In the first quarter of 2026, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas and Durango together accounted for 49.8% of Mexico’s national exports, highlighting the dominant role of northern Mexico in foreign trade. The figures come from Trade Insights: Foreign Trade Outlook‑May 2026, published by COMCE Noreste. While these states enjoy strategic geographic locations and strong manufacturing orientations, each features distinct industrial profiles. Chihuahua stands out for electronics manufacturing, whereas Nuevo León and Coahuila hold significant shares in transportation equipment, metal‑mechanics and industrial goods production.

Chihuahua leads national exports driven by electronics manufacturing

With exports reaching 35.986 billion US dollars in the first quarter of 2026, Chihuahua became Mexico’s top‑exporting state, contributing 24.3% of national total exports and registering a 69% year‑on‑year increase compared with the same period in 2025. The computer, communication and electronic components sector served as its primary export engine at 26.049 billion US dollars, making up 72.3% of the state’s exports. Major exported goods include automatic data‑processing machines, computer parts and accessories, telecommunication devices, integrated circuits and electric cables from the tech‑manufacturing segment.

Nuevo León: diversified industries underpin foreign‑trade performance

Nuevo León recorded exports of 14.538 billion US dollars in the first quarter of 2026, equivalent to 9.8% of national exports with a 10.1% annual growth rate. Transportation equipment ranked as its leading export sector at 4.573 billion US dollars, accounting for 31.5% of state‑level exports. Nevertheless, the state maintains a diversified industrial base featuring metal‑mechanics, home appliances and industrial machinery manufacturing. Such diversity secures Nuevo León’s strategic position within Mexico’s foreign trade, covering both traditional industries and advanced manufacturing capacity.

Coahuila: automotive industry remains the export backbone

Coahuila posted exports worth 14.889 billion US dollars, representing 10% of Mexico’s total overseas sales. Transportation equipment formed its principal export activity at 8.432 billion US dollars, or 56.6% of the state’s total exports. During the quarter, the state saw a 2.3% year‑on‑year contraction caused by an 11.7% drop within the transportation‑equipment sector. Despite this adjustment, Coahuila retains vital importance for Mexico’s export‑oriented industries thanks to its automotive ecosystem, vehicle assemblers and extensive supplier network.

Jalisco: rising tech‑manufacturing export hub outside northeast Mexico

Outside the northeast region, Jalisco emerged as one of the country’s key export‑growth poles. The state hit 17.377 billion US dollars in exports for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 106.6% year‑on‑year surge. The computer, communication and electronic‑components sector made up 79% of its exports at 13.727 billion US dollars. Such results reflect the growing weight of tech‑driven manufacturing in Mexico’s foreign trade and the consolidation of new specialized industrial hubs.

Export performance of Mexico’s major northern exporting states

The overall export performance of Mexico’s five northern states shows divergence. Chihuahua achieved high growth driven by the electronics industry; Coahuila recorded a slight decline dragged down by transportation‑equipment exports; Nuevo León maintained steady growth with diversified industries. Differences in regional industrial positioning have created distinct foreign‑trade growth trajectories for each state.

Regional industrial division shapes Mexico’s overall export competitiveness

The report demonstrates that Mexico’s exports are driven by multiple regional engines. Chihuahua and Jalisco specialize in technology‑oriented manufacturing, while Nuevo León and Coahuila draw strength from automotive, metal‑mechanic and industrial sectors. Combined industrial capabilities strengthen Mexico’s standing in international markets and illustrate the value of diversified production ecosystems for national industrial competitiveness.