Two-way trade between the United States and Mexico totaled $84 billion in March 2026, up roughly 8.6% year over year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by WorldCity. Mexico accounted for about 16% of all U.S. global trade during the month, maintaining its position as the largest U.S. trading partner. Canada ranked second at $65.5 billion, followed by China at $32 billion. Through the first three months of 2026, total U.S.-Mexico trade reached $231.3 billion, up 7.4% year over year, according to WorldCity. U.S. exports to Mexico increased 10.97% to $93.27 billion, while imports from Mexico climbed 5.13% to $138.03 billion.
Port Laredo continued to dominate North American freight flows in March, ranking as the nation's busiest trade gateway with $34.3 billion in total commerce. John F. Kennedy International Airport followed closely at $34.2 billion, while Chicago O'Hare International Airport ranked third at $31.9 billion and the Port of Los Angeles placed fourth at $22.9 billion. The continued strength in cross-border freight comes as manufacturers and importers increasingly rely on nearshoring and regionalized supply chains to reduce exposure to tariffs and geopolitical risks in Asia. Technology and automotive products continued to dominate trade flows between the U.S. and Mexico in March, with computers, passenger vehicles, cell phones, computer parts and motor vehicle parts remaining among the largest import categories.
The latest trade figures arrive as the U.S., Mexico and Canada prepare for a formal review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), with negotiators increasingly signaling the process could extend well beyond the July 1 target date. Mexico Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard recently warned the review process may become a prolonged negotiation lasting years rather than months. "I would be thinking that this review is going to last a little longer and probably lead to non-conclusive reviews over the next 10 years," Ebrard said during an economic forum in Mexico City. Ebrard said Mexico's priority is reducing uncertainty for manufacturers while expanding the country's role in advanced industries such as automotive production and high-value manufacturing.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Trump administration wants stricter rules of origin and stronger enforcement mechanisms to encourage more manufacturing investment in the U.S. during a recent House Ways and Means Committee hearing. "We need to adjust the rules of origin. We need to take that same model and we need to take it to other goods as well ... to make sure that our manufacturers have an incentive and a comparative advantage," Greer said. U.S. lawmakers are also seeking faster dispute resolution procedures and stricter compliance measures tied to labor, manufacturing and market-access commitments under the trade pact.
Japan-based food ingredients producer United Foods International has opened a 126,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Phoenix, expanding the company's production and distribution footprint in Arizona. The facility is expected to employ up to 100 workers once fully operational. Meanwhile, Chinese electronics maker Shenzhen Click Technology is opening a new factory in Torreón, Mexico, backed by an investment of about $17 million. The project is expected to create 480 jobs and strengthen the electronics supply chain in the La Laguna region of Coahuila. State officials said the project reinforces Coahuila's position as a manufacturing and technology hub as companies continue shifting electronics and industrial supply chains closer to the U.S. market.
Key Takeaways:
1. US-Mexico trade volume reached $84 billion in March 2026, up 8.6% year-over-year; Mexico retained its position as the largest US trading partner.
2. Port Laredo led North American trade flows at $34.3 billion, with JFK Airport following at $34.2 billion in second place.
3. Total US-Mexico trade in the first three months of 2026 climbed 7.4% to $231.3 billion; US exports rose 10.97%, Mexico imports grew 5.13%.
4. USMCA review process may extend well beyond July 1 target and last for years; Mexico Economy Secretary Ebrard forecasts decade-long negotiations.
5. United Foods International opened 126,000-square-foot Phoenix facility; Shenzhen Click Technology investing $17 million in Torreón plant creating 480 jobs.
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