Supply Chain Research

Mexico’s ports handled 10.5% more containers than a year earlier in April, according to official figures. That was the 10th straight increase, and was the result of a 16.8% growth in volumes handled by the gulf coast ports. Volumes handled are outpacing the growth in the economy. Exports of loaded containers increased 20.1%, yet the dollar value of exports nationally increased by just 4% as outlined in Panjiva research of May 25. The slowdown in trade may also foreshadow a deceleration in handling.

Chart shows shipments of containers on import and export basis, segmented by coast of port. Calculations based on Mexican Communication and Transport Ministry data. Source: Panjiva

The growth in the gulf coast ports was the result of a 10.9% rise in handling at Veracruz and a 1.6x rise in volumes at Tampico. Exports from Veracruz jumped 59.9% on a year earlier, driven by increased steel pipe shipments by Tenaris and auto exports by Volkswagen group.

Imports into  Tampico reached a new high after a 333% increase, resulting in it becoming the fourth busiest port in the country. That resulted from an acceleration in steel shipments to General Motors among others. The majority of the steel imported actually came from facilities belonging to ArcelorMittal and Outokumpu in the U.S.

Chart shows aggregate Mexican imports and exports of containerized freight segmented by port of lading / unlading. Source: Panjiva