Can you introduce ANAFAPYT?

AZ: We represent about 80% of the national paint and coatings industry in Mexico. Annual sales of our members amount to 9,754 million Mexican pesos and represent about 7.24% of the total annual production of the chemical sector. Specifically, we represent about 229 companies that employ over 12,000 people. The market in Mexico is large, with a per capita consumption of 9.22 liters. In terms of global scale, I consider the Mexican industry to be medium-sized.

Today, ANAFAPYT is considered the mouthpiece of the national paint and coatings industry. We are mediators between the industry and the government, as well as the various associations of the sector. We are responsible for finding appropriate responses to the needs of the industry in terms of supply chains, standards, and permits for the use of regulated substances that are critical to the industry. ANAFAPYT represents the interests of the industry in the face of excessive government regulation.

What do you consider the top revenue-generating areas in the industry?

FM: The industry is broad and diversified, and demand trends vary by sector. In general, however, we have seen an increase in demand for paints and coatings during the pandemic, because many people have decided to renovate their properties. Infrastructure work has only recently been reactivated. In the automotive sector, there has been growth despite the shortage of microchips. In coatings, demand grew exponentially because print production increased during the pandemic. In general, the industry has remained active.

AZ: One of the most remarkable aspects of the industry is that, unlike most other industries, there have been no company closures, and ANAFAPYT has even increased its number of partners.

What is the relationship between ANAFAPYT and the government?

AZ: Our relationship with the government is mainly through the chambers and associations. We are a politically neutral association that tries to build positive relationships with the public sector, intending to create beneficial agreements for our partners and the industry in general.

FM: ANAFAPYT proactively participates in the regulatory process of the sector through COTENNAREC (Technical Committee for National Standardization of Paints, Barnes, Coatings, and Inks for Printing). COTENNAREC is a space for technical consensus where the needs of the industry are represented. There are several working groups, each representing a different standard. These groups meet with the Ministry of Economy and study the draft laws regarding the industry, and we represent the manufacturers there.

Can you talk about LACS and upcoming events?

FM: The event grew from 2,700 square meters to 7,500 square meters and we broke attendance records, with more than 7,000 visitors. We had exhibitors from all over the world. Mexico is starting to position itself as an attractive market for foreign investment. We had two panel discussions: a sustainability panel, in which the general director of Norms participated, and an economic reactivation panel, in which the presidents of CANACINTRA, CONCAMIT, ANIQ, and SEDECO participated. Numerous manufacturers and suppliers were able to close deals and contracts during the event. In 2022, we also held technical workshops in Monterrey, an event focused on intensive training for workers that was attended by 330 technicians, with a record turnout.

In 2023 we will repeat the technical workshops in Monterrey, and we will host the ANAFAPYT Convention, which has not been held since 2019, where we will mainly discuss the international trade relations of the industry. We will also celebrate Earth Day on April 27 and host the first Female Industry Leaders Panel, which reflects the fact that number of women in the industry has increased significantly.

AZ: The Female Industry Leaders Panel is a very important event. We aim to provide space for women in the industry to contribute and share their perspectives on all the boards and commissions of ANAFAPYT.

What are the main objectives of ANAFAPYT in 2023?

FM: One of the main goals of ANAFAPYT is to increase service standards. We are expanding representation services, and we want to collaborate with other industries to create more business opportunities. At the 2022 LACS congress we generated business for suppliers, now we want to expand opportunities for manufacturers with the 2023 ANAFAPYT Convention. We aim to ensure that more people work with us and are aware of us in the different chambers and organizations of the industry.