ABIMAQ survey finds 67% of participating companies consider their technologies internationally competitive

November, 9, 2026 - As Mexico seeks to strengthen its industrial capacity and attract manufacturing relocation projects, 15 Brazilian machinery and equipment manufacturers will participate in Plastimagen 2026, taking place November 10–13 in Mexico City, to pursue business opportunities in the plastics processing industry. The companies are participating through Brazil Machinery Solutions, a program carried out by ABIMAQ (Brazilian Machinery Builders' Association) in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), which promotes Brazilian capital goods exports and connects manufacturers with international buyers and distributors.

According to a study by ApexBrasil, Mexico is seeking to expand its manufacturing capacity through Plan México, an initiative aimed at strengthening domestic industrial supply chains while expanding industrial parks, railways and logistics corridors. These efforts are taking place as the country attracts manufacturing relocation projects, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries, which use plastic components and materials in various production processes. This environment could encourage investment in plastics processing equipment.

At Plastimagen 2026, the Brazilian delegation will comprise 15 companies participating in Brazil Machinery Solutions: Carnevalli, Controlplast, Corona Machines, Golden Fix, Lakatos, Mega Steel, Multi Blow, Novaflexo, Polimáquinas, Projedata, Pronatec, Reinaflex, Rulli Standard, Seibt and Vemax. The companies operate in areas including extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, flexographic printing, plastics converting and recycling. They also provide industrial automation solutions, auxiliary equipment, molds and industrial management systems.

Brazilian technology

To compete for supply opportunities in the Mexican market, Brazilian manufacturers are highlighting their technological and commercial capabilities. According to a survey conducted by ABIMAQ among companies participating in Plastimagen, 67% consider their technologies internationally competitive. Equipment durability, application engineering and customer relationships were among the attributes most highly rated by the companies.

Patrícia Gomes, Executive Director of Foreign Trade at ABIMAQ, believes Mexico's current manufacturing environment could create opportunities for Brazilian suppliers, depending on which industrial activities are established or expanded in the country.

"We need to identify which stages of production will take place locally and where there will be demand for new equipment," Gomes said.

The companies pursuing these opportunities vary in their level of international trade activity. ABIMAQ data show that 53% of the Brazilian participants generate annual export revenues of up to BRL 5 million, while others operate at higher levels, including companies with overseas sales exceeding BRL 100 million. At Plastimagen, this diversity will allow the Brazil Pavilion to bring together suppliers with different commercial profiles, all seeking to identify business opportunities in Mexico's industrial sector.

Mexican market

Mexico's importance as a trading partner for Brazil's machinery and equipment industry is also reflected in export figures. The country ranked as the sixth-largest destination for Brazilian machinery and equipment exports in the first half of 2026, with shipments totaling US$267.63 million.

Plastimagen provides an opportunity to connect with buyers seeking solutions for the plastics industry. Held every 18 months, the trade show brought together 870 exhibiting companies, more than 1,600 brands and representatives from 27 countries in 2025, with 14 countries organizing national pavilions. That edition attracted more than 28,000 visitors, including manufacturers, distributors, systems integrators and professionals involved in industrial equipment procurement.

Among visitors to the previous edition, more than 40% identified themselves as directors, senior executives or business owners, while 57% reported specifically seeking machinery, equipment and solutions for plastics processing. For the participating Brazilian companies, this visitor profile offers opportunities to engage directly with investment decision-makers and develop business prospects in the Mexican market.