Historical Records: Mexico Celebrates a Promising Start in its Port Activity in 2024
2024 began with a milestone in Mexico's port activity, setting record figures in the movement of 20-foot containers. A recent study showed in the kpi that the growth compared to the same month in 2023 is notable, with an increase of 20%. In total, an impressive 728,116 TEUs were moved, equivalent to 22.6 million tons of merchandise during the first month of the year.
Which port led this outstanding position?
In the vibrant scene of maritime trade in Latin America, Mexico stands as a central player with its ports and container terminals. Among them, four stand out with their own lights, not only boosting the national economy but also setting the standard in the region.
Manzanillo: Efficiency and Modernity in the Mexican Pacific
The port of Manzanillo, strategically anchored on the western Mexican coast, is recognized as one of the leaders in container ports in Mexico and Latin America. Its specialization lies in the efficient management and distribution logistics of refrigerated containers, being a crucial point for perishable products such as fruits, vegetables and seafood. Manzanillo stands out especially in its exports of avocado, bananas, shrimp, tuna and electronic products. Likewise, it mainly imports manufactured products, machinery and electronic equipment, with destinations such as the United States, China, Japan and European countries.
Lázaro Cárdenas: Great Door to International Trade
Located on the coast of Michoacán, the port of Lázaro Cárdenas is a key piece in Mexican maritime trade. Your terminal containerIt is recognized for its efficiency in managing bulk cargo and large containers, which is beneficial for cargo transportation companies. This port specializes in the export of minerals such as iron and coal, as well as the import of steel products and automobiles. Its main export destinations include China, Japan, South Korea and European countries, while it imports mainly from China, South Korea, Japan and the United States.
Veracruz: Tradition and Modernity in its Container Terminal
The port of Veracruz, with its long history and modern facilities, is a strategic point for maritime trade and distribution logistics in the Gulf of Mexico. Specialized in the management of general cargo and containers, Veracruz excels in its exports of coffee, sugar, oil and chemical products. Regarding imports, it stands out for the reception of machinery, electronic equipment, chemical products and raw materials. Its main trading partners are the United States, China, Brazil and European countries.
Port of Ensenada
The port of Ensenada is located in Baja California, in the Pacific basin. This port is located just 110 kilometers from Mexico's border with the United States; For this reason, the US is the main destination and origin of cargo from the Port of Ensenada.
This port complex handles a wide variety of products; Therefore, it has different terminals for multiple uses, cement, cruise ships, stone products, mineral bulk and ship dismantling. In addition, it has an annual capacity to handle more than 3 million tons of cargo.
The port also plays a crucial role in the export of agricultural and fishing products from the region, including wine, craft beer and seafood, which are recognized worldwide. The continuous modernization of its facilities and the implementation of cutting-edge technology ensure that the Port of Ensenada remains competitive and efficient in the handling of cargo and passengers.
Altamira: Strategic Point in Northern Mexico
Located in the state of Tamaulipas, the port of Altamira is a strategic enclave for trade in the north of the country. Specialized in the management of containers and bulk cargo, Altamira stands out in its exports of petrochemical products, steel, corn and soybeans. As for imports, it mainly receives machinery, electronic equipment, automobiles and chemical products. Its main export destinations are the United States, European countries, China and Latin America, while it imports mainly from the United States, China and European countries.
The Rise of nearshoring and its Implications in Maritime Trade and Mexican distribution logistics.
The nearshoring phenomenon has had a full impact on Mexican maritime trade, leading the country to surpass China in 2023 in terms of economic growth. This increase has attracted greater foreign investment and cargo volumes, but has also challenged the efficiency of ports in the Mexican Pacific.
According to an annual report by, the growth in cargo traffic is generating the need for innovative solutions to mitigate congestion and ensure fluidity in port operations in distribution logistics.
Innovation and Future Strategies: Maersk's Response
In response to this challenge, the Mexican government has proposed pioneering strategies. An example is the warehouse in Cuautitlán, designed to facilitate an efficient flow of goods and better security stock by truck or rail, new facilities supported by IMMEX permits have also been developed that promise to facilitate customs management and open opportunities for Mexican and Californian companies.
Perspectives and Opportunities: Mexico as a Bridge to New Markets
The ports of Mexico, along with Los Angeles and Long Beach in the United States, emerge as crucial alternatives for the transportation of goods to the East Coast. Mexico's strategic location, its qualified workforce in distribution logistics, stable geopolitical environment and excellent infrastructure position them as attractive options for companies seeking to optimize their supply chains.
In conclusion, Mexican ports are not only fundamental pieces of maritime trade and distribution logistics in Latin America, but they are also engines of economic growth and commercial expansion of Mexico on a global level. With innovative strategies and a constantly evolving infrastructure, these ports are prepared to face the challenges of the future and continue promoting development in the region.
Control Terrestre
In addition, the efficient ground control network of the Control Terrestre company, with coverage throughout Mexico and the United States, guarantees a fluid and effective connection, reinforcing its role as a vital logistics node for international trade. Control Terrestre offers comprehensive logistics services, ensuring goods are transported quickly and safely, optimizing supply chains and providing customized solutions such as our transportation in tijuana to satisfy the needs of its customers.