Exporting to Mexico is an activity that is increasingly dependent on the air transport of goods. In 2012, 15% of Spanish exports to Mexico were transported by air. A decade later, this percentage exceeds 20%. Data provided by the Tax Agency indicate that in 2021 goods worth 858 million euros were exported by air, almost 350 million euros more than what was transported in 2012.
This prominence of aircraft in trade with Mexico is also reflected in the Aena statistics, which show that air freight from Spain to Mexico closed 2021 with 35,122 tonnes, 48% more than last year. In addition, the data for the month of December reached a volume of 4,237 tonnes, which is the best monthly value achieved in this air corridor.
With these results, Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport is now the leading airport in the world for Spanish air exports and Mexico is third in the ranking of the main countries, only surpassed by the United States and Germany.
Textile exports are the goods most frequently exported by air from Spain to Mexico, especially non-knitted clothing, which accounts for the largest volume of trade. This is followed by capital goods, such as industrial machinery, electrical and precision equipment and transport material. The ranking is completed by chemical products: medicines, pharmaceutical products and perfumed oils.
Why are exports to Mexico increasing by air?
- The advantage of air transport: The savings in lead times give industry the opportunity to adopt just-in-time logistics that are adapted to its production, giving its supply chain greater flexibility to adjust to the needs of its operations.
- More security: Uncertainty around the international shipping market is shifting goods to airfreight, which ensures greater reliability in meeting delivery deadlines.
- A global air hub: Mexico has improved its airport quality in recent years and its international air connectivity, which by the end of 2021 has increased by 10% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 72 new international air routes.
"Mexico is a partner of reference for Spanish businessmen, who have found in air freight a new competitive tool for their export traffic," explains Tim Schmutsch, Commercial Director Air & Ocean of Rhenus Spain. In his opinion, the increase of exports to this market by air is a consequence of the sum of logistical benefits that this mode of transport implies: "The current context is an opportunity for the aeroplane to claim its capacity to add efficiency to the logistical processes with an unbeatable transit time", says Tim Schmutsch.
To respond to this growth, Rhenus offers you a direct weekly air connection between Madrid and Mexico City, which guarantees you the space you need and the best transit time for your goods.
Find out why we are the best partner for your exports to Mexico.