Mexico’s trade surplus with the U.S. hits record $102.6 billion as exports rise 13% in first half of 2026
Mexico posted its largest trade surplus with the United States in nearly three decades during the first half of 2026, as exports to its northern neighbor climbed 13% year-over-year to a record $298.16 billion, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The surplus reached $102.58 billion, the highest for a first half since the statistical series began in 1999.
Exports and imports both set records
Mexican exports to the U.S. totaled $298,157 million between January and June, up from the prior three-year average growth rate of 5.8%. U.S. exports to Mexico also climbed to a record $195,577 million, up 16.58% year-over-year — a faster pace than Mexico’s own export growth. June alone accounted for $55,255 million in Mexican exports to the U.S., a 23.25% increase over June 2025 and the strongest June on record.
The surplus of $102.58 billion represents a 6.62% expansion over the same period in 2025, even as U.S. imports grew faster than exports. The Census Bureau noted this is the widest first-half gap between the two countries on record.
Mexico extends its lead as the U.S.’s top trading partner
Mexico’s $298.16 billion in exports gave it a 17.08% share of total U.S. imports for the period, the largest of any single country. Canada followed at 11.46%, ahead of Taiwan at 7.82% and China at 7.41%.
Counting total two-way trade rather than exports alone, Mexico held 16.5% of all U.S. trade in the first half, up from 15.6% for full-year 2025. Canada came in second at 12.6%, followed by China at 6.2%, Taiwan at 5.6%, and Vietnam at 4.4%. China’s share continued to shrink, down from 7.4% in 2025.
What the widening trade gap means for companies operating in Mexico
A trade relationship growing this fast, on both sides of the ledger, raises the stakes for companies still deciding where and how to establish operations in Mexico. As cross-border trade volumes increase, customs compliance, supply chain planning, and administrative readiness become increasingly important to maintaining efficient operations.
American Industries Group has spent more than five decades helping manufacturers establish and operate compliant manufacturing operations in Mexico. Contact our team to learn how our shelter services can support your expansion strategy.
