Ports

Mexico's Pacific ports surge on double-digit container growth

Mexico's Pacific gateways are racing to expand capacity as container volumes surge in 2026. Manzanillo, the nation's largest container port, handled 2.46 million teu in the first seven months of the year, up 11.7% year-over-year. The Contecon terminal at Manzanillo alone moved 1.02 million teu during the same period, a 20% increase. Lazaro Cardenas recorded 1.34 million teu for the period, representing 6% growth despite an 8% decline in vehicle imports. APM Terminals at Lazaro Cardenas reported 35% container growth in the first half compared to the same 2025 period. Port operators are bracing for continued expansion. Contecon recently secured approval to accommodate vessels drawing up to 15.5 metres, enabling the terminal to handle ultra-large container ships carrying 23,000 teu—making it Mexico's only Pacific facility cleared for such mega-vessels.