Prices for transportation, postal and storage activities in Mexico decreased 0.23% in August 2026 compared to last July, but accumulated an annual increase of 4.90%, according to the National Producer Price Index (INPP) of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .
This result contrasts with the performance recorded in July, when prices in the sector increased by 0.70% month-on-month and 4.19% year-on-year. Thus, although a monthly decrease was observed in the eighth month of the year, the annual variation accelerated by 0.71 percentage points.
The sector’s performance reflected an increase in the cost of tertiary activities in the Mexican economy, with a monthly increase of 0.02% and an annual increase of 4.24% during August.
In this regard, air cargo transport saw a monthly increase of 1.10% and a year-on-year decrease of 2.06%. The monthly increase could be attributed to seasonal factors and route reconfiguration following disruptions, while the year-on-year decrease reflects a more competitive market with greater available capacity, leading to price moderation compared to previous levels.
In August 2026, the airport usage fee increased by 0.19% compared to the previous July, while the year-on-year increase was 4.45%. The main causes of this increase include operating and infrastructure costs, as well as the peak holiday season.
The air cargo loading and unloading subsector saw a 2.22% monthly increase in costs. On an annual basis, companies in the sector paid 5.14% more.
Rail freight rates increased by 6.30% month-on-month, while the annual rate rose by 7.55%. Compared to the previous month, this subsector showed one of the steepest increases, as rates had remained virtually stable in July due to sustained growth in industries such as automotive and manufacturing.
Maritime freight transport decreased by 0.13% month-on-month and increased by 1.59% year-on-year, reflecting relatively contained inflation, although geopolitical risks such as the conflict in the Middle East remain.
This behavior can be partly explained by the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, which has increased the cost of insurance premiums for exposed vessels by between 5% and 10%, which also impacts the price of goods transported, according to Marsh , a risk consultancy firm.
Meanwhile, the port usage fee increased its cost by 2.14% monthly and 7.83% annually.
General freight trucking prices accelerated to 0.03% month-on-month in August and 3.66% year-on-year. This mode of transport has been pressured by the cost of petroleum-derived inputs such as diesel and tires.
Gasoline prices rose 4.96% month-on-month, while diesel prices fell 11.90%. Both products were among the generic items with the greatest impact on the overall performance of this subsector.
This is in addition to the increase in toll costs for trucks and buses , with a 7.59% annual rise, although the monthly measurement showed no change. This subsector remained unchanged compared to July 2016.
Customs agencies and other freight forwarding services decreased their service price by 0.09% monthly and increased it by 0.21% annually.
The parcel and courier service saw a 0.22% decrease in August 2026 compared to July, while year-on-year it increased by 4.71%. Meanwhile, cargo storage costs fell by 0.08% month-on-month and experienced a 2.44% year-on-year increase.
These services are among the most requested during periods of high demand, as they register increases linked to larger inventories and the use of spaces derived from e-commerce and nearshoring .
The National Producer Price Index measures the evolution of prices for a fixed basket of goods and services. This basket is representative of national production for domestic consumption and for export, according to INEGI.
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