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Overview
Mexico has the second largest education system in Latin America, with around 5.5 million students enrolled in university. As the Mexican economy becomes increasingly internationalised, English language acquisition is widely seen as an investment linked to improved employment prospects and higher income. The UK is the second most popular English-speaking destination for Mexican students, underpinning the strength of the English Language Training (ELT) market.
In Mexico, the wage gap between workers with and without upper secondary education is higher than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, at 19%. At the same time, only 2% of 25 to 34-year-olds hold a master’s degree or equivalent, compared with an OECD average of 16%. This highlights both strong economic incentives to pursue further education and a significant shortfall in access to advanced and postgraduate opportunities, driving demand for flexible pathways, skills development, and higher-level qualifications.
The educational technology (EdTech) sector is a growing area of opportunity for international providers. UK businesses are well positioned to offer science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning platforms, as well as distance-learning tools that support and enhance teaching delivery.
The UK’s free trade agreements (FTAs) with Mexico support the provision of education services both online and in person, helping UK providers expand their reach. These agreements also reflect the UK government’s commitment to open, rules-based trade and to building international partnerships that support growth, resilience and competitiveness.
Trade agreements with Mexico
The UK has 2 free trade agreements (FTAs) with Mexico:
- the UK-Mexico Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) which entered into force on 1 June 2021
- the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement including 12 countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the UK and Vietnam), which entered into force between the UK and Mexico on 22 June 2026
The UK-Mexico TCA should be read in conjunction with the following Parliamentary report as certain elements therein have undergone slight changes to adapt the existing agreement to the UK outside the EU.
The UK-Mexico TCA will remain in force alongside CPTPP. At times, you will need to specify which agreement you choose to trade under (notably when applying rules of origin), but benefits from either agreement will mostly apply automatically. Our guides attempt to highlight where businesses may need to make an explicit decision.
CPTPP entry into force and ratification
As of 22 June 2026, CPTPP is in force between the UK and:
- Australia
- Brunei
- Chile
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Singapore
- Vietnam
This means that the UK can access CPTPP provisions with these countries.
Canada has have not yet ratified the terms of the UK’s accession. This means that the UK cannot yet access CPTPP provisions in this country.
This guidance will be updated following the remaining country's ratification of the terms of the UK’s accession to CPTPP and will include when CPTPP will enter in force between the UK and the relevant remaining country.
Opportunities for UK education service suppliers in Mexico
Transnational education and partnership
Opportunities exist for UK education providers through transnational education and institutional partnerships, driven by demand for internationally recognised qualifications and skills aligned with labour market needs. UK universities are well placed to collaborate on joint programmes, dual degrees, and partnerships, particularly where they can offer flexible delivery, industry relevant curricula, and long-term capacity building.
English Language Training (ELT)
Demand for English language training remains high, driven by the need for English proficiency in business, higher education, and global mobility. As international integration and foreign investment increase, English skills are seen as essential for workforce competitiveness. UK providers are well positioned to supply high-quality ELT through teaching, curriculum development, teacher training, and digital solutions, particularly where delivery is scalable, accessible and outcomes focused.
Technical and Vocational English Training (TVET-linked ELT)
Beyond general English provision, vocational and technical English training has been intentionally explored in Mexico by public institutions and industry, given its link to employability and workforce productivity. Efforts have included equipping students and employees with sector-relevant language skills, supported by the wage premium associated with English proficiency. UK providers are well positioned to contribute, with several already offering specialised solutions tailored to technical and vocational contexts.
EdTech and digital learning solutions
Digital transformation is creating opportunities in the education sector, driving demand for EdTech and digital learning solutions that improve access, flexibility and quality. Interest is growing in online and blended learning platforms, assessment tools, and learning analytics to address capacity and access challenges. UK companies are entering the market with scalable, easy-to-integrate solutions that demonstrate measurable learning outcomes.
Relevant CPTPP provisions for UK businesses
Exporting physical goods
You may be able to export goods tariff free under the UK’s FTAs with Mexico. To access preferential tariffs, UK goods exported to Mexico must meet relevant rules of origin. Having 2 FTAs means UK businesses can select the agreement that most benefits their products, for example the agreement with the lowest preferential tariff.
Under the UK-Mexico FTA, EU inputs may qualify as originating for exports to Mexico. Under CPTPP, you can use inputs from all other CPTPP member countries to count towards the rules of origin thresholds for ‘originating’ in the UK. For example, a book that was made in Malaysia, bound and packaged in the UK and then exported to Mexico, may qualify for tariff-free access.
For information on preferential tariffs under either of these agreements, see our Mexico Tariff and Customs guide.
For information on qualifying for preferential tariffs under either of these agreements, see our Mexico Rules of Origin guide.
If you are importing goods from Mexico, you can use the Trade Tariff Look-up tool on GOV.UK to find the current list of goods and duty rates. There is also a step-by-step guide on how to import on GOV.UK.
Providing services
Under CPTPP, when you provide services in Mexico you should be treated on a level playing field to Mexican businesses, meaning you will operate under the same rules as Mexican competitors. You are not required to have a business presence in Mexico, such as a subsidiary or branch office, to provide services. This allows, for example, a UK business to provide online classes to customers in Mexico, without being excluded for being UK-based.
Providers must be aware of authorisations required and are encouraged to visit Mexico’s schedule related to cross-border trade in services under CPTPP for specific measures related to the education industry.
Aligned with CPTPP, the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Higher Education Awards, Titles, Diplomas and Academic Degrees between Mexico and the UK support opportunities for UK agencies to provide training and development services in Mexico.
Foreign online platforms providing services to users in Mexico are required to pay a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT), in line with the taxation of goods and services provided in-country. This tax applies to services such as online courses, tests and exercises. As in other sectors, for British online education businesses operating in Mexico, compliance with these tax rules is essential for legal and efficient operations.
Easier business travel
Temporary entry provisions in FTAs support the temporary movement of professionals to deliver services, negotiate the sale of goods, and invest in businesses in person.
The UK’s FTAs help provide greater certainty and access for the temporary movement of highly skilled professionals between countries. These benefits give business people more options and flexibility for business travel, as well as often allowing them longer periods of stay in other countries to carry out business activities. By way of example, under CPTPP, a lecturer employed by a UK university being transferred to a branch in Mexico can now stay for up to 4 years accompanied by their spouse.
For further information on the provisions in the FTAs for working in Mexico please see our Mexico Temporary entry explainer. Entry to Mexico is subject to applicants meeting the relevant immigration requirements set out by Mexico. For full details on visa requirements and applications, visit the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Investment
The UK and Mexico have a strong existing investment relationship. In 2021 the outward stock of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the UK in Mexico was £11.5 billion, and inward stock of FDI in the UK from Mexico was £16.3 billion. Mexico sits in the top 10 foreign investment recipients in the world.
Mexico's investment climate is enhanced by its location as a strategic gateway to both the USA and Canada and the rest of Latin America. The Mexican government has taken steps to create an open and secure environment for foreign investors and offers incentives to encourage investment such as special economic zones.
The UK and Mexico have a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and joining CPTPP will secure further investment liberalisation commitments from Mexico. Mexico’s market access offer also represents a significant improvement on the status quo for UK investors and will help to build on the existing relationship between the UK and Mexico.
For educational services, favourable resolution from the National Commission on Foreign Investment (Comisión Nacional de Inversiones Extranjeras, CNIE) is required for investors of another CPTPP member or their investments to own, directly or indirectly, more than 49% of the ownership interest in an enterprise established or to be established in the territory of Mexico that provides pre-school, primary, secondary, high school, higher and combined private educational services. For further information, see Mexico’s Annex to Chapter 10 of CPTPP.
Opportunities for digital trading
Electronic authentication and electronic signatures
Electronic signatures and electronic authentication increase trust in e-commerce by helping to verify that transactions, and the people behind them, are genuine. Strengthening the legal validity of electronic signatures provides greater confidence that transactions can be concluded through electronic means.
By using electronic signatures and/or electronic authentication, you can complete transactions in a matter of minutes regardless of where your counterpart is, reducing costs and simplifying processes.
CPTPP ensures that electronic signatures are considered valid by all CPTPP countries, and individuals and businesses can confidently use them.
However, CPTPP countries might impose specific criteria regarding electronic signatures, including some circumstances where electronic signatures are not accepted. You should check local regulations for more information.
You have the freedom to determine the best way of authenticating your transaction. However, for some transaction categories, there can be specific requirements.
CPTPP provides a number of reassurances and facilitations when you trade. In the education space, if you provide cross-border services you do not face customs duties on content that is transmitted digitally between the 12 CPTPP members.
Personal data
CPTPP also ensures individuals’ personal data is protected when their information is being transferred across borders. Having guarantees that personal and business data is protected facilitates trade and fosters trust between you and your consumers.
Data flows
In addition, all CPTPP members are committed to allowing trusted data to move flow freely between members without unjustified restrictions. They are committed to not imposing unjustified data localisation requirements (where data is required to be stored in a specific country) or unjustified server localisation requirements (where a business is required to establish facilities in a specific country).
This means you do not have to bear additional costs associated with storing or processing data overseas, nor do you have to set up or rent new facilities in another country.
Supporting your export journey
Doing business in Mexico
Mexico has a population of around 131 million people, making it one of the largest consumer and labour markets in the world. In economic terms, Mexico is one of the world’s largest economies – it ranks around 15th globally and second in Latin America and the Caribbean. This scale, combined with a large industrial base and strong domestic demand, makes Mexico an important market for international business opportunities.
From a business culture perspective, Mexico is generally considered a high-context culture, where successful communication and outcomes depend on relationships. Communication tends to be relatively formal, especially in first meetings and when engaging with senior counterparts, with clear respect for hierarchy and titles.
Face-to-face interaction remains especially important for building trust, strengthening relationships, and moving commercial conversations forward. While virtual engagement is common, in-person meetings are still highly valued in many sectors and can play a decisive role in establishing credibility and long-term partnerships.
In relation to the existing trade relationship, Mexico is the UK’s 39th largest export market. Total UK exports to Mexico amounted to £3.7 billion in the 4 quarters to the end of Quarter 4 2025.
For the latest statistics on trade between the UK and Mexico, see Mexico’s trade and investment factsheet.
Department for Business and Trade support
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade agreements, and champions free trade. Helpful links, tools and services available from DBT and wider government include:
Export Support Service (ESS) team
Get support on how to do business abroad. Businesses in Wales can also access support from Business Wales.
Export Support Service – International Markets (ESS-IM)
DBT's overseas in-market export support service for SMEs with high-export potential. Our International Market Advisers provide tailored support and market introduction information to new and current UK exporters looking to enter or expand into new markets. The service may be accessed globally with International Markets teams in South Asia, China, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, North America and Latin America.
Sign up to access webinars on how to grow your international sales.
Information on finance and insurance for UK exports.
Trade and investment factsheets
The latest statistics on trade and investment between the UK and individual overseas partners.
Overseas business risk profiles
Information for UK businesses on political, economic and security risks when trading overseas.
Advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.
Check or report a trade barrier
If you encounter an issue when exporting to any country – report the issue and UK government officials will be able to assess the issue and consider the options we have open to addressing it as appropriate.
Search for your specific product to find applicable tariffs for each market, explore rules of origin and step-by-step help on customs procedures.
Check import duties and allows you to check the status of available tariff rate quotas.
Useful resources
To find out more about export opportunities to Mexico, please consult DBT’s market guide. This page will also help you understand more about business culture in Mexico, and links to existing trade barriers with this market.
Prior to export, you must be aware of local regulations and import conditions in Mexico that apply to your goods or services. This can include tax considerations, labour laws, intellectual property rules, labelling and packaging regulations, among others.
For further information related to local regulations, business culture, or to find a local lawyer, translator, importer or distributor, use the following contacts:
- DBT’s Export Support Service International Markets team
- get in touch with DBT at the local British Embassy
- get in touch with the British Chamber of Commerce in Mexico
For information on political, economic and security risks when trading with Mexico, see:
Legal disclaimer
This document is provided as an information guide only and should not be relied on as a substitute for your own research or independent advice.
No investment and/or business decision should be made solely on the basis of information presented in this document. It is recommended that an independent due diligence investigation is conducted before entering into engagement with any individual, business or other organisation mentioned.
The Department for Business and Trade accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to any person as result of any error, omission, inaccurate or misleading statement in this document.
The accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content of any website mentioned in this document is not guaranteed in any way, implied or explicit.
