During the first quarter, exports from the maquiladora industries totaled USD 258 million, compared to the USD 227 million recorded in the same period of 2022—an increase of USD 31 million over the previous year

These revealing figures are part of the report issued by the Presidency of the National Council of Maquiladora Export Industries (Cnime), under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC).

The report notes that auto parts were the most exported product, accounting for 25% of the total. The second-largest category was apparel and textiles, at 19%.

Another significant category in total exports was aluminum and aluminum products, accounting for 17%; food products and plastics and plastic products accounted for 15% and 6%, respectively. These five products accounted for 82% of total exports in March 2023.

Mercosur

Among the main export destinations for the first quarter of the year, Brazil stands out as the most important market, with a 59% share; Argentina, the U.S., Singapore, and Chile follow with 13%, 7%, 5%, and 5%, respectively. With regard to Mercosur, 76% of exports were concentrated within the bloc.

Purchases of inputs for industrial processing under the maquila regime (imports) totaled USD 142 million during the first three months of the year, 14% less than in the same period of the previous year.

Likewise, the trade balance (exports minus imports) from January to March totaled USD 116 million, an 89% increase over the USD 61 million recorded during the same period in 2022. With regard to employment, the report shows a 10% increase in jobs, meaning that 267 maquila industries generate a total of 21,611 formal jobs.

This production regime increased exports by 14% over three months, compared to the same period in 2022. This increase corresponds to an additional USD 31 million in revenue for the country.

Source: Ultima Hora