Mexican Exports Jump 32.6% in April, Best Performance Since 2021

Mexican exports grew 32.6% in April 2026 on an annual basis, the fastest pace in five years. The figure, released by INEGI and reported by La Jornada, marks the strongest performance since May 2021.

Imports advanced 24.1% that same month, pushing the trade balance into positive territory. For the first four months of 2026, Mexico posted a trade surplus of $3.508 billion, a dramatic reversal from a $314 million deficit in the same period last year. The surge has been driven largely by non-automotive manufacturing, which expanded 45.8% year-over-year.

For Mexican households, this data matters because manufacturing exports account for the bulk of formal employment in the industrial sector. Each percentage point of growth translates directly into job orders for factories across the Bajío region, the northern border states, and central Mexico, plus increased demand for local suppliers.

Breakdown by Sector

Manufacturing exports climbed 34%, automotive shipments rose 8.2%, and extractive products jumped 71%, according to Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography. During the first four months of 2026, manufactured goods represented 91.1% of total export value, agricultural products accounted for 3.3%, non-petroleum extractive goods for 3%, and petroleum products for 2.6%.

What's Driving the Rebound

The Economy Ministry, cited by La Jornada, attributed the results to recovering demand in the United States and growth in regional supply chain investment. Seasonally adjusted figures confirm the positive trend into the second quarter, even as petroleum exports remain the smallest component of Mexico's trade balance.

The next trade report, covering May, will be published at the end of June. That data will show whether April's momentum holds or if tariff pressures from Washington begin to disrupt bilateral flows.

Key Questions Answered

**How much did Mexican exports grow in April 2026?**

Mexican exports expanded 32.6% year-over-year in April 2026, the strongest pace since May 2021, according to INEGI data cited by La Jornada. Imports grew 24.1% in the same period, with non-automotive manufacturing driving the gains.

**Which sectors led the export surge?**

Manufacturing exports grew 34%, non-automotive manufacturing jumped 45.8%, automotive exports rose 8.2%, and extractive products climbed 71%, per INEGI. Mexico's trade balance for the first four months of 2026 posted a $3.508 billion surplus, versus a $314 million deficit in the same 2025 period.