The most important ports in Mexico 

Have you ever wondered which are the most important seaports in Mexico and why they are key to its economy?   

It is no secret that ports are an essential part of world trade, and the country has a privileged geographical location which means it is easily connected to the main markets. 

Mexico has thus managed to remain a powerhouse down through the years. However, not all the ports are the same and choosing correctly can make the difference between success or failure in your business.   

If you are interested, why not go on reading to find out more about this subject.   

  
Main maritime ports in Mexico 

 
Mexico’s maritime ports play an important role in the country’s economy and trade.   

From the coasts of the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico, the nation has a broad network that facilitates the transport of goods.   

 
We have drawn up a list of the main ports together with their most noteworthy characteristics, to give you a clear view of their importance in National and International Trade:   

• Port of Manzanillo. It is located in the state of Colima and heads the list of Mexico’s ports,  handling an annual average of more than two million TEUs.   

It also ranks fourth in Latin America, surpassing its closest competitor, the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, by almost 40% in capacity. 

 
Moreover, it is the gateway for a variety of exports that have the United States, Canada and South Africa as their main destinations.   

•  Port of Lázaro Cárdenas. It is in the state of Michoacán. It is the second most active in terms of the movement of goods in Mexico. 

 
According to official figures, it manages approximately one million TEUs a year and handles 30% of the total of container transfers or transshipments, accounting for more or less 18% of the goods that enter the National Port System (SPN). 

Even though it has only been in operation for forty years, it has the capacity to receive and dispatch more than 1.2 million containers annually, as well as dry cargo, bulk and Post-Panamax vessels. 

•  Port of Veracruz. It is sometimes seen as Mexico’s most important port, due to its long history and international renown. 

 
In fact, it ranks third in terms of activity, managing almost one million TEUs a year in a large operating area covering more than 600 hectares. 

 
Nowadays, it is an ever-expanding center, with facilities for receiving cruise ships and a dock exclusively for oil tankers. It also does strong trade with Europe, North Africa, and the region of Florida.   

• Port of Altamira. It is located in the state of Tamaulipas and plays a crucial role in the handling of dry cargo, bulk liquids, petrochemicals, liquefied gas and Ro-Ro cargo. 

For this reason, it manages over half a million TEUs every year, making it a key element in the port infrastructure because over 50% of the freight that passes through its facilities originate or end in the northeastern or central part of the country.   

• Port of Ensenada. Located in Baja California and close to the border with the United States.   

 
It administers approximately 200 thousand TEUs a year, bringing it to fifth place in terms of the volume of cargo transported. 

 
Worthy of mention is its strategic value due to its connectivity through road systems and railway networks with major industrial cities like Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Tecate, San Diego, Los Ángeles and Tucson, among others.   

 
For this very reason, it is frequently the departure point for vessels heading for ports in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia, as they offer more direct routes. However, it also acts as a liaison for destinations in Central America. 

 
Other important ports in Mexico include:   

•  Port of Tampico. It is located along the Pánuco River and connected to a river and railway transport network.   

 
It stands out for its two kilometers of dock, private terminals and facilities for the construction of marine platforms. 

• Port of Progress. It is a key center for the fishing industry located in the Gulf of Mexico, north of the city of Merida.   

 
Its leading-edge facilities were designed to accommodate a large number of cruise ships which is why it is a major entry point for visitors and tourist activities. 

• Port of Coatzacoalcos. It is located at one end of the interoceanic corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This means that it is a point of connection between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.   

 
Its main focus is on the management of chemical products, minerals, fertilizers and petrochemicals. 

•  Port of Topolobampo. It is one of the most important ports for the agricultural industry and is located in Sinaloa.   

 
Its strategic location means it can supply the markets in Asia, North America and other internal regions, particularly the northeast of the country. 

•  Port of Tuxpan. It stands out for being the nearest one to the city of Mexico and to the industrial corridor of the central region.   

 
As a result, proximity and the direct road means a cargo truck can cover the distance in less than four hours.   

  
The importance of Mexico’s main ports for trade 

 
As previously mentioned, Mexico’s geographical location opens the horizon of possibilities in the sphere of international trade. 

 
In total, there are 102 seaports distributed around the country, which allows us to set up connections with over 145 nations from all over the world.   

 
Among them are major trade blocs like China, the United States and all Latin America.   

This is why the ports are true engines of trade and fundamental elements in the economy and their importance lies in:   

•  Strategic connectivity. Ports like Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas stand out for their location. They are on the Pacific coast and act as a point of entry and departure for a large range of products and goods.   
• Economic boost. For example, the Port of Manzanillo handles over two million TEUs a year and is a  nexus between the country and the Pacific. This helps stimulate the economy and promote international trade relations.   
• Diversity of goods. In the case of the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, not only does it manage dry and bulk cargo, but it also has the capacity to accommodate Post-Panamax vessels. It is therefore one of the country’s most modern and all-round ports. 
• Terrestrial connections. A clear example is Port Altamira, which avails of its connectivity with the northeast and center of Mexico, as well as with the southeastern United States. This guarantees that the goods reach their destination efficiently, and helps raise competitiveness in international trade. 

Conclusion 

At KENSA Logistics, we are dedicated to locating the ideal Mexican ports for your needs concerning the shipment and reception of goods. 

Our goal is for you to focus on expanding your company, while we manage the whole process for you.   

Leave the logistics in our hands and focus your efforts on growing your business.