Mexico Expands Its Aerospace Manufacturing Footprint

Mexico’s aerospace industry is positioning itself for continued growth, with the sector expected to surpass US$12 billion in value in the coming years as manufacturers expand their presence and the country deepens its integration into North American supply chains.

According to data from international trade finance firm Mundi, Mexico’s aerospace industry is currently valued at approximately $8.88 billion. The sector comprises nearly 400 companies operating across 19 states and employs more than 60,000 people in specialized activities such as advanced manufacturing, structural assembly, engineering design and functional testing.

Five states have emerged as the country’s main aerospace clusters: Querétaro, Chihuahua, Baja California, Sonora and Nuevo León. Their ecosystems support manufacturing and engineering operations serving both commercial aviation and defense markets.

Mexico’s export performance has also strengthened its position in the global aerospace market. Aerospace exports were estimated at more than US$13.6 billion in 2025, placing Mexico among the world’s leading exporters and highlighting the country’s growing role in international aerospace supply chains.

The United States remains the industry's dominant international market, receiving approximately 80% of Mexico’s aerospace exports. This concentration reflects the sector’s close integration with North American manufacturing networks and the importance of the USMCA framework for cross-border production.

Foreign investment has further contributed to the sector’s expansion. Between 2006 and 2025, Mexico’s aerospace industry attracted approximately US$5.5 billion in foreign direct investment. The United States accounted for 62% of that total, followed by Canada with 25% and France with 11%. In 2024 alone, aerospace FDI reached US$341 million, with 154 foreign-owned companies operating in the country.

Recent investments are reinforcing the country’s aerospace clusters. Chihuahua, one of Mexico’s largest aerospace hubs, secured an US$80 million investment announced during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, adding to the state’s growing portfolio of aerospace projects.

As demand for aerospace components and specialized manufacturing capacity increases, Mexico’s challenge will be to strengthen its supplier base, workforce and access to financing. The sector’s long production cycles, certification requirements and high upfront costs make working capital particularly important for companies seeking to scale their export operations.

With its established manufacturing base, specialized workforce and proximity to the US market, Mexico is positioned to continue expanding its aerospace footprint and move toward the projected US$12 billion industry value in the coming years.