Why Mexico Needs to Modernize Its Ports to Lead in Nearshoring

When a nation possesses over 7,100 kilometers of coastline and a national port system with more than 100 active facilities, one would anticipate maritime transport playing a pivotal role in foreign trade. Nevertheless, a significant portion of Mexico's logistics operations continues to rely on road transport. This paradox highlights one of the most critical challenges for the country's logistics competitiveness in the coming years.

According to official reports from ports and the merchant marine, the volume of cargo handled by Mexican ports has already exceeded 3 million TEUs in the first four months of 2025, demonstrating significant dynamism despite the adverse global context. Furthermore, Mexico maintains a robust port system: 102 ports and 15 active terminals, according to the Secretariat of the Navy. 

According to INEGI (September 2025), two out of three Mexican exports are conducted by land, primarily to the United States, while only 17% departs by sea. 

This contrast reveals a structural paradox: Mexico possesses a strategic geographical location and access to two oceans, yet its ports face challenges in terrestrial connectivity, customs efficiency, and operational capacity. 

The Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, for example, experienced a 13% growth in containerized traffic through May 2025 and accounts for 27% of the nation's total container cargo, solidifying its role as a key hub for Asia-Pacific connections. Meanwhile, Manzanillo, Mexico's largest port, handles approximately 4 million containers annually and projects to double its capacity by 2030. 

Despite the sustained growth in port traffic, structural factors continue to limit its efficiency: 

• Operational saturation in key ports such as Veracruz and Manzanillo, which are already operating near their maximum capacity. 
• Uneven infrastructure, with terminals requiring technological and logistical modernization. 
• Operational and security risks, stemming from stricter controls and enhanced documentary traceability. 

These obstacles explain why, even with sustained growth, land transport continues to dominate Mexico's logistics matrix. 

The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT) currently stands as the nation's most ambitious initiative to bolster its maritime competitiveness. With an estimated investment of 3.5 billion dollars, it aims to connect the ports of Coatzacoalcos (Gulf of Mexico) and Salina Cruz (Pacific) through a railway network and strategically valuable logistics hubs.
The government anticipates full operational status by mid-2026.

Expected benefits: 

• Reduction in interoceanic transit times: from seven to three days. 
• Route diversification: an alternative to the Panama Canal. 
• Regional impetus: the corridor's investment is projected to generate development hubs, new industrial clusters, and employment in traditionally underserved areas. 
• Enhanced legal and logistical security: the project is overseen by the Secretariat of the Navy, with the deployment of 2,400 personnel across trains, ports, and industrial zones to ensure operational reliability.  

While Mexico progresses with its port transformation, other countries have already consolidated successful strategies: 

• Panama: a leader in customs agility, with clearance times under 24 hours and connectivity to 150 ports. 
• Chile: a pioneer in mixed concessions and port digitalization. 
• Colombia: sustained investment in multipurpose terminals in Cartagena and Buenaventura. 

In contrast, Mexico is progressing but must accelerate its transition. It is estimated that Mexico's cargo and logistics sector will grow from USD 124.4 billion in 2025 to USD 162.2 billion by 2030, driven primarily by maritime trade and the nearshoring effect. To avoid falling behind, the key will be to modernize infrastructure, reduce logistical lead times, and enhance cargo traceability.
 

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

If Mexico successfully modernizes its maritime network and transforms its ports into efficient logistics platforms, it can consolidate its position as the most significant commercial hub in Latin America and fully capitalize on the momentum of nearshoring. 

The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec presents a historic opportunity to connect oceans, industries, and value chains within a single competitive flow. However, to capitalize on this potential, it will be essential to strengthen logistics, traceability, and operational security across every segment of the route. 

At Hanseatica, we support companies driving international trade with comprehensive coverage tailored for the Mexican market, which includes: 

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

Our objective is to protect every link in the logistics chain, ensuring operational continuity, financial foresight, and confidence within an increasingly competitive environment.
Because in the evolving landscape of global trade, securing the route means securing growth. 

Discover how our specialized insurance solutions can protect your operations and enhance your global competitiveness. 
👉 Learn more about our coverage in Mexico or schedule an appointment with our specialists.