During the first quarter of 2026, Mexico’s auto parts industry recorded its highest production level for any comparable period on record, reaching a value of 31,185 million dollars, according to the National Auto Parts Industry Association (INA).
This figure represented a 9.58% increase compared to the same period in 2025, driven primarily by performance in March, when production reached 10,918 million dollars, equivalent to a year-over-year increase of 7.93%.
According to the INA, the growth in domestic manufacturing was driven by the favorable performance of the U.S. automotive market, which remains the primary destination for Mexican automotive component exports and one of the main factors sustaining investment in the sector.
Electrical parts remained the segment with the highest production during the period, with a value of $6,102 million and a 19.6% share of the national total, in addition to an 11.59% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Among the main components manufactured in the country, transmissions and clutches also stood out, with production valued at 2,936 million dollars; fabrics, carpets, and seats, at 2,829 million; engine parts, at 2,494 million; and gasoline engines, which reached 1,967 million dollars and recorded the highest growth among the main segments, with an increase of 41.75%.
Together, these five product groups—auto parts and components—accounted for 52.4% of total domestic production.
The Bajío and Northern regions account for the largest share of auto parts production
By region, the Central region reported the highest percentage growth during the first quarter, with an increase of 10.38% and production totaling 4,656 million dollars.
The Bajío region reached 11,267 million dollars, with growth of 9.88%, while the Northern region recorded production of 13,671 million dollars and growth of 8.52%.
At the state level, Coahuila remained the leading national producer of auto parts, accounting for 15.6% of the total, equivalent to 4,860 million dollars. Guanajuato ranked second with 4,279 million dollars and a 13.7% share, followed by Nuevo León with 4,049 million dollars, representing 13% of national production.
Exports and Foreign Investment Drive Growth in the Automotive Sector
The INA noted that the sector maintained a positive trade balance of 9,973 million dollars during the first quarter of the year.
Exports totaled 27,124 million dollars, while imports reached 17,152 million dollars.
The United States remained the leading trading partner of the Mexican auto parts industry, accounting for 87.3% of the sector’s national exports.
Likewise, Mexico achieved a record-high share of 44.67% of total auto parts imports by the United States during the first quarter of 2026, solidifying its position as the country’s leading global supplier.
In terms of foreign investment, the sector attracted $434 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first quarter of 2026.
With this result, cumulative FDI between 2018 and the first quarter of 2026 totaled $21,526 million.
The United States ranked as the leading investor in the Mexican auto parts industry, accounting for 43.8% of cumulative FDI. It was followed by Germany with 19.8% and Japan with 15.9%.
By state, Nuevo León accounted for 26.3% of cumulative foreign investment in the sector, followed by Chihuahua with 14.2% and Coahuila with 11.6%.
Source: Mexico Industry