The largest art fair in Latin America, Zona Maco, celebrated its twenty-first edition from February 5 to 9, 2025, consolidating Mexico as an international benchmark for Latin American art. This edition, directed by Direlia Lazo, stood out for its focus on regional art, with a mix of emerging artists and established figures, both nationally and internationally.
200 art galleries participated in this edition, of which 39 exhibited for the first time, and more than 80,000 people attended the event. The fair has become a key space for art collectors and the Latin American art market, showcasing the best of the region's contemporary production.
Impact of New Tariffs on the Mexican Economy and the Art Market
On February 4, 2025, one day before the inauguration of Zona Maco 2025, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, implemented new tariffs of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, with the exception of Canadian energy. This measure represents a challenge for the Mexican economy, since, according to the Agreement between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) of 2019, most Mexican export products entered the United States without tariffs or with reduced rates.
Economic experts warn that the new tariffs will affect Mexico's economic stability and, therefore, the art market. American collectors are key in the Mexican art market, representing a significant part of sales. In 2023, art exports from Mexico to the United States reached $5.13 million, making the United States the main export destination for Mexican art.
How Will New Tariffs Affect the Art Market?
Despite fears, the new tariffs do not yet affect art exports from the European Union to the United States. However, Trump's aggressive trade stance could influence relations between Spain and the United States, which could impact the Spanish art market. In 2023, Spain exported $105 million worth of art to the United States, making this market a key pillar for Spanish galleries.
Maco Zone 2025: A Success Despite the Threat of Tariffs
Although the new tariffs are still under evaluation and have been postponed for 30 days, Zona Maco 2025 has continued to be a success. From its first day, the fair showed a dynamic and optimistic atmosphere, with outstanding sales by artists such as Roberto Gil de Montes, Leonor Antunes, Bárbara Sánchez-Kane, Gabriel Kuri, and Dr. Lakra.
The Kurimanzutto gallery, with works by artists such as Gabriel Orozco and Carlos Amorales, was one of the most visited spaces at the fair. Also of note was the Proyectos Monclova stand, which exhibited a mix of Eduardo Terrazas and Chantal Peñalosa's photographs.
One of the most important sales was that of four pieces by artist Charlie Nessy for a total of 50,000 dollars. In addition, artist Rob Woodcox, represented by Arma Gallery in Madrid, received the Erarta Prize of 100,000 dollars, consolidating the importance of the fair in the global market.
Despite the challenges that new tariffs could bring to the Mexican art market, Zona Maco 2025 remains a key event that promotes Latin American art and contributes to strengthening its international presence. The fair continues to be a meeting place for collectors, gallery owners and artists, and its success underlines the resilience of the art market in Latin America.
blog, art fair
February 11, 2025