Manzanillo Port Breaks Record With 346,000 TEUs in August

The Port of Manzanillo set a new record in August 2025 by handling 346,257 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), underscoring its role as Mexico’s top gateway for Asian trade. The milestone reflects growing confidence among importers and exporters, reinforcing Manzanillo’s position as the country’s busiest container port.

Growth Momentum

According to the National Port System Administration Manzanillo (ASIPONA), containerized cargo accounted for 73% of all commercial cargo moved in the first nine months of the year, totaling 14.4Mt. Bulk mineral cargo followed with 16%, agricultural bulk with 6%, and general cargo with 5%. Of the total cargo movements, 44% corresponded to imports, 42% to exports, and 14% to transshipment activities between vessels

So far in 2025, the port has already processed 2.54 million TEUs and is on track to approach 4 million TEUs by year’s end. This trend aligns with Manzanillo’s long-standing growth trajectory, maintained for over 25 years.

The August record represents a 10% increase compared to July and an 8% year-over-year growth in tonnage, which reached nearly 2.82Mt, including petroleum products, says AMSTOM.

Trade Impact and Investment Pipeline

Between January and July 2025, Manzanillo generated MX$109.45 billion in trade contributions, second only to Nuevo Laredo (MX$128.22 billion) and ahead of Veracruz (MX$82.95 billion), reports MBN.

Despite its performance, Manzanillo faces growing pressure on infrastructure. Saturation risks and disruptions, such as the May 2025 incident that temporarily affected operations, highlight the need for continued expansion to avoid bottlenecks in national and international supply chains.

Authorities and private stakeholders are investing heavily in Manzanillo to meet nearshoring-driven demand and maintain competitiveness. These investments include:

• Puerto Nuevo (Cuyutlan Lagoon): MX$18.7 billion (US$1.02 billion) public investment, five new terminals with 1,500m quays and 100ha each, completion set for July 2027

• PEMEX Terminal Relocation: MX$994 million (US$54.1 million) project, 30% complete, expected by October 2027

• Specialized Container Terminals: Phase I (2025-2028) with MX$40.9 billion in private construction for Terminals 2 and 3. Phase II (2026-2030) with MX$47.6 billion for Terminals 4, 5, and 6

• San Pedrito Terminal: MX$676 million mineral terminal rehabilitation for Peña Colorada and a MX$3.04 billion (US$166 million) expansion by CONTECON Manzanillo

Industry Collaboration

Later this month, the Asociación de Terminales y Operadores de Manzanillo (ASTOM) will hold its second annual meeting with port and customs authorities, alongside executives from major domestic and international users. The agenda includes technological upgrades, infrastructure modernization, and strategies to handle nearshoring, foreign investment, and Mexico’s growing role in global supply chains.

Raymundo Morales, Head, Mexican Navy (SEMAR), projects that Manzanillo could soon become Latin America’s leading container-handling port. With record-breaking throughput, rising foreign trade, and multi-billion-dollar public-private investments, Manzanillo is positioning itself as a cornerstone of Mexico’s economic and logistics future.