Port Laredo handled 35% of U.S.–Mexico trade and averaged 20,000 daily crossings in 2025

Port Laredo closed 2025 as one of North America’s most important logistics gateways, accounting for approximately 35% of total U.S.–Mexico binational trade, with an average of 20,000 commercial crossings per day and an annual trade value nearing $800 billion.

During his participation at the XII National Congress on Comprehensive Customs Updates, organized by CENCOMEX (National Center for Foreign Trade Competitiveness), Felipe Gabriel Romero, Executive Manager for Marketing and Communications at Port Laredo, stated that border operations remain strong despite ongoing supply chain reconfiguration across North America.

“We remain strong, with a very strong border. We currently handle 20,000 commercial crossings per day between the United States and Mexico, with an average of $800 billion in annual trade moving through our port,” Romero said.

Beyond traffic volume, Romero emphasized that the port has expanded its focus toward binational economic development, aligning with trends such as nearshoring and smartshoring to attract industrial operations closer to the border.

“We are not only working on border crossings, but also on economic development, promoting that industries in Mexico move closer to Laredo, where we have industrial parks and infrastructure ready to support them.”

Automotive and advanced manufacturing lead trade flows

Regarding sector participation, Romero noted that the automotive industry currently ranks first among goods moving through Laredo, followed by technology components and heavy machinery.

“The number one industry using our operations is automotive, followed by computer components such as microchips and processors, and third, products like tractors, automobiles, and tires,” he explained.

In parallel, Port Laredo has expanded its cold chain infrastructure to capture higher volumes of perishable goods from Mexico.

“We have a world-class cold chain, with three inspection facilities, and we are looking to connect with Mexican fruit and vegetable companies so they can use our port.”

Binational cooperation as a competitive advantage

Romero highlighted joint inspection operations between Mexico and the United States as one of Port Laredo’s key differentiators. This model operates at both the land port and the airport, significantly streamlining customs processes.

“We have joint inspection, where the United States works directly with Mexico at the customs facilities; it’s a unique model, and that’s why we are here in Mexico promoting it.”

From an infrastructure perspective, he added that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) currently has more than $1.5 billion in ongoing projects aimed at expanding highways and bridges in the Laredo region.

Smartshoring as a regional strategy

Romero explained that the smartshoring strategy seeks to positioning Port Laredo as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing and regional logistics through partnerships with key Mexican states.

“We want to manufacture the future from the border. We are working with Nuevo León on automotive and automation; with Tamaulipas on maquila and healthcare; and with Querétaro on aerospace and bilingual talent.”

Based on preliminary figures through October 2025, Romero anticipates that Port Laredo will rank second or third nationally in total commercial crossings, pending final statistics to be released in early 2026.

International promotion and 2026 outlook

As part of its outreach strategy, the port announced the Global Trade Summit 2026, scheduled for July 13–14 in Laredo, Texas.

“This will not be a typical conference; it will be a strategic working space focused on compliance, mobility, and competitiveness for those looking to do business in the United States.”

Romero concluded by emphasizing that strengthening ties with Mexico remains a top priority.

“We are number one not just because of geography, but because of the relationships we have with our brothers and sisters in Mexico. Laredo is open for business, regardless of company size.”