Port of Lázaro Cárdenas Grows 13% in Container Traffic Through May 2025

Michoacán port strengthens its position as a key logistics hub on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

The Port of Lázaro Cárdenas recorded a solid 13% increase in containerized cargo volume between January and May 2025, handling a total of 1,028,156 TEUs, compared to 910,891 TEUs in the same period last year. This sustained growth reaffirms its position as one of the most efficient and competitive logistics nodes on Mexico’s Pacific corridor.

Vessel Arrivals and Modal Distribution Drive Growth

In the first five months of 2025, the port welcomed 396 container vessels, reflecting a robust level of maritime traffic and its ability to accommodate deep-draft ships. In terms of inland distribution, 75% of cargo was moved by truck, while 25% was transported by rail, illustrating a well-balanced modal strategy that enhances the resilience and flexibility of national supply chains.

Terminal Performance: TEC I Leads; TUM III Resumes Operations

Container handling was distributed across three terminals:

• TEC I, operated by Hutchison Ports LCT, handled 57.2% of total volume.
• TEC II, managed by APM Terminals, accounted for 40.3%.
• TUM III, also operated by Hutchison Ports, contributed 2.5%, following its reactivation at the end of 2024.

This distribution reflects an increasingly efficient terminal network capable of responding to the diverse needs of global shipping lines.

Balanced Flow of Imports, Exports, and Transshipment

Cargo composition remained well-distributed:

• 30% import containers
• 32% export containers
• 38% transshipment

This balance supports the port’s growing role in international logistics and reinforces its connectivity with key global trade routes.

Second in National Market Share

With 27% of Mexico’s total container cargo market, Lázaro Cárdenas ranks as the second-largest container port in the country. Its modern infrastructure, deep-water capacity, and multimodal access position it as a strategic gateway for Mexico’s foreign trade, especially in the Asia-Pacific corridor.