# Lázaro Cárdenas reports growth in container traffic as automotive cargo remains strong

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/lazaro-cardenas-reports-growth-in-container-traffic-as-automotive-cargo-remains-strong/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-25T10:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-23T10:48:24+00:00
- **Section:** Ports
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** ASIPONA Lázaro Cárdenas, Automotive Logistics, Container Throughput, Mexican Ports, Mexico, Pacific Trade, Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, Port Operations, Rail Freight, Transshipment

The Port of Lázaro Cárdenas in Mexico handled 21.52 million tonnes of commercial cargo during the first nine months of 2026, accounting for a reported 21% of the country’s commercial cargo movement, according to figures released by the port authority.

Between January and September, the port recorded 1,339 vessel calls, maintaining its position as Mexico’s second-largest port by commercial cargo volume, as reported by the authority.

Containerised cargo represented the largest share of activity, accounting for 52% of total commercial cargo movement. Mineral bulk followed with 36%, while the remaining 12% comprised vehicles, general cargo, liquid bulk and agricultural bulk.

The results highlight the port’s role in handling a combination of containerised freight, industrial commodities and automotive shipments through Mexico’s Pacific coast.

## Container throughput increases as transshipment leads activity

Container throughput at Lázaro Cárdenas reached 2,007,493 TEU between January and September 2026, representing an increase of 3% compared with the corresponding period of 2025.

Transshipment accounted for 48% of container operations, while imports and exports each represented 26%. The distribution reflects the port’s activities both as a redistribution point for international container traffic and as a gateway for cargo entering and leaving the Mexican market.

The port also reported the distribution of containers between its principal inland transport modes. Road transport accounted for 71% of container movements, while rail represented the remaining 29%.

These figures illustrate the importance of both trucking and railway connections in supporting container flows between the port, inland logistics facilities and industrial markets.

The reported growth in container volumes comes alongside the port’s continued handling of mineral bulk and other commercial cargo categories, which together account for a substantial share of its overall activity.

## Automotive operations remain a major component

Automotive cargo also contributed significantly to activity at Lázaro Cárdenas during the nine-month period.

The port handled 531,182 vehicles between January and September 2026, maintaining its position as the leading automotive port on Mexico’s Pacific coast, according to the port authority.

Imports represented 74% of automotive movements, with vehicles arriving primarily from China, Japan and South Korea. Exports accounted for 25%, while transshipment represented the remaining 1%.

Among the principal automotive brands handled through the port were General Motors, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and BMW.

The composition of automotive traffic demonstrates the importance of imported vehicles within the port’s operations, alongside its role in supporting vehicle exports and international cargo movements.

## A diversified Pacific cargo gateway

The latest figures underline the range of cargo segments served by Lázaro Cárdenas, including containers, mineral bulk, automotive shipments and other commercial goods.

Containerised cargo remained the dominant segment during the reporting period, supported by transshipment operations and inland connections through road and rail transport.

At the same time, automotive handling continued to represent an important component of the port’s commercial activity, particularly through imports from Asian manufacturing markets.

The combination of maritime services, container operations and inland transport links reinforces Lázaro Cárdenas’ role in connecting Mexican supply chains with international trade routes across the Pacific.

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Cite as: "Lázaro Cárdenas reports growth in container traffic as automotive cargo remains strong", pelavox., 25 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/lazaro-cardenas-reports-growth-in-container-traffic-as-automotive-cargo-remains-strong/