US imports of Mexican-made cars, pickup trucks rise 14% in June

Experts say US tariffs affecting automotive industry production, sales

The U.S. market was the main destination for exports of Mexican-built cars and trucks in June, accounting for 80% in the month. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Mexico’s automotive manufacturing industry exported 331,517 passenger vehicles and pickup trucks in June, a 14% year-over-year increase compared to the same period last year.

Production of vehicles across Mexico increased 4.9% year-over-year during the month at 361,047 units, according to data from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

The U.S. market was the main destination for exports, accounting for 80% in June, followed by Canada at 10.9%, Germany at 2.6% and Colombia at 1%.

Odracir Barquera, general director of the Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry (AMIA), said while results for the month are positive, the market is still facing uncertainty from President Donald Trump’s tariff policy.

“June is the best month in the entire production record and also the best first half of the year, which is good news,” Barquera said during a video conference on Monday. “However, we must be cautious about the continued performance of the markets to which we export, as well as the current situation with U.S. trade decisions.”

Mexico City-based AMIA is a chamber association formed in 1951 to represent the interests of foreign vehicle manufacturers established in Mexico, including Audi, BMW, FCA, Ford, GM, Honda, JAC, KIA, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.

From January through June, auto factories in Mexico exported 666,184 cars and pickup trucks, a 2.8% year-over-year decrease. Total auto production during the first six months of the year increased 0.5% to 2 million vehicles compared to the same period in 2024.

Pickup trucks accounted for 76% of total vehicles produced at Mexican auto factories during June, INEGI reported.

GM factories in Mexico exported 72,324 units in June, a 56.4% year-over-year increase.

In Mexico, Detroit-based GM has three production complexes, including plants in the cities of Ramos Arizpe (Chevy Blazer and Equinox), Silao (Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500) and San Luis Potosi (GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox), according to GM Authority

Nissan exported 53,289 passenger vehicles during the month, a 27.1% year-over-year increase. Japan-based Nissan has two factories in Mexico where it produces models such as the Sentra and Kicks.

Toyota exported 26,974 units during June, a 15% year-over-year gain over the same period in 2024. The Japanese automaker produces the Tacoma pickup truck and the Corolla sedan in Mexico.

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Noi Mahoney

Noi Mahoney is a Texas-based journalist who covers cross-border trade, logistics and supply chains for FreightWaves. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English in 1998. Mahoney has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working for newspapers in Maryland and Texas. Contact nmahoney@freightwaves.com