How Nearshoring Fuels Nuevo León's Exports

In October 2026, as Mexico redefines its position in global supply chains and nearshoring continues to transform North America’s industrial landscape, Nuevo León will host one of the country’s most significant business gatherings: the 32nd Mexican Foreign Trade Congress, organized by the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment, and Technology (COMCE).

The event will take place from October 27-29 at the Hotel Presidente InterContinental Monterrey, bringing together over 750 business leaders, specialists, international organizations, and authorities under the theme “Made in Mexico: Quality and Global Vision.”

However, the congress’s relevance extends beyond its panel and conference agenda. Its timing coincides with a period of significant economic dynamism for Nuevo León.

A State Exporting Nearly Double What It Did a Decade Ago

In 2015, Nuevo León exported merchandise valued at $31.3 billion. Ten years later, this figure reached $59.1 billion, representing growth of nearly 89%. This evolution reflects the state’s industrial transformation, which has shifted from being a traditional manufacturing hub to consolidating itself as a strategic platform for high-value-added sectors.

Evolution of Nuevo León’s Exports

Year	Exports (in billions USD)
2015	31,300
2018	42,400
2020	35,600
2022	53,100
2025	59,100

The post-pandemic recovery and the influx of new investments associated with nearshoring have propelled a new phase of growth for the state.

Nuevo León: Mexico’s Manufacturing Heart

Currently, Nuevo León contributes approximately 8% of the national GDP and boasts one of the country’s most robust industrial bases. The composition of its exports clearly indicates a focus on advanced manufacturing:

Sector	Share
Transportation Equipment	31.9%
Electrical Appliances	17.4%
Machinery and Equipment	13.7%
Computer and Electronic Equipment	12.9%
Other Sectors	24.1%

Collectively, these industries account for over 75% of the state’s exports.

Foreign Trade as a Driver of Investment in Nuevo León

The designation of Monterrey as the host city for the Foreign Trade Congress also occurs within a favorable context for capital attraction. During 2025, Nuevo León attracted $3.628 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), solidifying its position among the most attractive entities for international investors.

The United States remains the state’s primary economic partner, although investments from Argentina, the Netherlands, Japan, Spain, and South Korea are also noteworthy. This environment has strengthened strategic sectors such as:

Advanced Manufacturing
Electric Mobility
Logistics
Industrial Automation
Semiconductors
Information Technology

Italy, Strategic Partner for the 2026 Edition

As part of the congress’s international agenda, Italy will participate as the guest country. This decision reflects the growing economic relationship between the two nations. Italy is currently Mexico’s second-largest trading partner within Europe and maintains a significant presence in sectors such as specialized machinery, automation, industrial design, and manufacturing.

Italy’s participation will also create opportunities for business linkage at a time when European companies are seeking to strengthen their presence in North America.

Key Details of the 2026 Foreign Trade Congress

Concept	Detail
Event	32nd Mexican Foreign Trade Congress
Date	October 27-29, 2026
Venue	Hotel Presidente InterContinental Monterrey
Organizer	COMCE
Estimated Attendance	Over 750 participants
Guest Country	Italy
Central Theme	Made in Mexico: Quality and Global Vision