Mexico’s exports to the United States showed a notable shift in the first quarter of 2026. While vehicle shipments declined year over year, exports of computer equipment posted strong growth, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau under the Department of Commerce.
From January to March 2026, Mexican exports of computer equipment rose 61.13% compared with the same period a year earlier. During that same timeframe, vehicle exports from Mexico to the United States fell 22.34%.
The change comes amid significant tariff differences between sectors. Motor vehicles face a 25% tariff under Section 232, while data-processing machines, including computers, pay an effective rate of just 0.02%, largely because most of these products qualify for tariff exemptions.
However, the increase in computer exports does not necessarily point to a full transformation of Mexico’s manufacturing base. Mexico mainly operates as an assembler in this supply chain, importing a large share of components, particularly from Asia, and adding limited value before shipping finished products to the U.S. market.
In March, Taiwan remained the leading supplier of computer equipment to the United States, accounting for 40.81% of U.S. imports in the category, while Mexico held a 30.49% share. The figures point to a broader adjustment in Mexico’s foreign trade, shaped by both tariff policy and shifting global supply chains.
Source: Puente Libre MX
