Nuevo León's Basic Metal Industry Drops 13.8% Annually: Which Sectors Are Balancing the Industrial Slowdown?

According to data from Coparmex, Nuevo León’s basic metal industry, alongside the manufacturing sector, faced one of its most complex periods in 2025.

Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry, Nuevo León’s primary productive engine, failed to sustain positive annual rates throughout 2025. Although it registered a monthly growth of 4.6% in October, it accumulated its fourth consecutive annual decline, with a decrease of -10.5%.

Basic Metal Industry

Within the

, the basic metal industry was among the most affected. In October, this subsector accumulated its seventh consecutive annual decline, with a setback of -13.8%. For the third consecutive month, the contraction reached double digits. This subsector transforms mineral raw materials into steel, aluminum, and copper, which are key inputs for industrial supply chains. Its weakness impacted suppliers, exports, and specialized employment. Additionally, the manufacturing of metal products recorded its sixth consecutive annual decline in October, at -12.3%, also for the third month in double digits.

Automotive and Electronics

On the other hand, the

in Nuevo León drove the monthly rebound in October, with a 4% increase. However, it sustained an annual decline of -20.5%, also for the fourth consecutive month. In contrast, the manufacturing of computer, communication, and electronic equipment showed greater resilience. In October, it grew 11.9% annually, the highest rate of the year, marking its second consecutive month of increase. This performance demonstrated the partial diversification of the state’s productive apparatus. Nationally, manufacturing registered an annual decline of -2.1% in October, although with a monthly rebound of 3.9%. The manufacturing of transportation equipment fell -9.6% annually.

Construction

However, unlike manufacturing, the construction industry in Nuevo León showed outstanding performance. In October, the value of construction grew 19.3% annually, the highest rate of the year, and accumulated three consecutive months of increases. The impetus primarily came from public construction, whose index increased 161.1% annually. Private construction maintained an annual growth of 2.9% for the second consecutive month. In contrast, nationally, construction fell -13.6% annually, and public works declined -34.1% for the tenth consecutive month.

Commerce

Furthermore, organized commerce showed a gradual recovery. Nationally, in November, sales grew 4.2% annually in same-store comparisons. However, most months presented moderate rates, except May with 10.3%. In Nuevo León, retail trade maintained an annual increase of 3.4% in October, its best level in four months. Additionally, monthly growth reached 4.1%. In contrast, wholesale trade fell -1.4% annually, although it recorded four consecutive months of monthly advances.

Private Services

In turn, non-financial private services stood out as the most dynamic sector in 2025. Nationally, they grew 0.6% annually in October and 2.6% monthly. They were also the only sector with positive business expectations, according to INEGI. In Nuevo León, key subsectors showed strength. Real estate and rental services grew 18.5% annually and 10.9% monthly. This performance helped to offset manufacturing weakness. Nuevo León October 2024 September 2025 October 2025 Information in Mass Media 71.2 77.6 70.7 Real Estate and Rental Services of Tangible and Intangible Goods 163.1 174.9 193.3 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 143.0 141.1 141.9 Cultural and Sports Entertainment Services, and Other Recreational Services 97.6 94.0 99.3 Temporary Accommodation and Food and Beverage Preparation Services 62.9 56.1 62.1 Finally, Coparmex’s data indicates that Nuevo León’s economic activity in 2025 showed moderate performance compared to the previous year.