Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico – January 31, 2026 – The maquiladora industry in Ciudad Juarez has seen a substantial reduction of 65,000 jobs since August 2023, as confirmed by Teresa Delgado Zárate, spokesperson for the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (Index Juarez). This downturn is linked to ongoing global geopolitical and economic adjustments. Despite the current contraction, Delgado Zárate emphasized that the sector’s long-term presence and expansion are secure.
Five Maquiladoras Close Due to Corporate Bankruptcy
This week, five maquiladoras in Ciudad Juarez ceased operations following the bankruptcy of First Brands Group. Delgado Zárate clarified that these closures are not related to international trade tariffs or shifts, but rather stem from the corporate entity’s mismanagement, which declared bankruptcy in September of the previous year.
Employment Trends in Ciudad Juarez’s Maquiladora Sector
However, she acknowledged a general downward trend in maquiladora employment within Ciudad Juarez. “With these geopolitical changes, we have experienced a contraction, decreasing from 350,000 jobs in August 2023 to approximately 285,000 currently,” Delgado Zárate stated. She added that this situation is prompting a re-evaluation of work methodologies and employment strategies. “What I can say is that the maquiladora industry is here, and it is here to stay.”
Clear Regulations Sought for Future Growth
Delgado Zárate highlighted interest from new companies in establishing operations in the Ciudad Juarez region. Additionally, the San Jerónimo Development Pole project aims to attract sectors such as electromobility, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. “The only thing we are asking for is clear rules of the game; we will adapt if given time; we will continue to do what we know how to do, which is to work with quality,” she affirmed.
She further noted the resilience and adaptability of the local workforce. “Our workforce has already passed the trial period, we are mature and can undertake a re-engineering process; this new rearrangement in which maquiladoras are surrounding themselves with more robotics, artificial intelligence, automation. We have a very resilient workforce,” Delgado Zárate concluded.
