Overview of Jalisco’s Growing Electronics Export Sector
Guadalajara, Jalisco has solidified its position as a significant player in the electronics export industry. By the first half of the year, electronics accounted for 62% of Jalisco’s total exports, placing the state second nationally in electronics exports, just behind Chihuahua. This achievement surpasses Baja California and Tamaulipas, which previously held the second and third positions.
Index Occidente President’s Perspective
Guillermo del Río, president of the Industrial Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Association (Index) Occidente, highlighted Jalisco’s success in the electronics sector. “Jalisco is now second only to Chihuahua, with 21% of all electronic exports in Mexico. The electronics sector contributes 62% to Jalisco’s export total,” del Río stated.
Del Río added, “For the first time, we have surpassed Baja California. Tijuana and Mexicali are strong in the electronics sector, but Jalisco has managed to outperform Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana, establishing itself as a leading force in electronics.”
He also mentioned that electronic exports grew by 47% from January to June 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year.
Jalisco’s Specialization in High-Tech Electronics
Del Río Ochoa explained that Jalisco has specialized in high-tech electronics, giving the state a competitive edge. “We manufacture complex and challenging products, which makes us less vulnerable to competition. We don’t compete on price; instead, we leverage our capabilities and intellect, making Jalisco an attractive location for this sector,” he emphasized.
Sedeco’s Perspective on Jalisco’s Electronics Success
Cindy Blanco, Secretary of Economic Development (Sedeco), pointed out that Jalisco has displaced historically powerful electronics export states not through volume but through high specialization.
“It’s not about volume; it’s about larger, higher-value transactions. We’re now manufacturing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology that isn’t produced anywhere else in the world,” Blanco shared.
IMMEX Companies in Jalisco
Guillermo del Río, Index Occidente president, reported that Jalisco hosts 422 IMMEX companies. These firms operate under a special tax regime for businesses that temporarily import components and machinery to transform goods intended for export.
Del Río further explained that of Jalisco’s $18.7 billion in exports during the first half of the year, IMMEX industries contributed $15 billion (80% of total exports) and generated 231,000 jobs, accounting for 11% of the state’s formal employment.
He also mentioned that out of the 9,000 jobs projected for 2025, Jalisco created 4,837 by the end of the first half. The estimated investment was $850 million, with $350 million attracted in the first six months. The projected export growth of 8-10% surpassed 40% compared to the first half of the previous year.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Jalisco’s growth in the electronics export sector? Jalisco has become a leading player in the electronics industry, accounting for 62% of its total exports. This growth places Jalisco second nationally in electronics exports, surpassing Baja California and Tamaulipas.
- Why is Jalisco’s specialization in high-tech electronics important? By focusing on complex and challenging products, Jalisco reduces vulnerability to price-based competition. This specialization allows the state to leverage its capabilities and intellect, making it an attractive location for high-tech electronics manufacturing.
- How many IMMEX companies are in Jalisco, and what is their contribution to the state’s economy? There are 422 IMMEX companies in Jalisco, contributing $15 billion to the state’s $18.7 billion in exports during the first half of the year. These companies generate 231,000 jobs, accounting for 11% of Jalisco’s formal employment.
