Mexican handicrafts are a way in which we express our cultural identity. Among Mexicans we are surprised by the creativity and the impetus with which they are created. Foreigners are fascinated by the folklore and vivid colors of these items full of history.
In this publication we will explain some of the matters to be taken into account when exporting handicraft products abroad.
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It is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of each handicraft. This is due to the fact that in International Trade each product must be classified according to its characteristics: materials, uses, etc. within what is known as tariff fractions.
The second is to consider the characteristics of the market and the facilities that exist to enter. To know the characteristics of the market, we recommend evaluating the awareness that exists about Mexican culture, since this will make the purchase of Mexican handicrafts more favorable.
In terms of facilities, the various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) must be evaluated. Although they are not 100% essential to be able to export, they do provide competitive advantages by not being subject to tariffs that will raise prices for the end consumer.
Mexico has signed multiple FTA's, some examples are the TMEC, with the United States and Canada. With the European Union, the EU-Mexico FTA.With Latin America, the Pacific Alliance.With the Asia-Pacific region, the TIPAT..
As previously mentioned, it is very important to consider the physical characteristics of each product. If it may be perishable, it must have a special treatment. If they are made of wood, for example, some countries will require special treatments as they may pose risks such as pests.
The most relevant is to find a balance between 1) the purchasing preferences/trends of the people in the markets under consideration, 2) the logistical difficulties of the product to be exported and 3) the ease of entering the market through the different FTAs.
The following examples are given in order to highlight the previously described balance point, as well as the importance of not diversifying efforts in different types of Mexican handicrafts.
The following are some of the handicrafts with more presence in the country and potential abroad. The idea is also to emphasize the importance of knowing the differences regarding the materials with which they are made and their uses.
These typical Puebla handicrafts are used for decorative purposes or as tableware.
It has a denomination of origin, which means that it can be called Talavera only when it is made in the towns of Cholula, Atlixco and Tecali de Herrera in Puebla.
Its boom occurred in the colonial period between 1650 and 1750 when Puebla was known as the most important pottery center of New Spain (today Mexico). The blue colors were an influence of the Chinese ceramics of the Ming dynasty, art that came to New Spain from the Philippines, which was another Spanish colony.
As of today, six colors are allowed: blue, yellow, black, green, orange and pale purple.
Let's remember that Talavera is a "handmade" product with these characteristics, which has an added value but competes with similar products that are mass-produced due to their industrialized processes.
Because of its unique and complex production process, its cost is up to three times higher than any other ceramic piece!
According to data from the Ministry of Economy, products with these characteristics are attractive in the markets of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Brazil and the Netherlands.
Tariff Fraction: 6912.00.01
Description: Ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles, other than porcelain or china.
Thus, the main exporters and importers of products with these characteristics are:
Mexico exports mainly to the United States, an amount equivalent to USD$22.8 million, to Canada USD$1.5 million and to the United Kingdom USD$0.25 million.
The increasing trend in the use of handmade blouses embroidered by women from indigenous communities is evident. Its appeal lies in the empowerment of women, the distinctive characteristics from community to community across Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz, Yucatan and more.
Data from the Ministry of Economy indicate the most attractive markets for garments of these characteristics (which are not necessarily handmade). These are the United States, Germany, Japan, France, United Kingdom and Brazil.
The tariff fraction and therefore the requirements will depend largely on the material it is made of, e.g. cotton, silk, wool, synthetic or natural fibers, etc. In this example we will use cotton.
Tariff Fraction: 610610
Description: clothing and accessories, knitted and crocheted. Shirts, blouses and shirt blouses, knitted, for women or girls, cotton.
Mexico exports these products mainly to the United States for an amount equivalent to USD$3.43 million, to Canada for USD$.19 million, to the United Kingdom for USD$.14 million and to Japan for USD$.14 million.
Figures of different vibrant colors that are constructed by combining physiognomic elements of different animals. At first they were made of cardboard, but with the passage of time they began to be made of wood due to the durability of the material.
Since their creation, they have been exhibited through cultural events. Their most recent promotion has been after the Disney movie, Coco, in which they are creatures that guide and protect the deceased in the underworld.
Tariff Fraction: 442010
Description: Wood; statuettes and other wooden ornaments.
The main export opportunities for products with these characteristics, such as alebrijes, are in the Netherlands, France, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Most of the sales of products with these characteristics are concentrated in the U.S. market for an amount equivalent to USD$1.99 million, Canada USD$0.03 million, Germany USD$0.02 million, Italy USD$0.02 million and Japan USD$0.02 million.
In the middle of the 16th century, the first silver mines began to be exploited in Mexico. These were in areas such as Zumpango or Taxco, in what is now Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Aguascalientes and Zacatecas. Currently, the states that lead this activity at a national level are Durango, Chihuahua and Sonora.
The recommended attractive markets for this type of product are the United States, Hong Kong (China), France, the United Kingdom and Italy.
Tariff Fraction: 711311
Articles of jewelry and its parts, of silver, whether or not plated or clad with other precious metal.
The main destinations for this type of Mexican products are the United States with an amount equivalent to USD$29.73 million, the United Kingdom USD$1.92 million, Colombia USD$0.78 million, Canada USD$0.78 million and Germany USD$0.54 million.
Hats
There is a growing trend in the production of Mexican hats. In many occasions they are personalized with handcrafted techniques such as ribbons or embroidery typical of different regions of the country.
Some of the most attractive countries for export are Germany, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Belize.
Fraction: 650400
Description: Hats and other headgear; braided or made by assembling strips of any material, either lined or trimmed.
The main markets for Mexican hats are the United States with a figure equivalent to USD$17.7 million, Canada USD$0.49 million, Brazil USD$0.37 million, Australia USD$0.2 million and the Netherlands USD$0.08 million.
Let us recall that all these products have handcrafted characteristics. The analysis based on tariff items reflects only the competition to which they would generally be exposed based on their characteristics. However, they have qualities that give them high added value; they are not industrialized as they are in China. In many cases, they are also related to social economy chains, which is especially attractive in markets with high purchasing power such as the United States and Europe.
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Cual seria para arte huichol?
Hola Daniel! Depende mucho de qué producto hablemos. Tenemos que considerar sus materiales y usos... Si gustas contáctanos y con mucho gusto lo abordamos!