Mexico sets export record to US despite tariffs, says Economy Ministry

Mexico posted a record $54.18 billion in exports to the United States in May 2026, the highest monthly figure ever, despite ongoing US tariffs on global imports, according to data from the US Census Bureau cited by Mexico's Economy Ministry.

Record-breaking trade

The May figure represents an all-time high for a single month, the ministry said in a statement. For the 12-month period from June 2025 to May 2026, exports reached $558 billion, up 8% year-over-year. Imports from the US totaled $358.9 billion, a 7% increase. The cumulative January–May trade surplus stood at $81.24 billion, up 2.7% Source: Milenio.

Mexico's top trading partner status

Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard attributed the record to Mexico's preferential access to the US market. "The record of historical exports from Mexico to the United States is explained by the preferential position our country holds to access the US market, the best in the world," he said Source: Infobae. The ministry noted Mexico has consolidated its position as the top US trading partner, ahead of Canada, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam Source: Milenio.

Key figures at a glance

• Monthly exports (May 2026): $54.18 billion
• Monthly imports from US (May 2026): $33.05 billion
• 12-month exports (Jun 2025–May 2026): $558 billion (+8%)
• 12-month imports: $358.9 billion (+7%)
• Jan–May surplus: $81.24 billion (+2.7%)