Chihuahua Emerges as Mexico’s Top Exporting State in 2025

Chihuahua solidified its position as the country’s leading exporter in 2025, driven by industrial strength and deep integration with global markets, according to data from the state’s Ministry of Innovation and Economic Development. During the first nine months of the year, Chihuahua recorded exports totaling US$76,459 billion, representing a 38.3% increase compared with the same period in 2024. The performance placed the state above the national average and underscored a countercyclical trend compared with other regional economies.

State officials attributed the strong results to sustained growth in foreign sales of computer equipment and electronic products, sectors that continue to see robust international demand. These industries reinforced Chihuahua’s strategic position within global value chains.

Authorities said the export surge reflected the resilience of the state’s industrial model and growing business confidence. Specialized infrastructure, combined with close coordination between government and the private sector, enabled Chihuahua to surpass historic highs in foreign trade despite a challenging global environment.

From a business perspective, Chihuahua has advanced a long-term strategy focused on semiconductors and artificial intelligence, aimed at developing specialized talent, attracting high-value investment and strengthening links between research, development and industry.

The state’s export performance in 2025 reaffirmed its role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology-driven production, positioning Chihuahua as a competitive leader for Mexico and laying the groundwork to sustain its prominence in international trade in the coming years.

Mexico Auto Sector Braces for Second Nearshoring Wave After 2027 

MBN reported that Mexico’s automotive industry is positioning itself for a second wave of nearshoring projects beginning in 2027, once the review of the USMCA is completed and greater clarity emerges around tariffs and trade rules. It is important to highlight that between 2006 and 2024, Mexico received US$99.7 billion in foreign direct investment in the automotive sector, according to data from the Ministry of Economy. Chihuahua, Guanajuato, and Nuevo Leon accounted for the largest shares of that investment. 

At the same time, global supply chains are entering a more restrictive and compliance-driven phase in 2026, shaped by geopolitical tensions, tighter controls on China and rising operational demands. Together, these dynamics place Mexico at a strategic crossroads: strong investment potential, but under increasing scrutiny.

Gabriel Padilla, Director General, National Auto Parts Industry (INA), said the automotive sector could capture close to 40% of nearshoring projects in this second phase, compared with nearly 37% during the first wave of investment relocation. He said the next cycle would be driven less by labor costs and more by technology adoption, trade compliance and deeper regional integration.

“We believe that the push for technology must be the new driver once we come out of the tariff negotiations and the USMCA review. What we are projecting is that, starting in 2027, Mexico could have the opportunity to receive a second wave, what we call Nearshoring 2.0,” Padilla said.

Padilla noted that planning for 2026 will continue under a complex and uncertain environment. While no automotive investments have been canceled, several projects remain on hold as companies wait for greater visibility on tariff negotiations and the outcome of the treaty review. He added that consultations launched by the Mexican government ahead of the mid-2026 review are a positive step, but emphasized the need for sustained coordination with industry.

“These consultations should not overshadow the technical work that must be done jointly to make the review successful. If we do this in close collaboration, primarily between the Ministry of Economy and industry, we can achieve it,” Padilla said.