Port of Lazaro Cardenas Emerges as Automotive Logistics Hub

The Port of Lazaro Cardenas, located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, continues to solidify its reputation as a logistical powerhouse in the region. As nearshoring gains momentum, the port has been focusing on improving its operations and services, making it a top choice for companies attracted to Mexico's manufacturing sector. 

Admiral Jorge Luis Cruz, General Director, National Port Administration System (ASIPONA) Lazaro Cardenas, says that the port is committed to enhancing logistics and security to meet the needs of businesses arriving in the country due to nearshoring. 

During the 12th Business Meeting of the Lazaro Cardenas Port Community held in Queretaro, Cruz said that the Logistic Corridor linking Guanajuato and Queretaro contributed to the port's success. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining strategic partnerships with Guanajuato Puerto Interior and the Queretaro Intermodal Terminal to ensure efficient services in the Bajío region and attract new investments. "The relationship between Lazaro Cardenas and the Logistic Corridor is symbiotic; it enhances our efficiency and global connectivity,” says Cruz. He underscored the port's role as a bridge between Mexico's industrial heartland and the markets of Asia and North America. 

The meeting was attended by Governor of Michoacan Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla and Luis Lozano Olivares, President, Toyota Motor Mexico. The meeting showcased the port's dedication to innovation and growth, cementing its position as a driving force in Mexico's economic landscape.

The Isla de la Palma is also contributing to the region’s business growth. "The Isla de la Palma will become a hotspot for specialized clusters in sectors like automotive and metal-mechanics, serving as an ideal platform for nearshoring initiatives," says Cruz.

The port's efficiency has earned it the top spot among Latin American ports and a respectable 43rd position globally in the Global Container Port Performance Index, according to ASIPONA. In the first half of 2023, the port handled 13.08 million t of cargo.

The automotive industry has proven essential to the port's success. With a growth rate of 40% in 2022, the port established a new record by handling over 646,000 automotive units. This trend has continued into 2023, with about 360,000 units being moved in 1H23.

To ensure swift cargo clearance, the port has integrated advanced technology for transparent cargo tracking. This move has streamlined operations and fostered efficient, cost-effective logistics.