Electronics Manufacturing Services in Mexico: What You Need to Know
01.28.19
The electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry in Mexico is strong and diverse. Across the country, you’ll find everything from Tier 3 suppliers to OEMs manufacturing a diverse range of products, from specialized machinery to consumer goods.
In 2016, Mexico was the sixth-largest producer of electronics worldwide and third-largest producer of computers. Worldwide machinery exports, including components and accessories, totaled $145 billion, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
What Electronics Mexico Exports
In 2016 (the most recent year for which data is currently available), the top exports for Mexico’s electronics manufacturing industry included:
- TVs (especially flat-screen plasma, LCD, and LED TVs)
- Cell phones
- Computers
- Data processing machines
- Control units/adaptors
- Telephone components
- Semi-conductors
- Transmission and receptor equipment
- Automatic machines for data processing
- Microwave receivers
- Modular circuits
- Video game consoles
This list highlights the diversity of the EMS sector in Mexico.
Top Export Countries for Electronics from Mexico
The US was the top destination for Mexico’s electronics manufacturing exports (only China exports more electronics to the US) in 2016. The other major electronics markets for Mexico include Canada, China, Germany, and Japan.
Major Electronics Clusters in Mexico
While you can find electronics manufacturers operating throughout Mexico, certain regions have established strong reputations in the industry.
Tijuana, Baja California
Tijuana specializes in TVs, radios, and other appliances. The industry here is driven by a well-established supply chain and the proximity to the US/Mexico border. Baja California overall hosts over 200 electronics manufacturers.
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guadalajara has become known as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico.” The city received an estimated $120 million invested in hi-tech startups over a recent four-year span and has several well-regarded public and private universities that specialize in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.
Driving Growth in Mexico’s Electronics Manufacturing Industry
Forbes reported that between Mexico’s electronics exports increased by 73% from 2002 to 2012. One of the biggest factors in the growth of Mexico’s EMS sector is the low labor and overall operations costs. KPMG’s Competitive Alternatives report, released in 2016, stated that Mexico offered 11.9% cost savings on manufacturing electronics equipment and components compared to the US.
Electronics manufacturers are also attracted to the skilled labor force Mexico offers. At least 114,000 engineers graduate from Mexico’s universities and technical schools each year.
Mexico also offers strong intellectual property protections, access to global markets through various free trade agreements, and proximity to major established and emerging markets in North, Central, and South America. Experts expect that Mexico will maintain its competitive advantage in electronics manufacturing.