Background on Querétaro’s Export Sector
Querétaro, a Mexican state known for its robust manufacturing and agricultural industries, has experienced a significant downturn in its export sector due to the United States’ recent trade policy changes. In the first quarter of 2025, Querétaro’s manufacturing exports totaled $3,952.1 million, marking a 10.5% annual decline. Meanwhile, agricultural exports amounted to $54.6 million, experiencing an 8.3% decrease during the same period.
Manufacturing Sector Performance
Querétaro ranked eighth among Mexican states with the most substantial annual decline in manufacturing exports, with 11 entities reporting a decrease in sales. Manufacturing accounted for 98.4% of total export value, while agriculture contributed 1.4%.
- Total exports in the first quarter of 2025: $4,016.9 million
- Annual decrease: 10.7%
- Comparison to the same period last year: $4,499.9 million
While most manufacturing subsectors reported annual declines, some experienced growth. The food industry, clothing, metal products, and other sectors saw increased exports.
- Notable growth areas:
- Metal product manufacturing: 58.8%
- Non-metallic mineral product manufacturing: 30%
- Food industry: 9.5%
- Clothing manufacturing: 8.1%
- Plastic and rubber industry: 1.7%
Despite the overall decline, manufacturing of transportation equipment remained Querétaro’s largest export contributor at 49.5%. This sector includes electrical equipment (12.1%), machinery and equipment (8.2%), computer and communication equipment (7.5%), and the plastic and rubber industry (7.3%) based on Inegi data.
Querétaro’s Export Position and Comparison
With first-quarter export accumulations, Querétaro contributed 3% to Mexico’s total exports, placing it 11th. However, the annual decline of 10.7% positioned it as ninth among states with the most significant export value reduction. Fifteen entities experienced a decrease in their external sales.
Despite Querétaro’s decline, Mexico’s total export value increased by 3.6% annually in the first quarter of 2025.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue affecting Querétaro’s exports? The primary concern is the US trade policy changes, which have led to a 10.5% annual decline in manufacturing exports and an 8.3% decrease in agricultural exports.
- Which manufacturing subsectors experienced growth? The food industry, clothing manufacturing, metal product manufacturing, and other sectors saw increased exports.
- What is Querétaro’s position in Mexico’s export rankings? Querétaro contributed 3% to Mexico’s total exports in the first quarter of 2025, placing it 11th. However, it experienced the ninth-largest annual export value decline among Mexican states.
