The recovery of heavy vehicle production and exports opens an opportunity for Mexico to strengthen its position as a global production and export hub , according to Rogelio Arzate, executive president of the National Association of Bus, Truck and Tractor-Trailer Producers (ANPACT) .
To move forward on that path, Arzate proposed four pillars to strengthen Mexico’s position :
1. Strengthen North American productive integration to maintain the complementarity of supply chains in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
2. Increase production capacity in Mexico , with the aim of maintaining competitiveness against other regions with greater manufacturing capacity.
3. Develop a greater national supply chain , strengthening the different levels of suppliers in the chain, from those who supply directly to manufacturers (Tier 1) to the subsequent levels of the chain (Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4).
4. Advance in new technologies , from electric vehicles and natural gas to biofuels and hydrogen, to strengthen the supply produced from Mexico.
The position that the Mexican industry currently occupies gives dimension to that potential: Mexico is the first exporter of tractor-trailers, the fourth global exporter of trucks and buses, and the fifth producer of trucks and buses in the world .
Adding to this scenario is the recent performance of the industry. Between January and August 2026, exports reached 85,687 units , 3.7% more than a year earlier.
Although the United States remains the primary destination, the performance of other markets reveals opportunities to expand the presence of vehicles manufactured in Mexico. During August, vehicles produced in the country reached 11 markets , and the cumulative total for January through August reached approximately 15 .
Canada, for example, received 1,610 units between January and August, 11.8% more than in the same period of 2025. Colombia reached 548 units compared to 223 the previous year, a growth of 145.7 percent.
More capacity and supply
Mexico’s importance as a manufacturing platform is also underpinned by the level of integration of its supply chain with the United States. Arzate explained that Mexican production complements the demand from the U.S., as well as from other export markets and the domestic market.
This relationship goes beyond final assembly. According to Arzate, Mexico is the primary destination for auto parts for approximately 21 U.S. states and the second largest for another 19 , an integration that reflects the reach of supply chains on both sides of the border.
There are currently 12 heavy vehicle manufacturing plants in Mexico , and a thirteenth is planned. Faced with regions that have greater production capacity, Rogelio Arzate believes it is necessary to increase the country’s capabilities and continue developing the national supply chain .
Mexico’s ability to maintain and expand its international presence will also be linked to the technological evolution of the industry. Although diesel remains the predominant technology, the country already offers electric and natural gas vehicles , while work is underway on biofuels and hydrogen trials are being conducted.
“This puts us at the forefront of what we are generating from Mexico for the world and especially for America,” Arzate said.
Mexico’s strengthening as a manufacturing hub is occurring amidst changes in its trade relationship with the United States and in anticipation of the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) . For ANPACT, maintaining trade preferences within North America and minimizing tariffs will be crucial to preserving the industry’s competitiveness.
Heading to ETYL MTY 2026
Mexico’s role within international supply chains will be one of the main topics of analysis at ETYL MTY (Transport and Logistics Meeting) , organized by Grupo T21 , which this year will have as its central theme “Mexico Global Hub 2026: New times in logistics, nearshoring and international trade” .
ETYL MTY will take place on October 14 and 15 at the Presidente InterContinental Monterrey , with two days of panels, workshops and experiences designed to analyze how Mexico can become the most competitive logistics and industrial platform in North America .
Learn more about the event and register here .
Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Karina Quintero / @GrupoT21
