Mexico remained the United States’ largest trading partner in September, with two-way commerce surging 34.2% year over year to a record $96.34 billion.
According to the latest trade data analyzed by WorldCity, Canada ranked second with $64.78 billion in two-way trade, followed by China at $41.1 billion. Mexico accounted for 17.15% of total U.S. international trade during September.
U.S. imports from Mexico totaled $62.24 billion, up 39.6% from $44.58 billion a year earlier. American exports to Mexico increased 25.4% to $34.09 billion, compared with $27.2 billion in September 2025.
The figures reflect a sharp acceleration in cross-border commerce, particularly for manufactured goods, electronics and transportation equipment.
Mexico’s trade growth also outpaced the broader U.S. international trade market, which increased 21.8% year over year to $561.82 billion in September.
The U.S. merchandise trade deficit with Mexico reached approximately $28.15 billion for the month, based on the difference between reported imports and exports.
September 2026: Top US trading partners
| Rank | Country | Total two-way trade |
| 1 | Mexico | $96.34B |
| 2 | Canada | $64.78B |
| 3 | China | $41.10B |
Laredo reclaims top US trade gateway ranking
Laredo, Texas, regained its position as the nation’s busiest international trade gateway in September, handling $38.87 billion in two-way commerce, a 31.2% increase from $29.63 billion a year earlier, WorldCity reported.
The South Texas border crossing overtook Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which fell to second place with $36.08 billion in trade, down 17.9% year over year.
The Port of Los Angeles ranked third at $28.31 billion, followed by the Port of Houston at $22.72 billion and Los Angeles International Airport at $22.53 billion.
Laredo accounted for 6.92% of all U.S. international merchandise trade in September.
Imports through Laredo totaled $26.87 billion, a 40.8% increase from the same month last year. Exports through the crossing rose 13.8% to $12 billion.
Mexico accounted for $38.05 billion, or approximately 98%, of Laredo’s total international trade during the month.
The September figures marked the highest trade value for Laredo for that month since at least 2013, according to WorldCity’s historical data.
Texas border crossings post strong gains
Other U.S.-Mexico border crossings also reported significant trade growth in September.
The Ysleta-Zaragoza International Bridge in El Paso, Texas, handled $16.23 billion in total international trade, an increase of 53.5% year over year.
The Santa Teresa border crossing in New Mexico recorded $7.54 billion in trade, a nearly 248.5% increase from September 2025.
Trade through the Otay Mesa crossing in California reached $6.02 billion, up 5.9%, while Eagle Pass, Texas, handled $3.97 billion, a 5.8% increase.
The Pharr International Bridge in South Texas recorded $3.91 billion in commerce, up 7% year over year.
Why it matters: Mexico’s expanding share of U.S. trade reinforces its role in North American manufacturing and logistics as companies navigate shifting trade policies and supply chain strategies.
