Why Mexico needs to modernize its ports to lead in nearshoring

When a nation has more than 7,100 kilometers of coastline and a national port system with more than 100 active facilities, one would expect maritime transportation to be a major player in foreign trade. However, much of Mexico's logistics operation continues to depend on road transport. This paradox explains one of the most relevant challenges for the country's logistics competitiveness in the coming years.

According to official port and merchant marine reports, the volume of cargo operated by Mexican ports has already surpassed 3 million TEUs in the first four months of 2025, showing significant dynamism despite the adverse global context. In addition, Mexico maintains a robust port system: 102 ports and 15 active terminalsaccording to the Ministry of the Navy.

Sccording to INEGI (September 2025), two out of every three Mexican exports are made by land, mainly to the United States, while only one out of every three Mexican exports is by road.mainly to the United States, while only 17% go by sea. 17% go by sea..

This contrast reveals a structural paradox: Mexico has a strategic geographic location and access to two oceans, but its ports face challenges in terms of land connectivity, customs efficiency and operational capacity. land connectivity, customs efficiency and operational capacity..

The Port of Lázaro Cárdenasfor example, grew 13% in containerized traffic until May 2025 and concentrates 27% of the country's total container cargo, consolidating its position as a hub for connections with Asia-Pacific. Meanwhile, ManzanilloMexico's largest port, Manzanillo, handles close to 4 million containers a year and plans to double its capacity by 2030.

Despite the sustained growth of port traffic, there are structural factors that continue to limit its efficiency:

• Operational saturation in key ports such as Veracruz and Manzanillo, which are already operating near maximum capacity.
• Uneven infrastructurewith terminals that require technological and logistical modernization.
• Operational and security risksderived from stricter controls and greater document traceability.

These obstacles explain why, even with sustained growth, land transportation continues to dominate the Mexican logistics matrix.

The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT) is today the country's most ambitious initiative to boost its maritime competitiveness. With an estimated investment of 3.5 billion dollars3.5 billion, it seeks to connect the ports of Coatzacoalcos (Gulf of Mexico) y Salina Cruz (Pacific) through a rail network and logistics hubs of high strategic value.
The government expects to have it fully operational by mid-2026.

Expected benefits:

• Reduction of inter-oceanic timesfrom seven to three days.
• Route diversificationAlternative to the Panama Canal.
• Regional boost: corridor investment is projected to generate development poles, new industrial clusters and employment in traditionally lagging areas. areas that have traditionally lagged behind.
• Increased legal and logistical security: the project is supervised by the Secretariat of the Navy2,400 elements are deployed in trains, ports and industrial zones to guarantee operational confidence.

While Mexico is moving forward with its port transformation, other countries have already consolidated successful strategies:

• PanamaLeader in customs agility, with clearance times of less than 24 hours and connectivity with 150 ports.
• Chilepioneer in mixed concessions and port digitalization.
• Colombiasustained investment in multipurpose terminals in Cartagena and Buenaventura.

In contrast, Mexico is moving forward, but must accelerate its transition. It is estimated that the freight and logistics sector in Mexico will grow from USD 124.4 billion in 2025 to USD 162.2 billion by 2030. USD 124.4 billion in 2025 to USD 162.2 billion by 2030, driven mainly by maritime trade and the nearshoring effect.driven mainly by maritime trade and the nearshoring effect. In order not to be left behind, the key will be to modernize infrastructure, reduce logistics times and strengthen cargo traceability.

For companies operating in foreign trade, logistics and supply chain in Mexico, these guidelines can serve as a guide:

If Mexico succeeds in modernizing its maritime network and converting its ports into efficient logistics platforms, it will be able to consolidate its position as the most important trade hub in Latin America. Latin America's most important commercial hub and take full advantage of the nearshoring.

The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec represents a historic opportunity to connect oceans, industries and value chains in a single competitive flow. But to capitalize on this potential, it will be essential to strengthen the logistics, traceability and security of operations in each section of the route.

At Hanseaticawe accompany the companies that drive international trade with a comprehensive coverage for the comprehensive coverage for the Mexican marketwhich includes:

• International Cargo Insurance
• Container Insurance
• Liability Insurance for Logistics Operators

Our objective is to to protect every link in the logistics chainWe are committed to ensuring operational continuity, financial predictability and confidence in an increasingly competitive environment.
Because in the new map of global trade securing the route is securing growth.

Discover how our specialized insurance solutions can protect your operations and strengthen your global competitiveness.
👉 Learn more about our coverages in Mexico o agenda an appointment with with our specialists.