Panel : US-Mexico: Trade, Tariffs, and Immigration with Arizona's Most Strategic Partner

Description: The Mexican-American commercial relationship is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, driven by deep economic integration and the USMCA. Our panelists explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities in cross-border trade, supply chains, nearshoring, and investment flows. The conversation will discuss regulatory updates, trade facilitation, and the evolving economic landscape, providing insights for businesses navigating this critical bilateral partnership. 

Description: The Mexican-American commercial relationship is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, driven by deep economic integration and the USMCA. Our panelists explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities in cross-border trade, supply chains, nearshoring, and investment flows. The conversation will discuss regulatory updates, trade facilitation, and the evolving economic landscape, providing insights for businesses navigating this critical bilateral partnership. 

Panelist: 

• Caleb Rhodes- This speaker has extensive experience leading ACA’s international strategy for trade and foreign direct investment, including the agency’s offices in Mexico City and other key locations. Their insights into Arizona’s role in international trade would be valuable in the context of NAFTA and USMCA’s evolution and their implications for the U.S.-Mexico relationship.
• Consult General of Mexico in Phoenix Jorge Mendoza Yescas- The Consul General of Mexico in Phoenix, Arizona, a role he has held since 2019 after being appointed by the President of Mexico and ratified by the Mexican Senate. With an extensive consular career, he has served in various diplomatic positions across North America, including assignments in Vancouver, Presidio, and Tucson. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Sul Ross State University in Texas and a Law degree from the Universidad de Sonora, with expertise in migration, binational affairs, and U.S. politics.
• Christina Mercado-Gonzalez - She is an experienced marketing and advertising professional with a strong background in corporate, agency, and beverage industry roles, specializing in the U.S. Hispanic and multicultural consumer markets. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Native American/ American Indian/Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiian Business Development Center (NABEDC) at the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, previously holding leadership positions at Comerica Bank and Creative + Cultural. Christina holds a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Arizona