The future of North American industry increasingly depends on reliable energy supplies, modern infrastructure and closer economic cooperation between neighbouring countries. As manufacturing becomes more technologically advanced and artificial intelligence creates additional demand for electricity, the relationship between the United States and Mexico has taken on greater significance.
Glenn Hamer, Vice President of the American Society of Mexico, has highlighted the opportunities available to both countries through stronger energy partnerships and more resilient industrial supply chains. In commentary published in October 2026, he examined Mexico’s reliance on American natural gas and proposed measures intended to improve energy security across the region.
His observations followed research published by the Instituto de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales (INEESH) and the American Society of Mexico, examining the extent of Mexico’s dependence on natural gas imports from the United States.
Hamer’s recommendations extend beyond energy production, addressing infrastructure investment, international trade, manufacturing and the growing requirements of technology companies. Together, they present a vision of North America as a more closely connected and economically competitive region.
The Importance of Reliable Energy Supplies
Energy availability influences almost every aspect of modern economic activity. Manufacturers depend on electricity to operate machinery, technology companies require power for computing infrastructure, and businesses across numerous industries rely on dependable energy to maintain daily operations.
For Mexico, natural gas imported from the United States has become an essential resource.
American pipeline gas exports to Mexico have increased considerably since 2010, when volumes were below one billion cubic feet per day. During the early months of 2026, average exports reached approximately 6.77 billion cubic feet per day.
The figures increased further during the summer, with exports reaching around 7.9 billion cubic feet per day in August, according to data highlighted in Hamer’s commentary.
American natural gas now accounts for approximately three-quarters of Mexico’s total natural gas supply, while gas-fired generation provides around 60% of the country’s electricity.
These figures demonstrate the importance of the established relationship between American energy producers and Mexican consumers.
For the United States, Mexico represents a substantial export market. For Mexico, access to American natural gas provides an important source of fuel for electricity generation and industrial development.
Glenn Hamer has emphasised that maintaining this relationship, while improving the infrastructure supporting it, could benefit businesses throughout North America.
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Energy Infrastructure
Although cross-border energy trade provides considerable advantages, dependence on imported supplies also creates potential challenges.
A disruption affecting pipelines or other infrastructure can reduce the availability of natural gas, creating difficulties for electricity producers and industrial customers.
This vulnerability became apparent during a pipeline interruption between 29 September and 4 October 2026, when gas flows into Mexico were reduced by approximately 20%.
Mexico managed the disruption, but the incident demonstrated the importance of preparing for unexpected interruptions.
One concern identified by Hamer involves the country’s limited domestic natural gas storage capacity.
He referenced comments from the director of Mexico’s Centro Nacional de Control del Gas Natural, indicating that the country could manage only around three days if imports were completely interrupted.
For an economy heavily dependent on natural gas, this presents an important infrastructure challenge.
Hamer has proposed developing additional storage facilities within Mexico, alongside arrangements that would provide Mexican buyers with access to designated American storage capacity.
Such measures could improve flexibility and provide additional protection against temporary supply disruptions.
They could also help businesses plan with greater confidence, particularly in industries where interruptions to electricity or gas supplies can have substantial operational consequences.
Expanding Cross-Border Energy Connections
Improving energy security requires more than increasing the amount of natural gas available.
The infrastructure used to transport and distribute energy is equally important, particularly as industrial and technological demand continues to develop.
Glenn Hamer has advocated expanding cross-border pipeline connections between the United States and Mexico.
Additional capacity could support future demand while providing greater flexibility within the existing energy network.
He has also recommended strengthening electricity connections between the two countries.
Cross-border electricity infrastructure can support cooperation between neighbouring energy systems, creating opportunities to manage supply and demand more effectively.
Hamer’s proposals also include investment in solar generation and battery storage along the border.
These technologies could complement established energy resources and contribute to a more flexible electricity network.
Battery storage is particularly relevant because it can retain electricity for use when generation and consumption do not coincide.
For businesses considering major investments, the availability of dependable infrastructure is an important factor.
Factories, logistics facilities and technology operations all require reliable energy supplies to maintain productivity.
By improving connections between American and Mexican energy systems, both countries could create additional opportunities for industrial development.
Supporting Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Manufacturing
The growing adoption of artificial intelligence is introducing new requirements for energy infrastructure.
AI systems rely on substantial computing capacity, with data centres requiring dependable electricity supplies, cooling equipment and communications networks.
As investment in artificial intelligence continues, access to reliable energy is becoming an increasingly important consideration for technology companies.
Hamer has connected these developments with the wider importance of North American energy cooperation.
A dependable regional energy system could support the construction and operation of new computing facilities while helping established manufacturers adopt increasingly sophisticated technologies.
Advanced manufacturing also depends on reliable electricity and access to specialist components.
Businesses producing electronics, industrial machinery and other technology-related products frequently operate through international supply chains.
The relationship between energy availability and technological development is therefore becoming increasingly significant.
Investment in pipelines, storage facilities and electricity infrastructure could help provide the foundations needed for continued industrial growth.
For companies operating throughout North America, these improvements may contribute to a more attractive environment for long-term investment.
The Commercial Advantages of North American Natural Gas
The existing energy relationship between the United States and Mexico offers important economic advantages.
American natural gas has generally been available at prices considerably below some international benchmarks, providing potential cost benefits for Mexican electricity producers and industrial users.
In early October 2026, Hamer highlighted a Henry Hub benchmark price of approximately $3 per million British thermal units, compared with international benchmarks in the mid-$20s.
Although energy prices fluctuate, the comparison illustrated the competitive advantage associated with access to North American supplies at that time.
For manufacturers, energy costs can influence production expenses and investment decisions.
Access to competitively priced natural gas may therefore support industrial development while encouraging businesses to maintain operations within the region.
American energy producers also benefit from an established neighbouring market, creating commercial opportunities for companies involved in production, transportation and supporting services.
Hamer’s recommendations seek to strengthen these advantages by improving the reliability of the infrastructure connecting the two countries.
Strengthening Regional Manufacturing Partnerships
Energy security forms part of a wider discussion about North America’s industrial competitiveness.
Modern manufacturing depends on access to reliable suppliers, specialist materials and established commercial relationships.
Glenn Hamer has advocated closer cooperation between businesses operating in the United States and Mexico, particularly in industries involving advanced technology and manufacturing.
He has suggested that Mexico could increase its long-term purchases of American energy while developing supply chains that rely more heavily on North American companies and trusted international partners, including Taiwan.
The proposal reflects his preference for strengthening regional industrial relationships and reducing exposure to potential supply disruptions.
For businesses, supply chain resilience involves having dependable access to the components and materials required for production.
Companies considering new facilities must assess transport infrastructure, supplier capabilities, energy availability and commercial conditions.
Closer cooperation across these areas could create opportunities for manufacturers, technology providers and specialist service businesses.
It could also encourage investment in infrastructure supporting the movement of goods and energy throughout North America.
Trade Stability and Long-Term Investment
Another important element of Hamer’s proposals involves maintaining a stable international trading environment.
He has expressed support for a long-term extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, commonly known as USMCA.
The agreement provides a framework for trade between the three North American countries and influences commercial relationships across numerous industries.
For businesses making substantial investments, predictable trading arrangements can support long-term planning.
Energy infrastructure, manufacturing facilities and advanced technology projects often require considerable financial commitments.
Companies therefore benefit from greater confidence in the conditions affecting international trade.
Hamer has also advocated reducing or eliminating tariffs on important industrial materials, including steel and aluminium.
These materials are widely used in construction, manufacturing and infrastructure development.
Lower costs for essential inputs could potentially support investment in new facilities and equipment, depending on wider commercial circumstances.
His recommendations demonstrate how trade policy and infrastructure investment can influence one another.
A Vision for Greater North American Resilience
The concept of a stronger and more resilient North America brings together several themes from Glenn Hamer’s October 2026 commentary.
Reliable energy supplies provide a foundation for manufacturing and technological development, while modern infrastructure supports the movement of resources between neighbouring economies.
Improved natural gas storage, expanded pipelines and stronger electricity connections could help address vulnerabilities within the existing energy system.
Additional investment in renewable generation and battery storage could provide further flexibility.
At the same time, closer manufacturing relationships and stable trading arrangements may encourage businesses to invest throughout the region.
Hamer has described this approach as building a true “Fortress North America”, referring to the development of stronger regional energy, technology and manufacturing supply chains.
The objective is not simply to increase energy production, but to improve the resilience of the systems supporting economic activity.
For the United States and Mexico, the opportunity lies in building on established commercial relationships while preparing for future industrial requirements.
As artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and other technologies continue to develop, dependable infrastructure will remain essential.
Glenn Hamer’s proposals offer a perspective on how closer cooperation could help North America strengthen its economic foundations, support business investment and improve its ability to respond to future challenges.