Mexican auto exports grow in August; production slows

The month of August 2025 left a mixed record for the Mexican automotive industry . While light vehicle exports recorded further annual growth, automotive production slowed after two months of growth. This was revealed by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) in its most recent report from the Administrative Registry of the Light Vehicle Automotive Industry (RAIAVL) .

In numbers: 296,796 light vehicles were exported, representing an annual growth of 1.41% , while production fell 0.78% annually , with a total of 349,856 assembled units .

The report confirmed what was already suspected: demand from the United States remains the driving force behind exports. The neighboring country accounted for 79% of the cars manufactured in Mexico , followed by Canada (11.1%) , Germany (2.9%) , and Colombia (1.1%) .

Importers' behavior responded to tariff uncertainty. Many agents decided to advance purchases to avoid potential tariff increases, which explains the increase in exports.

Although August reported a slight decline, the cumulative figure from January to August told a different story: 2,666,029 light vehicles were produced , the highest figure on record. Of this total, light trucks accounted for 77.2% of production , consolidating their dominance in the sector.

On the export side, the accumulated total was 2 million 252,578 units , a minimum contraction of 1.02% compared to 2024 .

While export and production figures reached record levels in some areas, the domestic automotive market faced a less encouraging outlook. In August , 124,167 light vehicles were sold, a 3% annual decline, marking the fifth consecutive decline .

From January to August 2025, domestic sales totaled 957,993 units , equivalent to a 0.65% annual decline, the third consecutive cumulative decline.

Consumer caution regarding the economic climate, along with tariffs on steel and aluminum, have slowed car purchases in Mexico.

The August contrast reflects the challenges facing the automotive industry in Mexico :

• Strong exports thanks to the US market.
• Record-breaking production figures in the cumulative total.
• Domestic sales weakened by economic and external factors.

In the short term, attention will be focused on trade negotiations and the recovery of domestic consumption, two key elements in balancing the playing field.