Ciudad Juárez shifts from traditional maquila to advanced manufacturing

Ciudad Juárez is undergoing a structural shift from traditional maquila-based assembly to advanced manufacturing. Economic promotion documents indicate the region is prioritizing engineering, automation, technology, and high-value-added activities. This transition is supported by the city's connectivity with the United States and the ongoing nearshoring trend.

As the industry moves toward electronics, integrated circuits, processing equipment, and medical devices, the technological transformation is also impacting the labor market by reducing the number of workers required in certain factories through automation. The border region, including El Paso, Texas, and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, remains a critical industrial corridor, having moved approximately $172.6 billion in goods during 2025.