Mexico's ports play a crucial role for international businesses looking to enter the Mexican market. According to a BBVA bank research, in the first quarter of 2024, Mexican exports totaled $144 billion, with imports reaching $146 billion, highlighting the importance of trade of goods in the Mexican economy. This not only represents a significant opportunity for local businesses but also positions Mexico's technology-equipped and logistics-efficient ports as an ideal destination for international brands seeking expansion.
Globalization has made it increasingly necessary for brands to target new markets through international shipping. However, for companies venturing into new territories, establishing efficient logistics processes can be challenging. An effective solution is partnering with third-party logistics (3PL) companies that specialize in managing international logistics, including documentation and customs clearance regulations. While fulfilling orders in foreign markets presents challenges, having expert assistance can make the process significantly easier.
This article aims to describe the differences between Mexico's most used ports, highlighting their advantages, geographical positioning, infrastructure, and essential details to aid in selecting the optimal port for importing products. It is crucial to emphasize the meticulous review of documentation and regulatory requirements to achieve customs clearance and ensure smooth international shipping and fulfillment for global customers.
The ports to be examined in this article include:
- Port of Veracruz
- Port of Manzanillo
- Port of Lázaro Cárdenas
- Port of Altamira
- Port of Progreso
Port of Veracruz
Overview
The Port of Veracruz stands as one of Mexico's most significant ports, renowned not only for its contemporary technology and infrastructure but also for its historical prominence dating back to the 1600s. Initially serving as a vital sea route between Spain and Mexico, it evolved into a relevant gateway for international product shipping since centuries ago.
Located on the east coast along the Gulf of Mexico, the Port of Veracruz is not only known as one of Mexico's most modern and prominent trade hubs but also distinguished for its exceptional safety measures. Its advanced infrastructure enables efficient handling of automobiles and containers, making it a center for international trade. Moreover, it boasts the distinction of being the sole port in Mexico equipped with X-ray surveillance for thorough equipment scanning, significantly enhancing fulfillment service processes.
- Size: Large
- Most imported products: automobiles, containers, and liquid cargoes
- Location: Av. Marina Mercante No. 210, 7 piso, Col. Centro, Veracruz, Veracruz 91700, Mexico
- Connectivity: Linked by train and road to Puebla, Tlaxcala, Mexico and the Metropolitan area of Mexico
- Annual Twenty-foot equivalent container (TEUs): 560,000
- Available Facilities: Break Bulk, Container, Liquid, Dry Bulk, Passenger, Dry Dock, Multipurpose, Ro-Ro
Port of Manzanillo
Overview
Located on the Pacific coast in Colima, the Port of Manzanillo is Mexico's largest port and serves as a crucial gateway for imports and exports from Asia. It currently has one of the largest TEU capacities in the country, with projections showing an increase from 1.4 to 2 million TEUs over the next five years.
- Size: 437 hectares
- Most imported products: corn, petroleum coke, wheat, soya, full containers, steel, and fertilizers, scrap, vegetable oils, sorghum, rice, canola, vehicles, pig iron, tallow, and benzene
- Location: Av. Teniente Azueta No. 9 Col. Burocrata Manzanillo, Colima C.P. 28250 Mexico
- Connectivity: By road it connects to Colima, on railway to US, Canada, Guatemala, Colombia and Chile. By sea to Japan, China, India,Malaysia and Singapore
- Annual TEUs: 3.37 million in 2021
- Available Facilities: Break Bulk, Container, Liquid, Dry Bulk, Passenger, Multipurpose, Ro-Ro, LNG
Port of Lázaro Cárdenas
Overview
The Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, situated in the state of Michoacán, stands out as one of Mexico's largest deep-water seaports. Its strategic location enables it to accommodate vessels with up to 170 thousand tons of water displacement, distinguishing it as a critical entry point. Its impressive capacity and infrastructure play an important role in import and export logistics, with plans underway to increase its TEU capacity from 2.2 million to 4.1 million by 2030.
- Size: 160 hectares
- Most imported products: pellets, pig iron, iron scrap, sulfur, phosphate rock, coke, grain and containers
- Location: Prol. Av. Lazaro Cardenas No. 1 Colonia Centro Ciudad Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan C.P. 60950 Mexico
- Connectivity: by road and rail with the Kansas City Southern Railway, it also imports and exports to China
- Annual TEUs: 2,250,000
- Available Facilities: Break Bulk, Container, Liquid, Dry Bulk, Multipurpose
Port of Altamira
Overview
Located in the north-central shores of Mexico, the Port of Altamira serves as a vital economic hub for the regions of Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, and San Luis Potosí. Its infrastructure includes terminals dedicated to bulk carriers, chemical cargoes, and liquefied gas, positioning Altamira as a key player in Mexico's maritime industry. The port is committed to enhancing its infrastructure and logistics, striving to become one of the country's most modern ports and improving the efficiency of import and export processes.
- Size: 1600 hectares
- Most imported products: petroleum, sugar, LNG, copper, coffee, hides, and containerized cargo
- Location: Calle Río Tamesí km. 0+800 Puerto Industrial de Altamira, Tamaulipas C.P. 89608 Mexico
- Connectivity: Linked by railway to Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila and San Luis Potosí
- Annual TEUs: 821,645
- Available Facilities: Container, Liquid, Dry Bulk, Dry Dock, LPG, Multipurpose, LNG
Port of Progreso Overview Nowadays, the Port of Progreso is working on constant growth and infrastructure improvements. Led by an initiative of the Yucatan Government, modernization and expansion plans have been implemented. Currently, the port has the capability to handle shipping containers with a maximum capacity of 40,000 tons, making the international shipping process easier and increasing the efficiency of its logistics system.
- Size: 4.41 miles long
- Most imported products: agricultural bulk, minerals, loose general merchandise and containerized goods
- Location: Calle 32 entrada muelle fiscal S/N Terminal de Cruceros de Progreso Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico C.P. 97320.
- Connectivity: Road network to its hinterland
- Annual TEUs: 110,000
- Available Facilities: Break Bulk, Dry Bulk, Passenger
Port of Ensenada
Overview
Bordering to the north with California and Arizona, and to the south with Baja California Sur, the Port of Ensenada benefits from its strategic location. This strategic positioning grants the port access to numerous international routes, connecting it with countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Russia, Venezuela, Jamaica, and Nicaragua. As one of the busiest ports in the region, Ensenada plays a pivotal role in international trade and maritime activities.
- Size: 9000 square miles
- Most imported products: wheat, metal scrap, seafood, electronics, pork, cotton, toys, and glass
- Location: Blvd. Tte. José Azueta No. 224 Int Recinto Portuario, C.P. 22800 Ensenada Baja Int Recinto Portuario, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
- Connectivity: By the federal highway to Tijuana and San Diego
- Annual TEUs: 394,911
- Available Facilities: Break Bulk, Container, Liquid, Dry Bulk, Passenger, Dry Dock, Multipurpose
Conclusion
Mexico's ports are vital hubs for international trade, a significant portion of the country's economy. You can find more precise information about each port in pages like Shipnext. Each port offers distinct advantages: from the historical significance and advanced infrastructure of Veracruz to Manzanillo's strategic Pacific location handling diverse imports from Asia. Lázaro Cárdenas stands out for its deep-water capabilities and ambitious expansion plans, while Altamira and Progreso serve as critical economic anchors in their respective regions. Ensenada, with its strategic border location, connects Mexico to a wide array of international markets. Understanding these ports' capabilities and connectivity is essential for businesses aiming to optimize their import strategies into Mexico's vibrant economy. Working with experts in the subject as are 3PLs companies can ensure the right option of port, and the clearance of documentations and regulations needed in the process.
A footnote from Cubbo
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