Mexico Freight Trucking GDP Grows 1.8% in 1Q26

Mexico’s freight trucking sector grew 1.8% in 1Q26, outperforming the broader transport sector and national GDP. INEGI data shows the activity remained a key driver of logistics and trade flows, even as Mexico’s economy expanded at a slower pace.

Mexico’s freight trucking sector accelerated at the beginning of 2026, growing 1.8% annually in the first quarter, according to figures from INEGI’s National Accounts System. The result placed freight trucking above the broader transport, postal, and warehousing sector, which grew 0.4% annually during the same period.

The sector’s performance also contrasted with Mexico’s broader economic slowdown. INEGI reports that Mexico’s GDP contracted 0.6% in real terms compared to the previous quarter, although it grew 0.4% annually in the 1Q26. By major activity group, tertiary activities rose 1.1% annually and primary activities increased 0.3%, while secondary activities declined 1.1%.

Freight trucking remained one of the main components of Mexico’s transport economy. The activity represented 51.4% of the GDP generated by the transport, postal, and warehousing sector in the 1Q26. It also accounted for 3.8% of national GDP, underscoring the role of road freight in Mexico’s production, distribution, and trade flows. According to the National Chamber of Freight Trucking (CANACAR), the sector represents 58.3% of national cargo movement.

The performance of freight trucking reflects the sector’s importance in connecting manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and foreign trade operations. Road transport continues to move most domestic cargo in Mexico and remains essential for cross-border trade with the United States, particularly through industrial corridors linked to automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and nearshoring-related supply chains.

Despite its growth, the sector continues to operate in a mixed economic environment. The decline in secondary activities points to continued pressure on industrial production, while the modest expansion of services suggests that demand conditions remain uneven. For freight operators, this means that growth may depend on specific sectors and routes rather than a broad-based acceleration across the economy.

INEGI’s quarterly GDP data also showed that the transport, postal, and warehousing sector grew more slowly than freight trucking itself. This suggests that road freight outperformed other activities within the broader transport category, which includes passenger transport, air transport, rail, maritime services, postal services, and storage-related activities.