Logistics costs could be a problem for Mexico’s trade competitiveness

According to a report presented by the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade (COMCE), Investment, and Technology, rising logistics costs in Mexico have created challenges for the country’s foreign trade competitiveness.

The president of COMCE Noreste, Javier Cendejas Meneses, noted that logistics costs in Mexico can account for as much as 60% of a company’s sales, whereas internationally they typically range between 5% and 35%.

Between 2015 and 2025, transportation and storage costs have risen, recording a 72% increase, according to data from INEGI. This analysis revealed not only that Mexican exports and imports are primarily handled by road (accounting for 46.7% of the total), while port routes account for 33%, but also that logistics flows exhibit inefficiencies.

However, transporting a container from Shanghai to the port of Manzanillo—for example—costs approximately US$3,312 and takes about 16 days.

In contrast, moving that same container from Manzanillo to Monterrey can exceed US$4,500, despite the journey taking fewer hours; when tolls, delays, and other charges are factored in, the total cost can even reach US$8,585.

Given this situation, COMCE highlighted the need to strengthen investment in logistics infrastructure, advance the digitization of processes, consolidate transport corridors, and develop safe stops for freight operators.

“Mexico has a historic opportunity to integrate more effectively into global value chains, but that opportunity will not materialize if logistics continues to be a bottleneck,” concluded Cendejas.