Electronics overtake autos as Mexico’s leading export industry

Electronics have overtaken Mexico’s automotive industry as the country’s leading export sector, ending decades of dominance by vehicle and auto-parts shipments.

Exports of computers, communications equipment, audio and video products, electronic components, measuring instruments and navigation controls totaled $145 billion last year. Antonio Hernández, head of growth and marketing at Mundi, said shipments could reach $200 billion in 2026 after electronics exports surpassed transport equipment for the first time at the start of the year.

Demand for servers and infrastructure linked to artificial intelligence has helped drive exports of computers and peripheral equipment. Mexico also displaced China as the largest exporter of electronics to the United States last year, for the first time since 2001. Since early this year, Mexico has ranked as the United States’ second-largest supplier, behind Taiwan.

The shift has limits. High-end computers and other electronics contain a large share of Asian inputs. Advanced processors, high-bandwidth memory, accelerator cards and nearly all advanced-design integrated circuits come mainly from Taiwan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.

BBVA senior economist Diego López said the U.S. trade conflict with China and rising electronics demand had supported Mexico’s exports. He said Mexico has a favorable position in the U.S. market because the effective tariff on its goods is “close to zero.” Yet the electronics sector has a trade deficit, unlike Mexico’s automotive and auto-parts industries.

Mexico’s Economy Ministry says it wants to reduce dependence on Asian inputs as part of the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Official records show Chinese goods entering Mexico rose from $73.506 billion in 2020 to $133.270 billion in 2025, while Mexican exports to China increased from $7.891 billion to $10.215 billion. Adriana García of México, ¿cómo vamos? said replacing imports would require infrastructure, electricity and skilled workers.

“

Close to zero.