Mexico held its place as the United States' largest trading partner in September, with two-way commerce rising 34.2% year over year to a record $96.34 billion, according to WorldCity data reported by FreightWaves. Canada followed at $64.78 billion and China at $41.1 billion, while Mexico accounted for 17.15% of total U.S. international trade. Laredo, Texas, reclaimed the top gateway ranking with $38.87 billion in two-way commerce, a 31.2% increase, overtaking Chicago O'Hare. Other border crossings, including Ysleta-Zaragoza and Santa Teresa, also posted sharp gains.
According to FreightWaves, Mexico remained the United States’ largest trading partner in September, with two-way commerce surging 34.2% year over year to a record $96.34 billion, according to trade data analyzed by WorldCity.
Canada ranked second with $64.78 billion in two-way trade, followed by China at $41.1 billion. Mexico accounted for 17.15% of total U.S. international trade during the month, and led Canada by approximately $31.6 billion.
U.S. imports from Mexico totaled $62.24 billion, up 39.6% from $44.58 billion a year earlier. American exports to Mexico increased 25.4% to $34.09 billion, compared with $27.2 billion in September 2025. The figures reflect a sharp acceleration in cross-border commerce, particularly for manufactured goods, electronics and transportation equipment.
Mexico outpaces broader U.S. trade growth
Mexico’s trade growth also outpaced the broader U.S. international trade market, which increased 21.8% year over year to $561.82 billion in September. The U.S. merchandise trade deficit with Mexico reached approximately $28.15 billion for the month, based on the difference between reported imports and exports.
The data places Mexico well ahead of its closest North American counterpart. Canada’s $64.78 billion in two-way commerce left a gap of roughly $31.6 billion to Mexico’s total, while China’s $41.1 billion ranked third among U.S. trading partners.
Laredo reclaims top U.S. trade gateway
Laredo, Texas, regained its position as the nation’s busiest international trade gateway in September, handling $38.87 billion in two-way commerce, a 31.2% increase from $29.63 billion a year earlier, WorldCity reported.
The South Texas border crossing overtook Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which fell to second place with $36.08 billion in trade, down 17.9% year over year. The Port of Los Angeles ranked third at $28.31 billion, followed by the Port of Houston at $22.72 billion and Los Angeles International Airport at $22.53 billion.
Laredo accounted for 6.92% of all U.S. international merchandise trade in September. Imports through Laredo totaled $26.87 billion, a 40.8% increase from the same month last year, while exports through the crossing rose 13.8% to $12 billion. Mexico accounted for $38.05 billion, or approximately 98%, of Laredo’s total international trade during the month.
The September figures marked the highest trade value for Laredo for that month since at least 2013, according to WorldCity’s historical data.
Texas border crossings post strong gains
Other U.S.-Mexico border crossings also reported significant trade growth in September, led by the Ysleta-Zaragoza International Bridge in El Paso, Texas, which handled $16.23 billion in total international trade, an increase of 53.5% year over year.
The Santa Teresa border crossing in New Mexico recorded $7.54 billion in trade, a nearly 248.5% increase from September 2025. Trade through the Otay Mesa crossing in California reached $6.02 billion, up 5.9%, while Eagle Pass, Texas, handled $3.97 billion, a 5.8% increase.
The Pharr International Bridge in South Texas recorded $3.91 billion in commerce, up 7% year over year. Mexico’s expanding share of U.S. trade reinforces its role in North American manufacturing and logistics as companies navigate shifting trade policies and supply chain strategies.
- Laredo, Texas: $38.87 billion, up 31.2%
- Chicago O’Hare: $36.08 billion, down 17.9%
- Port of Los Angeles: $28.31 billion
- Port of Houston: $22.72 billion
- Los Angeles International Airport: $22.53 billion
Source: FreightWaves
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
