Posted on December 3, 2025
The Port of Lazaro Cardenas closed October 2025 handling more than 24.6 million tons of cargo, reaffirming its status as one of Mexico’s most dynamic and strategic logistics hubs. With strong operational performance and expanding capacity, the port continues to consolidate its role as a central driver of national trade and industrial growth.
Cargo composition remained balanced and robust cargo composition: 63% imports, 27% exports, and 10% cabotage, reflecting the port’s growing importance in global and regional supply chains. By type, 48% of cargo was containerized, 32% mineral bulk, and the remaining 20% comprised automotive, general cargo, agricultural bulk, fluids, and petroleum products.
Containerized cargo totaled 2,161,847 TEUs, up 9% compared with the same period in 2024. This performance underscores the port’s advanced infrastructure, modern equipment, and skilled workforce. Container traffic consisted of 29% imports, 28% exports, and 43% transshipment.
Intermodal efficiency remains a key advantage: 75% of containers moved by truck and 25% by rail, reinforcing the port’s integration with inland industrial corridors.
Automotive traffic through Lazaro Cardenas also strengthened, with 617,693 vehicles handled between January and October—a 7% year-on-year increase. Imports dominated with 72% of total units, followed by 26% exports and 2% transshipment. The growth underscores automakers’ confidence in the port’s specialized terminals, operational reliability, and strategic position for global distribution.
The port handled 1,493 ships, a 5% increase from the previous year, reflecting its capacity to service next-generation vessels.
A National Priority Under Mexico’s Port Modernization Plan
Beyond current performance, Lazaro Cardenas is entering a transformative period under Plan Michoacan, a federal strategy aimed at fostering economic development, boosting investment, and generating employment across the state.
Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard announced that Mexico will triple its efforts to strengthen Michoacan under a framework of 12 strategic pillars and MX$57 billion (US$3.1 billion) in mixed investment. The plan also seeks to address structural causes of insecurity by improving education, healthcare, housing, and job creation.
A core component of the plan is the modernization and expansion of the Port of Lazaro Cardenas in coordination with the Mexican Navy (SEMAR). Key priorities include:
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New cold chain infrastructure to support agricultural and perishable exports
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Expansion of container terminals to accommodate rising trade volumes
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Strengthening road, rail, and customs connectivity
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Deepening the port’s specialization in automotive and industrial logistics
Ebrard confirmed that the federal and private sectors will jointly invest MX$14 billion (US$750 million) to upgrade the port, part of a broader national strategy to reinforce maritime competitiveness.
The upgrades at Lazaro Cardenas are integrated into Mexico’s National Port Modernization Plan, unveiled on July 23. The initiative involves over MX$296 billion (US$15.9 billion) in investment across nine strategic ports: Ensenada, Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Acapulco, Veracruz, Progreso, Guaymas, Topolobampo, and Altamira.
Within this nationwide framework:
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Lazaro Cardenas is evolving into a multimodal logistics hub through expansions led by APM Terminals and Hutchison Ports, the La Palma Island project, and enhanced intermodal corridors
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Ensenada and Manzanillo-Cuyutlán are receiving major tourism and logistics investments
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Acapulco, Veracruz, and Progreso are modernizing through dredging, capacity upgrades, and infrastructure expansion
