Mexico's Exports to the U.S. Surge: The Winning Sectors

to the U.S. Presidency, trade measures have tightened, and protectionist rhetoric has regained momentum. However, the deep integration of production chains, especially in key sectors, allowed Mexico to maintain its leadership and expand its participation in the U.S. market.

Mexico Consolidates Its Position as the United States’ Leading Trade Partner

During the first 11 months of 2025, Mexico accounted for 15.6% of total U.S. imports, surpassing historical partners and strategic competitors such as Canada and China. In the same period:

• Canada registered a 12.9% share, with an annual decline of 6.7% in its exports to the U.S.
• China drastically reduced its presence, with a 28.4% contraction in its exports.
• Taiwan and Germany held shares of 4.4% and 4.2%, respectively.

This reordering in international trade reflects a structural shift in global supply chains, where geographical proximity, manufacturing capacity, and export experience have favored Mexico. While total U.S. imports grew 4.2%, reaching $3.13 trillion, Mexican products gained ground at a faster pace, increasing their market share in a highly competitive environment.

Bilateral Trade Comparison (January–November)

Mexico’s Exports to the U.S.

• 2024: $466.305 billion
• 2025: $492.513 billion

U.S. Imports from Mexico

• 2024: $309.461 billion
• 2025: $309.799 billion

Mexican Manufacturing: The Engine Sustaining Export Growth

The manufacturing sector once again played a leading role in Mexican foreign trade. According to Integralia’s Annual Nearshoring Report, manufacturing remained the strongest sector within national exports, even in a year with fewer company relocations and fewer announcements of new investments. The report emphasizes that, in relative terms, Mexico faces lower tariff rates compared to other significant U.S. trade partners, which has allowed its exports to remain competitive. Additionally, more than a third of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) arriving in the country is concentrated precisely in the manufacturing sector. In November 2025 alone, with seasonally adjusted figures, Mexican manufacturing exports grew 14.6% annually, a figure reflecting the sector’s resilience and its adaptability in a more restrictive international environment.

Automotive vs. Non-Automotive Manufacturing: A New Equilibrium

Within the manufacturing sector, data reveals a significant recomposition:

• Automotive exports: 0.2% annual growth.
• Non-automotive manufacturing exports: 22% annual increase.

By manufacturing type:

• Non-automotive:
  • Share: 70.4% of total
  • Value: $38.062 billion
• Automotive:
  • Share: 29.6%
  • Value: $15.988 billion

This shift confirms that, while the automotive sector remains strategic, other manufacturing branches are gaining prominence in Mexico’s export portfolio.

Winning Sectors in Mexico’s Exports to the U.S.

The productive integration between both countries has been particularly visible in high value-added sectors. Among the main beneficiaries of the export increase are:

• Automotive and auto parts, driven by demand for vehicles and components.
• Electronics and computing, with strong growth in technological equipment and components.
• Medical devices, benefiting from industrial specialization.
• Textiles and diverse manufactures, which have found competitive niches in the U.S. market.

As of October 2025, Mexico accounted for 17.7% of total U.S. imports, reaffirming its leadership as a key supplier.

What is Traded Between Both Countries?

In October 2025, according to OEC data:

Main U.S. Exports to Mexico

• Refined petroleum: $2.18 billion
• Office machine parts: $1.97 billion
• Motor vehicles and auto parts: $1.67 billion

Main U.S. Imports from Mexico

• Computers: $9.23 billion
• Cars: $4.02 billion
• Motor vehicles and auto parts: $3.15 billion

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The post first appeared on Líder Empresarial.