Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico – Ciudad Juárez has solidified its position as one of North America’s leading centers for electronics manufacturing and Surface Mount Technology (SMT), as reported by Héctor Núñez Polanco, president of Desarrollo Económico del Norte (Denac). The city’s electronic industry currently hosts over 100 global companies, collectively employing approximately 90,000 specialized workers and generating a monthly payroll exceeding 2 billion pesos (approximately 110 million USD).
Advanced Manufacturing and Economic Impact
Núñez Polanco highlighted these achievements during the launch of the SMTA (Surface Mount Technology Association) Exhibition, an event tailored for suppliers and manufacturers of machinery dedicated to electronic product assembly. He emphasized that Ciudad Juárez is home to more than 250 state-of-the-art SMT lines and hosts international corporations such as Foxconn, Jabil, Flex, Pegatron, and Siemens.
These significant investments underscore Ciudad Juárez’s strategic importance in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and medical devices. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the region’s technology and electronics sector exported goods valued at over 14.5 billion dollars, accounting for more than 80 percent of all local exports.
The electronics industry serves as a vital economic engine for the city, creating thousands of specialized jobs, driving multi-million dollar exports, and stimulating substantial economic activity for hotels, restaurants, logistics, transportation, and industrial services.
Strategic Location and Regional Leadership
“Thanks to its border location, industrial infrastructure, and integration with the United States, Ciudad Juárez continues to strengthen its leadership as a hub for advanced electronic manufacturing and networking in North America,” commented Núñez Polanco.
He further elaborated that the SMT and electronics industry in Ciudad Juárez represents more than just jobs and exports. “It represents one of the most important advanced manufacturing ecosystems in North America and a strategic engine for Chihuahua’s economy,” he affirmed.
At the state level, Chihuahua’s electronic exports surpassed 109 billion dollars in 2025, positioning it among Mexico’s strongest technological regions.
Economic Contribution of SMTA Exhibition
The SMTA Exhibition, which commenced on Thursday, is projected to generate an economic impact of 3.3 million pesos (approximately 180,000 USD) for the local economy.
Related Economic Developments in Mexico and Ciudad Juárez:
- Tariffs on Foreign Products: Mexico recently imposed tariffs ranging from 15% to 35% on 185 foreign tariff items to bolster domestic industry.
- Employment Challenges: Maquiladoras have seen a reduction of over 71,000 jobs since June 2023, underscoring the need for investment certainty.
- Bi-national Elevated Train Project: A project to connect the airports of Juárez and El Paso, offering at least 26 commercial flight destinations, has been presented to Mexican and US consulates.
- Border Blockades Impact: Transport companies reported that bridge blockades caused over 2 billion dollars in losses to the local industry, leading to technical stoppages for more than 30,000 maquiladora employees last week due to supply chain disruptions.
These developments highlight the dynamic economic landscape of Ciudad Juárez and its critical role in both national and North American manufacturing and trade.
