Chiapas ended 2025 with a drop in exports and a minimal share of national foreign trade, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).
During the fourth quarter of the year, the state registered a 5.8 percent decrease in the value of its exports, reaching $262.9 million. This figure placed it 29th nationally, with just 0.2 percent of the country’s total.
During the fourth quarter of the year, the state registered a 5.8 percent decrease in the value of its exports, reaching $262.9 million / Government of Mexico
The result contrasts sharply with the national trend, where exports grew by an average of 3.2 percent. In practical terms, Chiapas exports far less than other states: almost 15 times below the average of the leading states.
The report indicates that one of the main problems is the structure of the state’s economy. While manufacturing predominates in other regions, in Chiapas, activities such as mining and agriculture continue to be more significant.
However, all three key sectors registered declines. Agriculture fell by 10.6 percent, mining by 8.0 percent, and manufacturing experienced the steepest drop, with a 25 percent decrease.
Agriculture fell by 10.6 percent, mining by 8.0 percent, and manufacturing experienced the steepest drop, with a 25 percent decrease / Government of Mexico
Even so, mining remains the state’s main export driver, accounting for 37.6 percent of the total. Manufacturing follows with 23 percent, and agriculture with 18.7 percent.
The difference compared to the rest of the country is significant. Nationally, manufacturing accounts for approximately 89 percent of exports, while in Chiapas it barely reaches 23 percent, limiting its growth and presence in international markets.
Furthermore, heavy reliance on sectors like mining carries risks, as its revenues can fluctuate due to external factors such as international prices.
Another relevant fact is that industry in the state represents less than five percent of its total economic value, reducing its ability to compete with more industrialized states.
Given this scenario, experts warn that, without changes to the productive structure, Chiapas could continue to lag behind in exports through 2026, with low market share and few opportunities for growth in the global market.
Source: oem
