronic manufacturing and software development.
In 2023, the ban on the sale of advanced Nvidia and AMD chips to China had an indirect effect on Mexico, as several manufacturing companies established in the country depend on the global supply chain. According to the National Chamber of the Electronics, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Industry (CANIETI), the Mexican IT industry has had to diversify its suppliers and foster local innovation to reduce dependence on U.S. inputs.
Additionally, immigration restrictions have complicated technological collaboration between both countries. The reduction in H-1B visas has limited the mobility of Mexican engineers to the U.S., prompting tech companies to establish more operations in Mexico instead of relocating talent. While this has created opportunities in the country, it also presents challenges in training and retaining qualified professionals.
Impact of Tariffs on Technology and Tech Talent Nearshoring
U.S. trade policies have led to an increase in tariffs on imported tech products, directly affecting companies that rely on manufacturing in Asia. In 2023, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on certain electronic components from China, increasing production costs for companies like Apple, Dell, and HP. This situation has led many companies to reconsider their supply chains and seek alternatives in regions such as Mexico and Southeast Asia.
Nearshoring has gained relevance in response to these restrictions. U.S. companies are relocating their manufacturing and technology development operations to nearby countries like Mexico and Canada to reduce costs and bypass high tariffs. According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), nearshoring in Latin America could generate more than $78 billion in additional exports in the coming years, with the technology sector as one of the primary beneficiaries.
In terms of talent, hiring tech professionals has been affected by immigration restrictions and stricter visa policies. The shortage of talent in the U.S. has driven companies like Tesla, Intel, and Oracle to open development centers in Mexico and Latin America, where they can access highly skilled engineers at lower costs. This trend has been supported by regional governments, which have implemented tax incentives and specialized training programs to attract foreign investment.
According to a report by consulting firm Gartner, 65% of U.S. tech companies are exploring hybrid work models that combine local talent with remote teams in countries with fewer regulatory barriers. This has led to greater integration between the labor markets of Latin America and the U.S., redefining hiring and collaboration dynamics in the tech industry.
Impact on Cybersecurity and Data Protection
New regulations have strengthened cybersecurity and data protection standards. The 2023 Cybersecurity Act mandates that all companies handling critical information must implement strict protection measures, with penalties reaching up to $50 million for non-compliance. This regulatory framework has increased operational costs for tech companies, which must now invest more in security infrastructure and compliance.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has noted that “the balance between security and agility is increasingly complex,” reflecting industry concerns about bureaucracy and additional costs generated by these regulations. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its cybersecurity standards, requiring companies to implement new protocols for data protection in cloud and enterprise networks.
Influence on Talent and Labor Mobility
Immigration policies have significantly restricted the entry of foreign talent into the U.S. tech sector. In 2023, the 30% reduction in H-1B visas affected thousands of highly skilled professionals, creating an engineer shortage at companies like Amazon and Apple. A report by the National Foundation for American Policy indicates that these restrictions could cost the U.S. economy up to $100 billion over the next decade.
Countries like Canada and Germany have taken advantage of this situation to attract tech talent, offering more flexible immigration processes and tax incentives for foreign companies. In response, several tech firms have started relocating development teams to these countries to mitigate the impact of U.S. immigration restrictions.
Challenges for International Companies
Companies operating in the U.S. face additional challenges due to tax changes and competition regulations. Apple and Meta have reevaluated their strategies to reduce dependence on the U.S. market. According to Bloomberg, 45% of U.S.-based tech companies are exploring options to relocate certain operations to more favorable markets, such as India and Mexico.
Tech manufacturing companies have also been affected by regulations. The CHIPS Act, passed in 2022, provides incentives for local semiconductor production but prohibits companies receiving these funds from making significant investments in China for the next 10 years. This has led companies like Intel and TSMC to reconsider their expansion plans in Asia and invest more in plants in Arizona and Texas.
Conclusion
Export restrictions, technology controls, and U.S. immigration policies are transforming the technology sector landscape. While these measures aim to protect competitiveness and national security, they have also created ripple effects that impact businesses, professionals, and the global economy. In Mexico, these policies have opened opportunities in tech manufacturing, foreign investment, and talent hiring, but they also present challenges in infrastructure and workforce training. The fragmentation of the semiconductor market, talent shortages, and rising compliance costs are challenges that will shape the industry’s future. As affected countries respond with their own strategies, the global tech ecosystem could undergo a profound reconfiguration in the coming years.
