Chihuahua manufacturing sector faces currency pressures

Chihuahua holds a significant position in Mexico’s export manufacturing sector, accounting for approximately 12.5% of the country’s IMMEX program employment. As of May 2026, the state employed 365,517 workers within this sector, representing a higher proportion of employment than its 9.5% share of total IMMEX establishments. This disparity highlights the state's focus on high-value, specialized industries such as aerospace, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

However, the sector is currently facing challenges due to the strengthening of the Mexican peso against a weakening US dollar. René Espinosa Terrazas, president of Index, stated that because budgets are managed in dollars, the current exchange rate increases daily operating costs and reduces local maneuvering margins. While a stronger dollar is more favorable for exporters, Espinosa Terrazas noted that these currency fluctuations do not influence long-term strategic decisions, and companies have no plans to leave the country.

Market data from Banco Base indicates the peso has seen significant appreciation this year, contributing to the budgetary pressures faced by manufacturing plants.