How Nearshoring Fuels Nuevo León's Exports
Nuevo León's export growth is driven by nearshoring, positioning it as a key player in North America's industrial transformation.
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 |
The entry
first appeared on Líder Empresarial.
More Articles
The New Bajío Investment Landscape: Is Querétaro Still Competing?
Jul 9, 2026
Financial Markets Start the Week Amidst Caution and Optimism: Oil and Dollar Set the Global Pulse
Jun 29, 2026
Capgemini to Open Second Global Delivery Center in Mexico; Facility to be Located in Bajío Region
Jul 16, 2026
Beer and Snacks Emerge as Winners of Mexico's Consumption "World Cup"
Jul 10, 2026
Apple Implements New Pricing: How Much Did MacBooks and iPads Increase in Mexico?
Jun 27, 2026
Querétaro-Oaxaca Route Launches Operations with Volaris
Jul 1, 2026