Tamaulipas holds maquiladora jobs amid national decline
Tamaulipas has managed to maintain a strong position in Mexico’s export manufacturing sector, even as the maquiladora industry faces a nationwide contraction.
The state accounts for approximately 7.4% of total employment under the IMMEX program, placing it among the top six contributors to the country’s export-driven workforce. This performance underscores its continued importance as a key hub for industrial activity along the northern border.
Nationally, the sector showed signs of decline at the start of 2026. Total employment under the IMMEX program fell by 2.3% year-over-year, reflecting a broader adjustment in manufacturing activity. The downturn was more pronounced in manufacturing jobs, which dropped 3%, while subcontracted labor saw a sharp decrease of more than 20%.
Despite these challenges, Tamaulipas has remained resilient, supported by its integration into global supply chains and its concentration of export-oriented industries. The state continues to rank alongside major industrial players such as Nuevo León, Chihuahua, and Baja California.
Operational indicators also point to a slowdown, with total hours worked declining and overall industrial activity moderating. However, wage levels have shown slight growth, helping to offset some of the impact on workers.
Tamaulipas’ ability to sustain employment amid a weakening national outlook highlights its strategic role in Mexico’s manufacturing base and its capacity to weather fluctuations in global demand.
Related posts:
