In May 2026, the physical volume of production in the Mexican manufacturing industry registered a drop of 0.6% compared to last April, according to the results of the Monthly Survey of the Manufacturing Industry (EMIM), carried out by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .
On an annual basis, the country’s manufacturing activity also registered a negative result with a decline of 0.1% , according to the agency’s figures.
The sector’s bad streak during the fifth month of the year extended to employed personnel , which decreased 0.1% on a monthly basis, while in its annual measurement it fell 2.1 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) increased by 0.3% and dependent staff of the company decreased by 0.1% monthly.
Meanwhile, hours worked fell 0.5% in May 2026 compared to April, while the year-on-year rate showed a decrease of 1.6%. Average real wages (salaries, wages, and social benefits) declined 0.9% month-on-month but increased 1.5% year-on-year.
By subsector, the manufacture of computer, communication, measurement and other electronic equipment, components and accessories was the industry that had the largest increase in physical production volume with 9.3% at an annual rate.
Basic metal industries followed with a growth of 2.3%, and the manufacture of non-metallic mineral products with an annual advance of 2.1 percent.
Conversely, the industries that registered the largest year-on-year decline were the manufacture of accessories, electrical appliances and electric power generation equipment with a decrease of 8.9%, and the manufacture of clothing with a decrease of 6.2%.
The Monthly Survey of the Manufacturing Industry reflects a weakness in the Mexican manufacturing sector during May 2026, derived, among other factors, from external conflicts such as the one in the Middle East, which have increased the cost of some raw materials and essential components for this industry; in addition to internal reasons, such as a Mexican economy still showing signs of slowing down.
According to Inegi, “the EMIM reports on the current situation of the main variables of production and employment in the manufacturing sector.”
Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @GrupoT21
