Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
As U.S.–Mexico trade grows more complex, companies are under pressure to keep up with shifting regulations, rising compliance risks, and evolving supply chain demands. Enter CIC Competitive Industrial Center, Servicios Aduaneros Integrales—a new venture built to simplify that complexity through a fully integrated, binational model.
Led by Jorge Torres, widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry and principal at Interlink Trade Services, CIC combines deep expertise with a strategic, all-in-one service approach.
CIC was born out of necessity. As trade regulations in both the U.S. and Mexico became more dynamic—and often more restrictive—companies increasingly relied on fragmented providers, creating inefficiencies, higher costs, and compliance exposure.
CIC’s answer is integration.
With more than 30 years of combined experience, the firm brings together U.S. and Mexican customs brokerage, cross-border warehousing and transportation, trade compliance consulting, customs accounting, and training—delivered through a single, coordinated platform.
“We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Torres. “Every solution we provide is tailored to the customer.”
At its core, CIC is powered by a multidisciplinary team of customs brokers, attorneys, tax specialists, and logistics professionals—all operating under a unified strategy.
Aligning that level of expertise required more than structure—it required shared vision.
“We focused on aligning philosophy, ethics, and strategy,” Torres explains. “That’s what allows us to deliver real, cohesive solutions.”
CIC enters the market at a pivotal moment. Trade policy shifts in both countries, sweeping regulatory changes in Mexico under President Claudia Sheinbaum, and the upcoming USMCA review are reshaping the rules of engagement.
“Companies need experienced, reliable partners now more than ever,” Torres says.
Traditional cross-border operations often rely on multiple vendors, creating gaps, delays, and risks. CIC replaces that model with a streamlined, end-to-end solution and a single point of accountability.
The result: faster processes, stronger compliance, and clearer communication.
“We’re not reinventing the wheel,” Torres notes. “We’re delivering it in a smarter, more strategic way.”
By managing both U.S. and Mexican customs brokerage, CIC aligns key processes like tariff classification, valuation, and USMCA compliance—reducing errors and accelerating timelines.
Equally important, clients benefit from a single point of contact, improving coordination across the entire operation.
CIC is investing in AI-driven tools to enhance visibility and efficiency, but Torres emphasizes that technology supports—not replaces—professional judgment.
“Compliance and accountability still require human expertise,” he says.
In today’s environment, compliance is no longer optional—it’s strategic.
CIC helps clients strengthen internal controls through consulting, audits, and training, turning regulatory complexity into operational advantage. As companies face increasing scrutiny, traceability and proper documentation have become essential to avoiding penalties and unnecessary costs.
With teams on both sides of the border, CIC offers real-time understanding of cross-border dynamics—helping clients build faster, more resilient supply chains.
“It’s about knowing how both systems work together,” Torres says.
Looking ahead, Torres sees a future defined by artificial intelligence and more regionalized trade policies—both adding complexity, but also opportunity.
In that environment, companies will need more than service providers—they’ll need strategic partners.
“Today, it’s not about price,” he says. “It’s about experience, trust, and the ability to deliver solutions. That’s what CIC brings to the table.”
