The production of transportation equipment contributed 33% of the value added of IMMEX companies in Mexico during 2024.

The IMMEX industry is based on an agile import-export model. These companies bring in inputs and components without paying tariffs. They then export the finished products.

Tariffs are only applied on the value added generated in Mexico. This reduces costs and encourages foreign investment.

Initially, maquiladoras were located near the U.S. border. However, over time they have expanded to other regions of the country. Thus, the industry has diversified its presence and strengthened its economic impact.

Value added of IMMEX companies

By expanding into new regions, maquiladora plants have gained ground. They now have access to a larger and more diverse workforce. In addition, this expansion has facilitated linkages with local suppliers. As a result, they obtain Mexican raw materials more efficiently.

In 2023, Global Manufacturing Export Value Added (GMAVA) reached 3 trillion 410,566 million current pesos. This figure represented 17.0% of the total value generated by the manufacturing industry.

The two branches with the highest contribution to VAEMG are linked to the automotive industry. The manufacture of automobiles and trucks led with 27.9%. It was followed by the production of parts for motor vehicles, with 18.3%. In third place was the manufacture of computers and peripheral equipment, with 3.9 percent.

Here is the trend in the number of IMMEX plants in Mexico:

• 2020: 5,161.
• 2021: 5,184.
• 2022: 5,153.
• 2023: 5,167.
• 2024: 5,210.

Changes in the industry

On December 19, 2024, the Official Journal of the Federation published a decree that marks an important change for foreign trade. The measure modified the tariffs of the General Import and Export Tax Law, in addition to the IMMEX Decree.

The main objective is to protect the domestic textile industry. For this purpose, temporary tariffs of 35% were imposed on 138 categories of manufactured products. A 15% increase was also applied to 17 categories of textile products.

At the same time, the decree expanded the list of products excluded from the IMMEX Program. This decision seeks to curb imports that compete unequally with local producers. This strengthens the position of Mexican industry in the face of global market pressures.