Manufacturing Drives Mexico’s Top 5 Exporting States

In the second quarter of 2025, the value of exports from Mexican states reached USD 146.98 billion, representing an annual growth of 5.2%. The five leading exporting states were Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Baja California, and Jalisco, which together contributed 56% of the national total, consolidating these entities as the core of Mexico’s foreign trade.

Chihuahua topped the list with USD 26.23 billion and a 17.8% share, followed by Coahuila with USD 17.73 billion (12.1%), Nuevo León with USD 14.47 billion (9.8%), Baja California with USD 13.63 billion (9.3%), and Jalisco with USD 10.25 billion (7.0%).

Performance by state

Growth was most notable in Chihuahua, which rose 43.2% year-on-year, and Jalisco, which advanced 40.9%. Nuevo León showed moderate growth of 5.0%, while Coahuila remained practically stable with 0.4%. Baja California recorded a contraction of 5.1%, linked to adjustments in electronics manufacturing.

When adding Tamaulipas, with a 6.6% share, the six most significant entities accounted for 62.6% of the country’s total exports, highlighting the strategic importance of the northern region and the Bajío industrial corridor.

Key sectors

Manufacturing consolidated its role as the engine of Mexico’s export economy, contributing 92.3% of the national total and posting annual growth of 7.2%. In contrast, agricultural activities grew 5.2% from a smaller base, mining fell 15.6%, and oil and derivatives declined 11.5%.

The top five states concentrated their strength in the automotive, auto parts, electrical-electronics, machinery, and transportation equipment industries—sectors that ensure productive linkages with domestic suppliers and capitalize on the benefits of the USMCA.

Although not in the top five, noteworthy performers included Quintana Roo (50.7%), Zacatecas (37.1%), and Colima (23.3%), reflecting regional diversification and the relevance of sectors such as mining, agribusiness, and port logistics.

The export leadership of the top five states generates spillover effects on employment, investment attraction, and the strengthening of local supply chains. However, the report indicates that managing logistics, energy, and water costs will be critical to sustaining competitiveness. Moreover, the trend toward electrification, digitalization, and nearshoring reinforces the need to consolidate infrastructure and specialized human capital in these states.