After a weak start to the year, the Mexican manufacturing industry rebounded in February 2026, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .
In the second month of this year, the physical volume of manufacturing production increased 3.4% compared to last January, according to the results of the Monthly Survey of the Manufacturing Industry (EMIM).
On an annual basis, the country’s manufacturing activity also registered a positive result, with an increase of 0.9% , according to the agency’s figures.
Despite the growth in the sector, the number of people employed in this activity decreased by 0.3% monthly in February 2026, while in its annual measurement it fell by 2.6 percent.
By type of contract , non-dependent staff (who are hired and provided by another company and for fees or commissions without a fixed salary or wage) fell 0.3%, and dependent staff of the company decreased 0.2 percent.
Hours worked rose 0.2% compared to last January, although they decreased 3.2% year-on-year. Meanwhile, average real wages (salaries, wages, and social benefits) increased 0.1% monthly and advanced 2.8% annually.
By subsector, the manufacture of petroleum and coal products registered a 26.5% year-on-year increase in its physical production volume.
This was followed by the production of computer, communication, measurement and other electronic equipment, components and accessories , with a growth of 6.6%, as well as the manufacture of machinery and equipment , with an annual increase of 3.2%.
The Monthly Survey of the Manufacturing Industry reports on the situation of the main variables of production and employment in the manufacturing sector, so its measurement is important, as it is one of the economic engines of the country.
However, 16 of the 21 subsectors that make it up fell in production volume in its annual measurement in February 2026, although it is a sector that has remained resilient to the new trade order .
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