Uncertainty over tariffs impacts maquiladora exports in Tijuana

Exports from Tijuana's maquiladora industry reported a 0.6% decline at an annual rate in the January-May 2025 period compared to the same period in 2024, according to updated results from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

Thus, the volume of exports from maquiladoras located in the city totaled US$3.9 billion as of May 31, 2025, slightly below the US$4 billion reported as of May 31, 2024.

Currently, the Tijuana Maquiladora Industry accounts for 45.9% of Baja California's exports, while Tecate is closing in with a 31.7% share in the cumulative reference period.

The application of tariffs on steel and aluminum products by the United States affected exports of products destined for that country, business sources warned the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) in its latest report on Regional Economies.

In this context, “some contacts indicated that they had opted to temporarily suspend shipments in the days following the announcement, given the uncertainty generated by the application of general tariffs by the United States,” the central bank's document states.

In particular, “executives commented that they were forced to halt production lines to avoid the possible payment of tariffs. Likewise, according to the sources consulted, the threat of tariffs caused relocation projects to be put on hold pending the outcome of negotiations and/or the announcement of the effective date of the tariffs,” Banxico concluded.