Mexico Plastics Industry: 2nd Global Producer

The Mexican plastics industry has established itself as the world’s second-largest producer, serving as a strategic pillar for advanced manufacturing. The sector participates in 85% of the country’s production processes and contributes 3.1% to manufacturing GDP, with increasing integration into global value chains.

Exports and Projected Growth In 2024, exports of plastics and rubbers exceeded 17,177 million dollars, an annual increase of 4.44%. By 2025, growth of up to 3.5% is estimated, driven by nearshoring and the relocation of suppliers, particularly in the automotive and electric vehicle industry. This dynamism strengthens Mexico’s position as a reliable supplier in North America. The sector comprises 5,200 processing companies, generating over 300,000 direct jobs and approximately one million indirect jobs. Micro and small companies predominate, though large firms have provided technological capital to enhance competitiveness. The main export hubs are concentrated in Mexico City, Tamaulipas, Baja California, Nuevo León, and Chihuahua, with the United States accounting for 83.1% of foreign sales.

In addition to its productive weight, the country leads regionally in post-consumer PET recycling, with a 63% rate, well above the 29% in the United States and the North American average of 37.8%. National apparent consumption of PET containers amounts to 860,000 tons per year, processed in 27 recycling plants capable of recovering up to 81% of that volume.

Dependency and Innovation Challenges The industry faces dependence on imported inputs, as 70% of resins come from the United States, exposing it to tariff and logistical risks. In 2024, trade measures by former President Donald Trump resulted in an impact of 2,255 million dollars. To sustain competitiveness, the sector requires supplier diversification and access to financing. “The export of plastic products requires environmental certifications and energy efficiency. To respond to international demand, flexible financing and working capital are essential,” explained Paulina Aguilar, co-founder and CRO of MUNDI. More than 80% of manufactured goods in Mexico integrate plastics at some stage of their production. With the support of the USMCA, leading recycling infrastructure, and the appeal of nearshoring, Mexico is emerging as a global pillar in sustainability, innovation, and foreign trade, reinforcing its position as the second global producer.