PHOENIX, AZ (June 25, 2025) – To further strengthen economic ties between Arizona and Mexico, Arizona hosted a collaboration forum focused on semiconductor advancement on June 23-24. Held for the first time in the U.S. and Arizona, the U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum: Advancing Subnational Priorities and Strengthening Bilateral Collaboration included a welcome reception on June 23 at Phoenix City Hall, and a full-day of programming on June 24 showcasing Arizona and Mexico’s semiconductor strengths, and opportunities for further collaboration.

Forum partners include the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), the Mexican Chamber of the Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology Industry (CANIETI), the City of Phoenix, Intel, the Mexican Secretariat of Economy, the Arizona-Mexico Commission, the State of Baja California, Emtech Institute, Iberoamerican Technology Foundation, ASU,  and the U.S. Embassy Mexico City.

The Forum convened over 100 state and regional industry, government, and academic leaders in Arizona, the United States and Mexico. During the Forum, attendees discussed enhanced semiconductor collaboration opportunities, strengthening regional cooperation to advance innovation, expand supply chains, attract investment, and further collaborate on workforce development strategies.

“As the national leader in new semiconductor investment, we’re honored to host the Semiconductor Collaboration Forum with Mexico,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Arizona enjoys a long-standing and fruitful relationship with Mexico, with a shared commitment to building a more resilient, secure economy that supports job creation and North American competitiveness.”

“The U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum demonstrates the power of trusted partnerships and a shared vision across borders. BCIU is proud to support this landmark event, the first of its kind in the United States, which has brought together leaders from academia, government, and industry to strengthen North America’s semiconductor ecosystem,” said Nina Kundra, Senior Vice President, Business Council for International Understanding.

“CANIETI believes that the true strength of our region comes from the complementarity of our industries,” said Alfredo Pacheco, CEO and Executive Vice President, CANIETI. “By working together, Mexico and the United States are forging an integrated, resilient supply chain that enhances competitiveness and shared prosperity.”

“Greater Phoenix is one of America’s longest-standing semiconductor hubs, and we are emerging as North America's epicenter for the future of semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, and research excellence,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “We are at the forefront of a mega-region opportunity that builds on our bilateral partnership with Mexico, which brings assets, including vital rare-earth minerals, to strengthen shared industries in semiconductors, aerospace, advanced and electric vehicles, and microelectronics. Working together, both regions will benefit from a dynamic future, delivering good paying jobs to Phoenicians and residents throughout the region.”

“Arizona’s relationship with Mexico is one of our greatest economic strengths,” said Eva Masadiego, Executive Director, Arizona-Mexico Commission. “For more than six decades, the Arizona-Mexico Commission has championed cross-border collaboration, and today’s U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Forum is one more example of what we can achieve together. This forum reinforced the strategic importance of aligning our innovation ecosystems to create robust, secure supply chains that serve not only Arizona and Mexico, but also the broader global economy.”

“Intel, in partnership with the Mexican National Chamber for the Electronics Industry (CANIETI), is proud to champion strategic initiatives such as the U.S.-Mexico Semiconductor Collaboration Forum, recognizing its critical role in fostering innovation and resilience across the industry,” said Carlos Rebellón, Director of Government & Public Policy and Country Lead at Intel Mexico. “This forum is a powerful example of the cross-sector collaboration—among government, industry, and academia—required to accelerate technological progress and shape a robust, integrated North American semiconductor ecosystem. Together, we are fortifying supply chains, shaping the future of semiconductor innovation, unlocking meaningful economic opportunities for both Mexico and the United States.”

“Arizona and Mexico are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the ongoing global relocation of semiconductor production. We share an economy, and we can work together to promote mutual economic growth and strengthen supply chain resilience. Arizona State University, with its robust institutional partnerships in Mexico, plays a critical role in developing the workforce needed to power this semiconductor revolution. ASU is deeply committed to innovation, and the semiconductor sector is no exception,” said James O’Brien, Senior Vice President, University Affairs and Chief of Staff, Office of University Affairs, Arizona State University.

For the last six decades, the Arizona-Mexico Commission has worked to strengthen Arizona’s ties with Mexico. The state’s shared border with Mexico provides opportunities for cross-border collaboration between Arizona and Mexico, and showcases the unique region primed for international investment. Arizona’s partnership with Mexico will be showcased at the Arizona-Mexico Commission’s 66th Anniversary Summit on June 26 and 27 in Chandler.

Mexico is Arizona’s top trading partner, with Arizona exports to Mexico reaching $8.9 billion in 2024 and imports totaling $11.6 billion. Top exports to Mexico include $824 million in semiconductor and other electronic components and $968 million in computer equipment.

In addition, the ACA’s Trade and Investment Offices in Mexico serve as platforms to strengthen economic ties and expand mutually-beneficial economic and foreign direct investment opportunities between Arizona and Mexico.

Arizona is strategically located in the southwest region of the United States -  accessible within a day’s drive to Mexico. Arizona provides easy access to six ports of entry with Mexico as well as the first international air cargo hub to house both Mexican and United States customs. 

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.