Concanaco Warns Northern Mexico’s Export Hub Is Slowing

Overview

• Concanaco, which briefed reporters Wednesday, said the border region faces pressure that is holding back hiring and new investment.
• The six northern states produce 58.8% of Mexico’s exports and roughly one quarter of GDP, so a protracted slowdown would weigh on national growth.
• IMSS data show formal jobs rose 1.2% nationwide through March 31, 2026, while Baja California inched up 0.7%, Nuevo León 0.1% and Sonora 0.04% as Chihuahua fell 0.8%, Tamaulipas 5.1% and Coahuila 6.7%, with manufacturing down 2.1% year over year.
• Local signals are weakening, with Tijuana’s open factory roles dropping from about 113,000 in 2021 to 24,291 in 2025 and to 4,975 in early 2026, IMMEX factory‑for‑export jobs sliding, and Ciudad Juárez shedding formal posts.
• Concanaco links the strain to the coming T‑MEC review, higher labor and operating costs, insecurity and slow permits, and its survey found 87% of firms report impacts and 58% may scale back or leave, prompting a five‑point plan that includes fast‑track approvals, a standing public‑private table, economic security steps, simpler digital rules and support for small businesses as federal authorities show some openness to act.