Port Laredo seeks to consolidate its role as a logistics and trade hub for North America

The evolution of supply chains, the growth of technology manufacturing and the increasing economic integration between Mexico and the United States are opening new opportunities for Laredo, Texas, which seeks to consolidate itself as an integrated logistics, distribution and innovation hub for North America.

Representatives of Port Laredo and the Northeast Chapter of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology agreed on the strategic relevance that the Texas-Mexico border has gained for economic activity, regional trade and supply chains.

Felipe G. Romero, Marketing Manager of Port Laredo, highlighted that Laredo remains the leading inland port in the United States by trade value, although the city’s current strategy is focused on strengthening value-added operations linked to logistics, infrastructure, distribution and industrial development.

Currently, the World Trade Bridge handles around 17,000 daily bidirectional commercial crossings, while projects continue to expand FAST lanes, improve operations at international crossings and develop new logistics infrastructure.

In addition, connectivity with I-35, the rail network and specialized customs services makes the region one of the main trade nodes on the continent.

Laredo promotes logistics expansion and distribution centers

During the conversation, it was also highlighted that the city seeks to attract distribution centers and strategic operations for manufacturing companies established in Mexico, particularly in Nuevo León and northern Mexico.

Romero mentioned that one of Laredo’s objectives is to become a distribution platform for manufacturing companies located in Monterrey and other industrial areas in the north of the country.

“You are the experts in manufacturing; we can help you become the strong muscle in distribution centers,” he said.

As an example, he mentioned the growth of companies that have expanded their logistics operations in Laredo to strengthen their distribution chains and accelerate operational scaling.

The logistics offering includes industrial parks, cross-docking operations, cold chain services, warehouses and available spaces for projects related to industrial expansion and international trade.

The potential of Laredo International Airport was also highlighted, as it is considered unique for having dual inspection and a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) within its facilities.

Another factor identified as a competitive advantage was the coordination between customs authorities and organizations from both countries to facilitate trade operations and accelerate infrastructure projects.

Technology trade accelerates integration between Mexico and the United States

For his part, Armando Guerra, Director of Business Intelligence at COMCE Noreste, explained that Mexico consolidated its position as the United States’ leading trading partner, while Texas remains the most relevant state within the bilateral relationship.

He detailed that in 2025, trade between both countries reached US$272 billion, driven mainly by advanced manufacturing and technology exports.

Among the fastest-growing sectors are exports of data processing machines, technology components and equipment linked to data centers and artificial intelligence, which recorded increases of up to 80% between 2024 and 2025.

“The automotive industry remains very important, but we are seeing a very strong trend in this whole technology segment,” he said.

Guerra also highlighted the relevance of Nuevo Laredo as the main commercial border crossing between Mexico and the United States, concentrating nearly 32% of total bilateral trade.

In exports alone, the crossing recorded operations of around US$190 billion, driven mainly by data processing units, vehicles and auto parts.

He also explained that more than three-quarters of trade between both countries continues to move by road, which keeps Texas and land crossings as key elements for regional economic integration.