Brownsville’s US$60 Billion Investments Opens Door for Mexico

The Port of Brownsville is expecting up to US$60 billion investment pipeline, set to deepen cross-border trade links, with Mexico driving cargo growth and future business opportunities.

The Port of Brownsville is poised to attract at least US$60 billion in investments over the next decade, according to port officials. The investment will allow the port to reinforce its position as one of North America’s fastest-growing industrial and logistics hubs, while creating new opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics providers on both sides of the border.

Guillermo Rico, Director of Business Development and Marketing, Port of Brownsville, told El Norte that ongoing and planned projects ranging from LNG facilities and shipbuilding operations to critical minerals processing and SpaceX-related infrastructure are expected to strengthen economic integration between Texas and northern Mexico. “All these projects will have an impact on Mexico because they will generate business opportunities,” says Rico.

LNG, Energy Projects Lead Investment Pipeline

The largest investment underway is the Rio Grande LNG project, which represents about US$36 billion in planned investment. The liquefied natural gas facility is already under construction and is expected to become one of the most significant energy projects on the US Gulf Coast.

Another major development is Texas LNG, a separate liquefaction project valued at about US$6 billion.

In addition to LNG infrastructure, the port is expected to host the proposed America First Refining project, announced by US President Donald Trump in March. The refinery would be located at the Port of Brownsville and is projected to involve an investment of about US$300 billion, according to project announcements cited by port officials.

America First Refining, promoted by Element Fuels Holdings in partnership with Reliance Industries, is expected to become the first major new US refinery built in nearly 50 years, strengthening North American energy security while creating opportunities across regional supply chains, reports MBN.

Beyond energy infrastructure, the port is also attracting investment in shipbuilding, critical minerals, metals processing, and industrial manufacturing. Rico notes that about 18 projects in development are expected to generate roughly US$20 billion in investment during the next five years alone.

Among the announced developments is “Port Alpha,” a next-generation shipyard being developed by Saronic with an estimated investment of US$3.2 billion. Port officials also indicated that additional shipbuilding announcements are expected this month, including one involving a Turkish industrial group.

Mexico Drives Cargo Growth

Port officials emphasized that Mexico remains the primary engine behind Brownsville’s cargo growth. Total cargo throughput increased from 11 million t in 2020 to 28 million t in 2024, and volumes are projected to reach between 30 million and 32 million t by the end of 2026.

According to Rico, increased movement of steel and aluminum linked to Mexican industry has played a major role in that growth. “This is happening mainly because of Mexico, as both steel and aluminum movements have grown significantly,” he says.

Brownsville’s bonded facilities allow cargo to enter without immediately paying tariffs or duties, making the port an attractive gateway for products ultimately destined for Mexico. This growth reflects the port’s increasingly strategic role within North American supply chains. Brownsville serves as a multimodal logistics hub connecting maritime transport, rail networks, highways, and industrial corridors serving northern Mexico.

SpaceX Expansion Strengthens Regional Ecosystem

Another significant driver of future growth is the continued expansion of SpaceX’s Starbase operation in nearby Boca Chica. The port receives launch towers, tanks, and other large aerospace components shipped from Cape Canaveral before being transported to Starbase.

Port officials are also negotiating a lease agreement that would allow SpaceX to build its own dedicated dock within the Port of Brownsville and establish a direct connection to Starbase operations, say port officials.

The expansion of SpaceX’s activities is expected to create additional demand for logistics services, engineering capabilities, industrial suppliers, and specialized transportation providers throughout the region, including companies operating in Mexico.