Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and its metropolitan area the third-largest in the United States with almost 10 million people. Nearly 30% of its residents are Hispanic, and the vast majority are of Mexican descent.
The impact of the Mexican community and strong cultural ties in the region promote business relationships between Mexico and the U.S.
The dominant industries in Chicago are Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific & Technical Services, and Educational Services.
Over 130 Chicago-area companies are in Mexico, including Baxter, Groupon, Hyatt, Illinois Tool Works, Ingredion, McDonald’s, Motorola Solutions, and United Continental. There are also many Mexican companies with a presence in greater Chicago, including Amtex Chemical, Cemex, Bimbo, and Famsa.
The total trade in 2016 between Chicago and Mexico was 21.2 Billion dollars. The main import categories from Mexico to Illinois are electrical machinery, beer and spirits, machinery parts, vehicles and parts, optic instruments and plastics. The main export categories from Illinois to Mexico are electrical machinery, machinery parts, vehicles and parts, plastics and optic instruments.
Chicago and Mexico City have a Sister City relationship.
