Manzanillo Regains Momentum as Mexico’s Top Logistics Hub

After facing significant operational challenges in 1H25, the Port of Manzanillo is regaining momentum, reaffirming its role as Mexico’s premier logistics gateway. Handling 42% of the country’s containerized cargo and 57% of all Pacific freight, the port has not only recovered from earlier disruptions but also set new performance records, a testament to its strategic importance and sustained investment in modernization.

“Manzanillo’s evolution over the past five years reflects its strategic importance not only for Mexico but for the entire Latin American region. In 2024 alone, the port mobilized 12% of all national cargo tonnage, reaffirming its role as the country’s key logistics engine,” says Guillermo Mejía, Director, National Port System Administration (ASIPONA) Manzanillo.

A Record Year for Throughput and Trade

Manzanillo achieved a new record in August 2025, handling 346,257 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 10% month-on-month and 8% year-over-year increase. So far in 2025, the port has processed 2.54 million TEUs, on track to reach nearly 4 million TEUs by year-end, MBN reports.

According to ASIPONA, containerized cargo represented 73% of all commercial cargo handled during the first nine months of 2025, followed by bulk minerals (16%), agricultural bulk (6%), and general cargo (5%). Of the total throughput, 44% corresponded to imports, 42% to exports, and 14% to transshipment activities.

Between January and July 2025, Manzanillo generated US$5.96 billion (MX$109.45 billion) in trade contributions, second only to Nuevo Laredo US$6.99 billion (MX$128.22 billion) and ahead of Veracruz US$4.52 billion (MX$82.95 billion), underscoring its relevance in national customs revenue and trade performance, reports MBN. 

Private Sector Commitment: US$1.91 billion (MX$35 Billion) in Investment

The private sector has been instrumental in positioning Manzanillo as the country’s top logistics hub, says José Antonio Contreras, CEO, Contecon Manzanillo. “Manzanillo is the number one port in Mexico, consolidated over decades as the principal logistics node of the nation,” says Contreras.

The private sector has invested over MX$35 billion to modernize the port, which now boasts: 28 ship-to-shore cranes and 12 mobile cranes, 108 RTG cranes, 344 terminal tractors and 340 forklifts, 30 gates for truck operations and 5km of rail tracks connecting the port directly with Mexico’s industrial clusters. These advances are sustained by a workforce of more than 35,000 direct and indirect employees, ensuring 24/7 operations and logistics continuity.

Expanding Capacity to Meet Nearshoring Demand

Despite record-breaking growth, Manzanillo faces mounting infrastructure pressure, as existing infrastructure has not kept pace with growing demand. A May 2025 incident that affected customs operations demonstrates how local bottlenecks can ripple across national and international supply chains. The customs disruption that began the week of May 12 are estimated to result in losses of up to US$150 million.

Although large-scale maritime expansion is underway, much remains to be done to balance capacity among Mexico’s key ports and avoid overreliance on a single Pacific gateway.

Back in July, authorities and private operators started addressing saturation risks through a multi-billion-peso investment pipeline:

• Puerto Nuevo (Cuyutlan Lagoon): MX$18.7 billion (US$1.02 billion) public project for five new terminals, 1,500m of quay and 100ha each, due July 2027

• PEMEX Terminal Relocation: MX$994 million (US$54.1 million) fuel terminal, 30% complete, due October 2027

• Specialized Container Terminals: MX$40.9 billion (Phase I, 2025–2028) and MX$47.6 billion (Phase II, 2026–2030) for Terminals 2–6

• San Pedrito Terminal: MX$676 million mineral terminal rehabilitation and a MX$3.04 billion expansion by Contecon Manzanillo

“With record throughput, strong foreign trade, and unprecedented public-private investments, Manzanillo is not just a port, it is a cornerstone of Mexico’s economic and logistics future,” says Raymundo Morales, Head of the Mexican Navy (SEMAR).