Mexico automotive sector faces mixed production and export trends

Mexico's automotive sector is experiencing mixed results in mid-2026. Light vehicle production fell 2.2% and exports dropped 9.7% in July compared to the previous year, though domestic sales grew by 3.4%. The industry is also navigating challenges regarding trade and imports. The National Association of Bus, Truck, and Tractor Manufacturers (ANPACT) reported a 30.4% decrease in used heavy-duty vehicle imports from the US between January and June, but warned that the ratio of used to new vehicles remains high, with 53.4 used units imported for every 100 new ones sold. This trend is cited as a threat to domestic employment and the production chain.

In the manufacturing sector, the Bajío region is transitioning from attracting investment to focusing on technical infrastructure and maintenance services to support continuous industrial operations. While some reports suggest manufacturing declines in specific areas like Querétaro, industry representatives maintain that the sector remains stable due to ongoing investments and employment growth. Additionally, the automotive parts industry is seeing opportunities for increased national content through exports to the United States, though there is a growing need for specialized labor to handle technological transitions.