Manzanillo Consolidates Its Position as Mexico’s Leading Port and the Main Pacific Port in Latin America

Manzanillo continues to consolidate its position as the leading port in Mexico and the Pacific coast of Latin America. The Port of Manzanillo, the country’s main port, maintained its annual growth trend by registering in August an 8% increase in cargo movement by tonnage, including petroleum products, compared to the same month in 2024, reaching nearly 2.82 million tons.

Monthly performance and record TEUs

The port also increased container movement by 10% compared to the previous month, handling just over 346,000 TEUs—an international maritime trade measure—and setting a new historical record.

According to data from the National Port System Administration of Manzanillo (Asipona), during the first nine months of the year containerized cargo accounted for nearly three-quarters (73%) of the port’s total commercial cargo, with 14.45 million tons. The remainder consisted of mineral bulk (16%), agricultural bulk (6%), and general cargo (5%).

Of the total cargo movement, 44% corresponded to imports, 42% to exports, and 14% to transshipment activities between vessels.

Based on Asipona Manzanillo’s monthly report, from January to July containerized cargo accounted for 80% of commercial cargo, with nearly 12.61 million tons. During that period, 945 vessels arrived: 636 (67%) with container cargo; 101 with general cargo; 96 with mineral bulk; 81 with petroleum and derivatives; 24 with agricultural bulk; in addition to seven cruise ships.

Land flow and operational efficiency

In July, the port recorded the highest number of truck entries so far this year, with 111,602 units—an average of 3,600 per day. Likewise, the waiting time for cargo trucks to pick up goods at the Port of Manzanillo improved by 36% compared to the previous month.

In this context, the Manzanillo Terminals and Operators Association (ASTOM) will hold its second annual meeting at the end of the month with port and customs authorities, as well as presidents and CEOs of national and foreign companies using the port, mainly located in the Bajío industrial hubs and the Central-West corridor.

The meeting will present technological modernization and infrastructure projects for the Port of Manzanillo to address the challenges of trade expansion, nearshoring, and foreign investment in Mexico, while strengthening the port as a strategic hub for the country’s economic development.