Italy and Mexico enjoy strong, continuously growing bilateral relations grounded in over 150 years of formal diplomatic ties. As key members of the G20, the two nations share robust economic cooperation, with Mexico serving as Italy’s top export destination in the Americas outside of the United States. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Trade and Investment

• Major Market: Mexico is Italy’s leading trading partner in Latin America. Bilateral trade frequently surpasses $7 billion USD annually, with industrial machinery, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals leading Italian exports to Mexico. [1, 2, 3]
• Market Diversification: Facing shifting international trade policies, both nations actively prioritize economic diversification. Italy has designated Mexico as a priority country to bolster strategic integration. [1, 2, 3]
• EU-Mexico Agreement: Economic ties are set to expand further with the Modernised Global Agreement between the European Union and Mexico, which facilitates greater tariff elimination across sectors. [1, 2]

Political and Cultural Cooperation

• Cultural Heritage: The two countries collaborate closely on the protection and recovery of cultural artifacts, such as the high-profile repatriation of pre-Hispanic archaeological pieces intercepted in Italy.[1]
• Historical Ties: Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1874. The nations share deep historical and social links, including significant Italian migration to various Mexican states (e.g., Veracruz, Michoacán) dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. [1, 2]
• Connectivity: Direct commercial flights, including routes between Rome and Mexico City, continue to facilitate business, diplomacy, and a strong tourism exchange. [1]