Whenever you are shipping from China to Mexico or from any other part of the world via sea freight, you must identify the port of destination.
Of course, this also applies when exporting goods from Mexico to other parts of the world.
In this article, we will explore some of the main ports in Mexico, But first, we will explore the busiest ports. Let’s dive right in:
Busiest Ports in Mexico
Pacific Coast Ports
1. Port of Manzanillo – Colima
Port Code: MXZLO
Manzanillo located in Colima is the largest and busiest port in Mexico and serves over 2.7 million TEUs yearly. The port of Manzanillo specializes in handling containerized cargo, bulk products, and automobiles. It is operated by several companies such as SSA Mexico and TMM Puertos y Terminales, S.A. De C.V. though managed by Administración Portuaria Integral de Manzanillo (API Manzanillo).
The port has well-equipped facilities including automated cranes and other efficient logistic services. It is situated in a region where it can easily and conveniently link Mexico to Asia to the U.S. and other markets thus, rendering it a major hub for international businesses. The productive operations of Manzanillo assist industries such as retail, automotive, and manufacturing.
2. Port of Lázaro Cárdenas – Michoacán
Port Code: MXLZC
Lázaro Cárdenas is situated in Michoacán and it is an important deep-water port that handles over 2.5 million TEUs per annum. Managed by ASIPONA Lázaro Cárdenas (Administración Portuaria Integral de Lázaro Cárdenas) and efficiently specialized in handling containerized freight, bulk products, and automobiles. It offers updated infrastructure and effective transportation, such as rail service connection which enables flawless trade to happen between Mexico, Asia, and North America.
APM Terminals and Hutchison Ports manage key terminals within the port meaning that cargo handling within the port is highly efficient. Because of its critical location on the Pacific Coast, it is a convenient location for import and export activities especially in mass products and other industrial products.
3. Port of Ensenada – Baja California
Port Code: MXENS
Ensenada is a large port situated in Baja California which moves over 1.1 million tons per year concentrating on bulk goods, containers, and automobiles. The port is managed by API Ensenada (Administración Portuaria Integral de Ensenada) and is the main transportation hub for product import and export to and from the USA West Coast.
It serves both the commercial shipping and the cruise industry with state-of-the-art facilities. The fact that the port is located near the key U.S markets serves its significance in helping cross-border trade of agricultural products, minerals, and Manufactured products.
4. Port of Guaymas – Sonora
Port Code: MXGYM
The Port of Guaymas is situated in Sonora and deals with approximately 6.2 million tons of cargo per year. It majors in exporting copper, grain, and minerals. API Guaymas (Administracion Portuaria Integral de Guaymas), the organization that runs the Guaymas port provides new cargo handling services and advanced logistic resources.
Some are rail link that facilitates its function as an important trading center for the northern Pacific. Guaymas is a crucial export hub for the mining and agricultural produce in Mexico, as it enables transportation to North America and Asia.
5. Port of Mazatlán – Sinaloa
Port Code: MXMZT
Mazatlán located in Sinaloa has an annual throughput of below 500,000 TEUs and primarily serves agricultural products, fish, and grains export markets. Also operating by API Mazatlán (Administración Portuaria Integral de Mazatlán), the port exists for commercial shipping needs as well as providing tourist attractions and amenities for cruise ships.
It is located in the coastal area of the Pacific Ocean to boost its commerce relations with local and global markets more so to Sinaloa’s important sectors. TMAZ (Terminal Marítima Mazatlán) operates strategic and important terminals to efficiently manage bulk and containerized cargo including strong port facilities.
6. Port of Topolobampo – Sinaloa
Port Code: MXTPB
Topolobampo which is located in Sinaloa operates and handles around 4.8 million tons of cargo every year. Its operation is major in containerization, bulk products, and automobiles. Under the management of the Administración Portuaria Integral de Topolobampo (API Topolobampo) S.A. de C.V., the port is an important link in trading with North America and the Pacific region.
It is well equipped with modern facilities such as Deep-water docks which renders it a major hub for agricultural and industrial exports. Therefore, benefiting industries such as mining agriculture, and automobile among others. Topolobampo is still prospective for further development resulting from a favorable strategic position and a growing network.
7. Port of Salina Cruz – Oaxaca
Port Code: MXSCX
The Port of Salina Cruz within the region of Oaxaca has an average throughput of about 1.2 million tons of cargo per year. It has a specialism in bulk shipments, especially in petroleum and agricultural products. With facilities being managed by Administración Portuaria Integral de Salina Cruz (API Salina Cruz) S.A. de C.V. it is central to the Mexican energy business and commerce industries.
The port provides good accommodation for cargo handling services to facilitate correct and efficient shipment. Salina Cruz plays an important role as an export center for the oil and gas industry, especially for the petrochemical industry in the region and exporting to the US and other parts of the world.
8. Pichilingue – Baja California Sur
Port Code: MXPCH
Pichilingue which is situated in the Baja California Sur deals with about 700,000 tons of cargo per year. It mainly deals with such cargoes as minerals and agricultural products all of which are classified as bulk cargo.
As one of the important ports under API Baja California Sur management, Pichilingue is essential for ensuring that vessels provide connections to the global market for exportation. The infrastructure focuses on logistics hence Pichilingue is considered as a strategic hub for the growing trade in Baja California Sur.
9. Puerto Madero – Chiapas
Port Code: MXPMD
Puerto Madero is located in Chiapas and it is continually developing its capacity in managing containerized and bulk commodity traffic. It deals with over one million tones per annum. It is controlled or managed by an organization known as Administracion Portuaria Integral de Puerto Madero, S.A. de C.V. (API Puerto Madero).
The critical location of the port in the southern region of Mexico also boosts its connection to the rest of Central America. Puerto Madero is an important trade center for the region, providing facilities for the exportation of such products as coffee, bananas, and other agricultural produce.
Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Coast Ports
10. Port of Veracruz – Veracruz
Port Code: MXVER
Veracruz is Mexico’s oldest and busiest port situated in the city of Veracruz and boasts over 3.2 million TEUs of traffic annually. Operated by API Veracruz, the port deals primarily with handling bulk cargo, containerized, and petroleum throughput. It is strategically located on the Gulf of Mexico which means that it has no interruption in accessing North and South America and Europe.
It is strategically located in Veracruz as it has very good transport facilities with rail connections necessary to support different industries. These industries include automotive, agricultural, and energy.
11. Port of Altamira – Tamaulipas
Port Code: MXATM
The Port of Altamira is situated in the state of Tamaulipas and it processes about twenty-two million tons of cargo every year. It is specialized in containers, bulk cargo, petroleum products, and chemicals, and it is operated by API Altamira. It features well-protected and deep-water facilities and is well-connected to the rail network for the effective movement and handling of products, particularly in the petrochemical industry.
Altamira is important to Mexico’s industrial and trade industries as it connects the Gulf of Mexico to major international destinations.
12. Port of Tampico – Tamaulipas
Port Code: MXTPU
The port of Tampico in the Tamaulipas processes over 8 million tons of cargo every year. Thus, the particular type of cargo that is transported through the Port of Tampico mainly consists of chemicals, petroleum products, minerals as well as agricultural products. It is operated by the Administración Portuaria Integral de Tampico (API Tampico) S.A. de C.V.
It plays a strategic role in the Mexican energy industry and provides good access for commerce focusing on the North American market. Tampico has sufficient and adequate infrastructure that ensures proper accommodation for logistics; hence it is a strategic port for the Gulf Coast region.
13. Port of Progreso – Yucatán
Port Code: MXPGO
Port of Progreso in Yucatán, processes around 54,000TEUs of containerized cargo per year. The port also handles around 1.3 million metric tonnes of total bulk cargo that includes salt, grains, and chemicals. Operated by the Administración Portuaria Integral de Progreso (API Progreso), Progreso is an important exporter of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Its position in the Gulf of Mexico provides easy access to the American market and other international markets to facilitate the various industries across the region.
14. Port of Coatzacoalcos – Veracruz
Port Code: MXCOA
The Port of Coatzacoalcos situated in the Veracruz deals with around thirty million tons of cargo trade per year. It deals primarily in the transport of bulk cargo, petrochemicals, and grains. Operated by the Administración Portuaria Integral de Coatzacoalcos -API Coatzacoalcos, the port is an important part of trade routes in Southeastern Mexico.
Its position in the Gulf of Mexico and state-of-the-art infrastructure allow bringing products to key national and global markets. Coatzacoalcos is strategically important for energy exports such as oil and gas and agricultural products, thanks to its contemporary infrastructural and specialized terminal facilities. You will notice that this port has the capacity to enhance the trade economy of Mexico and enhance regional economic growth.
15. Port of Dos Bocas – Tabasco
Port Code: MXDBS
The Dos Bocas is in the Tabasco state, it is one of the most important deep-water ports that mainly handle oil and petroleum products. Operated by API Dos Bocas it processes over 1 million to about 5.5 million tons per year and focuses mainly on the export of crude oil and petroleum products. It plays a significant role in Mexico’s energy sector because it is situated on the Gulf of Mexico which is commercially vital for access to international markets.
The modern facilities at the port facilitate the massive intake of liquid bulk cargoes. Hence, adding more value to the development of the industrial sector in the region. Dos Bocas is advantageous to Mexico’s economic development because it is among the major export terminals for the country’s oil and gas.
16. Port of Ciudad del Carmen – Campeche
Port Code: MXCME
Ciudad del Carmen in Campeche is a petroleum export port and has facilities for the oil and gas sector. Specific data on the exact handling capacity of the port may not be obtainable but the potential annual handling capacity is over 1 million tons. The port is managed by API Ciudad del Carmen, and it is an important hub for the energy industry in Mexico.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure and dedicated facilities, it also provides optimal transportation facilities for the export of oil, gas & chemical products especially in the southern Gulf area. However, it is not one of the largest Mexican ports but still has its own importance in the energy sector of the country. It provides specific facilities to meet the functions of the offshore area of Campeche Bay.
17. Port of Tuxpan – Veracruz
Port Code: MXTUX
The Port of Tuxpan is situated in the state of Veracruz and deals with the traffic of around 1.3 million tons of cargo per year. It has a fixed container throughput of approximately 22,320 TEUs. It handles mainly bulk cargo, chemicals, and automobiles; however, it also caters to passenger cruise ships.
It is operated by API Tuxpan which makes the port very strategic in providing strong logistical solutions and as a transit hub for Mexico’s oil, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. This port of Tuxpan, it is located on the Gulf Coast where it plays the role of a hub linking Mexico to global markets.
18. Cayo Arcas – Campeche
Port Code: MXCAR
Cayo Arcas, in Campeche, is another port of offshore oil with a major focus primarily on oil and gas exports. Although the quantitative data on its yearly throughput have not been disclosed the port deals with approximately 300 vessels per year and deals with bulk liquid products.
Managed by Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the terminal is one of the most important contributors to the Mexican energy sector due to oil and gas exports. The terminal has oil berths that can accommodate vessels of up to 290,000 DWT and remains a key point for Mexico’s offshore oil activities.
19. Port of Frontera – Tabasco
Port Code: MXFRT
Frontera port is based in Tabasco and is a key component of Mexico’s energy industry mainly focusing on operations of offshore oil and gas. Unfortunately, specific measures of handling capacities are not easily assessed. However, the port is recognized for handling very large tons of bulk cargo, especially petroleum and chemical products.
Its management by API Frontera and its critical location contribute to supporting the crucial export of energy and industrial processes. The infrastructure and logistics at the port benefit significant functions of the oil business. It places Frontera at the epicenter of actions linked to the Gulf of Mexico’s energy resources.
Less Busy Ports in Mexico
Pacific Coast Ports
· Port of Puerto Chiapas – Chiapas
Sited in southern Mexico, it deals with containerized freight and runs under the Port Authority of Chiapas.
· Port of San Blas – Nayarit
A harbor that is small and mainly used to anchor vessels for fishing, and trading in the Pacific area.
· Port of Acapulco – Guerrero
With regard to cruise ship traffic, it also deals with general cargo; the Acapulco Port Authority oversees the terminal.
· Port of Puerto Vallarta – Jalisco
Its primary purpose is cruise ships, but it is also involved with containerized cargo and remains open all year.
· Puerto Peñasco – Sonora
A small port dedicated to both tourists and some cargo demand, primarily in the Gulf of California.
· Puerto Libertad – Sonora
Transports only a small volume of freight, mainly for the fishing industry and as a local transportation.
· Puerto Salina – Baja California
The major use of this port is to help the fishing industry together with tourism and recreational boating within the region. It also undertakes limited cargo operations in relation to local trade.
· Cabo San Lucas – Baja California Sur
Although it is mostly a cruise ship it also has a minimal level of shipments and a very small tourism business.
· La Paz – Baja California Sur
Is the largest port in Baja dealing with ferry, cruise, and small cargo operations.
· Isla de Cedros – Baja California
A small-scale fishing harbour situated near the coast of Baja California on the Pacific Ocean which primarily meets the regional demand.
· Guerrero Negro – Baja California Sur
The port is involved in a few shipping and local transport activities other than salt production, which has been a major economic activity in the region.
· Puerto Escondido – Oaxaca
A quiet port mostly involved in fishing operations and serving the purpose of local tourism.
· Santa Rosalia – Baja California Sur
Primarily a fishing and regional supply port in the Gulf of California.
· San Carlos – Baja California Sur
A quiet port serving local shipping needs and handling minimal general cargo.
· San Juan de la Costa – Baja California Sur
Is a small port through which it deals mainly with local fishing and some degree of transit within the region.
· Rosarito Terminal – Baja California
Located near Tijuana, it serves both tourism and local cargo handling including agricultural products and seafood.
· San Marcos – Guerrero
A small seaport that is mainly involved with fishing and a small amount of commerce within the surrounding area.
Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Coast Ports
· Port of Isla Mujeres – Quintana Roo
Chiefly operating in the tourist sector and possessing a ferry service to Cancun, the port designates a small scale to its cargo.
· Port of Cancún – Quintana Roo
Also having a capacity for only restricted cargo-related activities, it is famous for cruise tourism.
· Port of Chetumal – Quintana Roo
A small port with a small volume of cargo and is a trade channel to Belize.
· Puerto Morelos – Quintana Roo
It is mainly a fishing port, it has minimal throughput for cargo and is situated close to Cancun.
· Seybaplaya – Campeche
A small port that is primarily used for fishing by the local population, and small shipments.
· Puerto Juárez – Quintana Roo
Serves as the boat terminal to Isla Mujeres though it has limited cargo handling ability.
· Punta Venado – Quintana Roo
A port is tagged as a minor port, and it serves as a local shipping and tourism destination.
· Río Largartos – Yucatán
This port is mainly a fishing harbor with a minimum of dealing with cargo and other local activities.
· Alvarado – Veracruz
Is a small harbor usually used for handling fishing and other regional cargo-related activities.
· Tamiahua – Veracruz
Specialized in fishing and small-scale transport for the entire Veracruz state.
· Barra de Tuxpan – Veracruz
Specializes in regional shipments, agricultural goods, and industrial products are mostly shipped on this terminal.
· Tecolutla – Veracruz
Support small-scale operations such as small-scale scale shipping and fishing within the coastal waters of Veracruz.
· Anton Lizardo – Veracruz
This Port is responsible for shipping products to and from the Veracruz area with a special emphasis on the regional market and manufacturing products.
· Celestún – Yucatán
This port offers restricted commercial and cargo shipping services despite being mainly a fishing harbor.
· Sisal – Yucatán
A small port that has minimal connectivity with other commercial ports, and is mostly used to cater to the needs of the vicinity.
· Dzilam de Bravo – Yucatán
Specialized in the movement of goods through regional markets and the fishing industries but little involvement in cargo business.
· Las Coloradas – Yucatán
A small port mainly used in regional trading and the local processing of salt.
· Cozumel – Quintana Roo
It is mainly a cruise port, which also deals with a small amount of cargo operations & local tourism.
· Sánchez Magallanes – Tabasco
Is the type of port that is usually involved in local transportation with little to no involvement in cargo shipping.
· Barra Chiltepec – Tabasco
Transports very little cargo and is mostly used in the local agricultural market.
· La Barra – Tabasco
A port that can accommodate a small volume of cargo traffic and only deals with the local regional shipment.
· Isla Aguada – Campeche
It is a small port that mainly harbors local commercial traffic and local fishing companies.
· Champotón – Campeche
This port carries only a small quantity of shipment and targets mainly demand within its area of operation and a focus on regional markets.
· Campeche – Campeche:
A small port that serves only the region and provides services to local commerce and other transportation businesses involving the area.
· Minatitlán – Veracruz
This port engages in the handling of bulk cargoes particularly those of regional industries which include the petroleum and chemical industries.
· Nanchital – Veracruz
A relatively minor oil business port, which mainly transports goods and supplies relevant to the industry as well as other products needed in the region.
· Nautla – Veracruz
Transits limited local cargo mainly with emphasis on the regional market and agricultural produce.
· Yukalpeten – Yucatán
A small port is involved mainly in the local discharge of cargo that include fishing.
· Santa Maria – Tamaulipas
A small port that has a small carrying capability to accommodate cargo and is mainly for local and regional deliveries.
Inland Ports and Terminals
· Guadalajara – Jalisco
An inland port that plays a crucial role as a transshipment point of the area.
· Monterrey – Nuevo León:
A strategic distribution center for all types of cargo procedures with a focus on the industrial core of Mexico.
· Toluca – Estado de México
A small terminal situated inside the region and deals with all types of cargo, though it majorly serves the local market.
· Morro Redondo – Tamaulipas
Small boat that transports light cargo in the area; largely serves the interest of businesses within the area and transport companies.
FAQs
Which is the Port of Export in Mexico?
Some of the principal ports of export in Mexico include the Port of Manzanillo (MXZLO) on the Pacific coast and the Port of Veracruz (MXVER) on the Gulf of Mexico. These ports accommodate the largest volume of exports, particularly of automotive, agricultural produce, and electronics.
Which is the Busiest Port in Mexico?
The Port of Manzanillo is the largest port and the most busiest in the country; It is located in the state of Colima on the Mexican Pacific coast. It processes a good deal of freight traffic and is vital for Mexico’s imports and exports.
Which is the Oldest Port in Mexico?
The Port of Veracruz (MXVER) is the oldest port in Mexico. It was founded in the 16th century and it has been the principal and vital port for hundreds of years to this nation in terms of exportation and importation.
Which is the Deepest Port in Mexico?
The Port of Lázaro Cárdenas (MXLZC) is said to be Mexico’s deepest harbor with a depth of 18 meters (59 feet). This enables it to handle bigger vessels hence increasing its throughput for overseas business.
Conclusion
The ports in Mexico are important in international business. Awareness of their characteristics assists the various companies when engaging in the export or importation of products between Mexico and other countries.
Regardless if you prefer the large ports like Manzanillo or some of the smaller ports, each provides its set of benefits for your importing/exporting businesses.
More resources:
Shipping from China to Mexico – Source: BANSAR
Calculate Sea Freight Rates in FCL and LCL Shipping – Source: BANSAR
Calculate Fright Shipping Cost – Source: BANSAR
