Port of Manzanillo surpasses 1 million TEUs in Q1 2026, setting new record

The Port of Manzanillo reached a new historic milestone in containerized cargo movement during the first quarter of 2026, surpassing 1 million TEUs. This performance consolidates its position as Mexico’s leading commercial port and one of the most important logistics hubs in Latin America.

According to the monthly operational report from the National Port System Administration of Manzanillo, a total of 1,007,594 TEUs were handled between January and March. This figure represents a 2.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and sets a record for a first quarter across Mexican ports.

The result reflects the port’s operational strength amid growing foreign trade activity and increasing demand for more efficient logistics services. Container movement in Manzanillo remains a key indicator of the country’s trade performance, as it concentrates a significant share of maritime import and export operations.

Exports drive growth at the Port of Manzanillo

During the reported period, 45% of containerized cargo corresponded to exports, a segment that recorded a 9.1% increase. Imports accounted for 41% of total cargo and experienced a slight decline of 1.1%, while transshipment operations represented 14% of the total and decreased by 3.9%.

The growth in exports reinforces Manzanillo’s strategic role as a platform for shipping Mexican goods to international markets, particularly at a time when supply chains require greater port capacity and connectivity.

Cargo diversification strengthens logistics operations

Containerized cargo accounted for three-quarters of the total commercial cargo handled at the port, maintaining its position as the terminal’s primary logistics activity. This segment is complemented by other cargo categories that continue to strengthen Manzanillo’s operational diversification.

Mineral bulk represented 14% of total cargo movement, driven mainly by products such as iron ore pellets, copper concentrate, and urea for fertilizers. Agricultural bulk contributed 7%, including commodities such as soybeans, oat seeds, wheat, and barley.

General cargo accounted for the remaining 4%, including machinery, steel products and derivatives, large fertilizer bags, and tractor-trailers, highlighting the port’s role in handling industrial inputs and capital goods.

This performance reinforces the importance of the Port of Manzanillo within Mexico’s logistics system, particularly as the country seeks to expand its capacity in response to the reconfiguration of global supply chains and the growth of maritime trade.

The new quarterly record also underscores the need to continue expanding port infrastructure and strengthening operational efficiency at strategic terminals, as foreign trade dynamics demand greater capacity, improved inland connectivity, and faster turnaround times.