At the AIAG Customs & Trade Virtual Event: Mexico/US Customs Overview, March 11, 2026, the automotive industry’s leading minds on North American customs and trade will provide updates on everything from Mexico customs reform and SAT audits to how CTPAT minimizes risk, commentary on geopolitics and trade, and recent amendments to customs provisions for IMMEX operations.
Speakers Agustin Izquierdo and Gianluca Romano will focus on key changes in Mexico customs reform and the practical impacts for automotive manufacturers and suppliers. There have been several changes announced in recent months, including duty rate increases and changes to important duty deferral programs.
With more than 25 years of global executive experience across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Romano has led large-scale expansions, operational transformations, and cross-border regulatory strategies for multinational organizations. He is the co-founder, CEO, and leading instructor of the Trade Compliance Executive Program.
“All importers and exporters need to remain nimble in their ability to react to rapidly changing rules and regulations,” notes Romano. “Given the high materiality of duties on their financial health, AIAG members need to be proactive in preparing for unexpected changes. This requires strong visibility of internal data and the automation to accelerate decision making and analysis.”
During their morning joint presentation, Izquierdo will focus on increased enforcement; greater emphasis on data consistency across customs systems; and stricter expectations around documentation, traceability, and internal controls.
“These changes move compliance from a transactional exercise to a system- and process-driven obligation,” says Izquierdo, leader of GIC Corporativo Aduanal, and a customs broker and international trade executive with over 30 years of experience in U.S.-Mexico cross-border trade. He previously served as customs manager at General Motors Mexico.
Of course, automotive importers and exporters are still adjusting and analyzing how tariffs are impacting their operations. “Tariffs are intensifying scrutiny at the border, particularly around origin, valuation, and classification,” says Izquierdo. “This has led to longer review times, more frequent questions from authorities, and higher operational risk when data or documentation is inconsistent.”
Romano is also presenting a joint session in the afternoon with Jeremy Page on geopolitics and trade that includes a regional overview. Page is a founding partner of the international trade law firm Page•Fura, P.C., and has nearly 40 years’ experience in import, export, and supply chain security. Their session will provide a summary of changes to the North American region including thoughts on the renegotiation of the USMCA FTA, the U.S. Supreme Court case on retaliatory duties, and trade policy developments from Washington.
“If the Supreme Court rules against the administration on the IEEPA duties, the administration is expected to propose new duties under a different authority,” Romano says. “This would result in possible refunds of past duties paid and a pivot to comply with the new duties.”
Izquierdo believes the most challenging issue for automotive companies is managing compliance proactively in a more restrictive and enforcement-driven environment. “Our presentation helps companies prepare by identifying high-risk areas and outlining practical steps to strengthen controls, reduce exposure, and remain audit-ready,” he says.
“2026 will remain a volatile year in trade and customs,” Romano predicts. “As is often said, the only constant is change.”
Register for this high-value virtual event today.