Tamaulipas ranks as the second state with the best economic performance in the country, nearly two years after the beginning of the current federal administration, recording growth of 5.3%, compared with a target of 4.5%.
According to México Cómo Vamos, the state went from growth of 2.5% at the beginning of the current federal government to 5.3% as of the first quarter of 2026. With this result, Tamaulipas and Hidalgo —which recorded 8.2%— are the only states with a green light on this indicator.
The result contrasts, however, with formal employment performance, as Tamaulipas has accumulated 3,784 fewer jobs, placing it in the red category and making it the fifth-worst-rated state in the country.
How did Tamaulipas’ economy grow?
Regarding labor informality, the rate remains at 44.4%. Nevertheless, the indicator went from yellow to green due to an improvement in its latest quarterly result. Currently, Tamaulipas ranks ninth among the states with the lowest proportion of informal workers.
Over two years, labor poverty has improved, decreasing from 27.5% to 25.7%. The indicator, which measures the proportion of the population whose income is insufficient to purchase the basic food basket, is currently in the yellow category.
Regarding labor income inequality, Tamaulipas shows one of its best results. The indicator went from 0.343 to 0.298, remaining in the green category and placing the state as the sixth best positioned nationwide.
What is happening with informality and labor poverty in Tamaulipas?
Labor productivity, measured as the value produced per hour worked, also recorded an improvement. Over two years, it increased from 247 to 252 pesos per hour, although the state remains in the yellow category.
How did labor productivity advance in Tamaulipas?
The nongovernmental organization México Cómo Vamos explains that economic growth represents an increase in the production of goods and services in an economy compared with a previous period. “It is a relevant indicator because an expanding economy can generate greater capacity for consumption and well-being.”
However, it specifies, “growth does not by itself guarantee an improvement in the living conditions of the entire population. For this to happen, growth must be sustained and accompanied by a broader distribution of its benefits.”
The national target is to achieve sustained annual growth of 4.5%. However, as of the second quarter of 2026, reported national growth was 1.9%. Meanwhile, the state-level data presented by México Cómo Vamos correspond to the first quarter.
Source: milenio
