Chihuahua consolidates its position as Mexico’s leading exporter

Chihuahua has solidified its position as a leading export state in Mexico, recording a striking 35.7% surge in cumulative exports for 2025, which now total US$47.5 billion. The state's growth accelerated dramatically in the second quarter alone, with a 43% year-over-year increase pushing quarterly exports beyond US$26 billion.

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Chihuahua's export volume now surpasses that of other major economic hubs, including Coahuila, Nuevo León, Baja California, and Jalisco.

The state's economic strength extends far beyond foreign trade. While it ranks 8th in national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it holds the 7th position in formal employment and boasts the country's lowest rate of informal employment. Chihuahua is also a national leader in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), hosting manufacturing operations under the IMMEX program, and in overall manufacturing production, with particular dominance in the automotive and mining sectors.

This industrial might is complemented by robust primary and innovation sectors. The state is a top national producer of gold, copper, lead, silver, and zinc. Its export portfolio is led by transportation equipment, electrical products, medical devices, and computer/communications equipment. Furthermore, Chihuahua is the undisputed national leader in the agricultural production of apples, cotton, and walnuts and ranks 10th in patent generation per 100,000 inhabitants.

This multifaceted economic vitality is reflected in the 2025 State Competitiveness Index, where Chihuahua climbed one spot to 8th place nationally. The consolidated data underscores a state that is not only a foreign trade titan but also a diversified and competitive pillar of the Mexican economy.