Pritzker leads Illinois trade mission to Mexico to boost economic ties

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Gov. JB Pritzker will lead an Illinois trade expedition to Mexico in an effort to strengthen economic ties.

“Illinois is a prime destination for businesses seeking to invest and grow in the U.S. market. Our state’s forward-thinking policies, coupled with our rich natural resources, skilled workforce, and world-class infrastructure, make it an ideal place for companies to thrive,” said Pritzker. “As we embark on this trade mission to Mexico, we are excited to further strengthen our economic ties and showcase the many advantages that Illinois offers to businesses in North America and around the world.”

The trip will focus on areas such as agriculture, food processing, finance and manufacturing, the Governor’s Office said Friday.

Illinois opened an office in Mexico in 1989 and passed initiatives such as the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program.

Mexico is Illinois’ second largest export market, with chemicals, agricultural products, and machinery among the top trade products. Additionally, Mexico is Illinois’ third largest import market, for beverages, transportation equipment, and electronics.

ComEd president Gill Quiniones, Nicor Gas president Wendell Dallas, and Northern Illinois University President Lisa Freeman, are among the dozens of Illinois representatives accompanying Pritzker on the trip.

Last year, Pritzker made trips to Canada and Japan.

This comes as President Donald Trump has signaled he would put a 25% tariff on goods made outside the U.S., including Mexico.

Trump has said the tariffs are to force the U.S. neighbor to step up its fight against fentanyl trafficking and stop illegal immigration. But Trump has also indicated that he wants to eliminate the Americas’ trade imbalances as well and push more factories to relocate to the United States.