Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, February 14, 2026 – Export operations through the customs offices of Ciudad Juárez have shown a significant rebound in January, recording an average of 2,600 daily cargo crossings. This positive trend is particularly evident at the Zaragoza bridge, which alone accounted for 53,000 cargo crossings during the month.
Transport Sector Sees Positive Signs Amidst Persistent Challenges
Manuel Sotelo, a prominent figure in the transport sector, highlighted these figures as encouraging, signaling a potential recovery for the region’s economy. However, he also emphasized that the sector continues to grapple with several persistent challenges. These include a notable shortage of personnel, which impacts operational efficiency, and recurring failures within the customs systems, leading to delays and complications in logistics.
First Brands Group Bankruptcy and its Impact on Juárez Economy
The positive news regarding exports comes at a time when Ciudad Juárez is also facing economic headwinds. The bankruptcy of First Brands Group, a major automotive company, has led to the relocation of its operations from Juárez to Tamaulipas due to logistical reasons. This move has raised concerns about a potential labor crisis and economic stagnation in the maquiladora industry, a cornerstone of Juárez’s economy.
Actuaries from the Superior Court of Justice have already begun the process of inventorying and embargoing assets at Brake Parts Inc., a subsidiary of First Brands Group, in Ciudad Juárez. This situation has prompted local authorities and businesses to address the broader implications for the city’s workforce and industrial landscape.
Government Initiatives to Mitigate Job Losses
In response to these challenges, the Chihuahua State Government has taken proactive steps to support affected workers. A job fair was organized at Parque Central, offering over 1,300 vacancies to former employees of First Brands Group. Fifteen companies participated in the event, including maquiladoras, commercial establishments, and security corporations, demonstrating a collective effort to re-employ the displaced workforce.
Other Economic Developments in Chihuahua and Mexico
Beyond the immediate concerns in Ciudad Juárez, the broader financial landscape in Chihuahua and Mexico presents a mixed picture:
- Mining Concessions: Chihuahua is among the states with the highest number of mining concessions canceled due to non-compliance, indicating stricter regulatory oversight in the sector.
- T-MEC Review: Mexico is actively challenging tariffs on steel, aluminum, and the automotive industry during the review of the T-MEC agreement, aiming to protect its key export sectors.
- Pemex’s Return to Stock Market: Pemex, the state-owned oil company, has returned to the Mexican Stock Exchange with bonds worth 31.5 billion Mexican pesos. The company also announced an increase in its daily oil production, reaching 1.27 million barrels, its highest figure yet, with a goal of 1.56 million barrels daily through public and mixed investment.
- Fiscal Consolidation: Moody’s has warned that Pemex and slow growth complicate Mexico’s fiscal consolidation efforts. The fiscal deficit in 2025 stood at 4.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, according to the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.
- IMSS Registrations: Ciudad Juárez has seen 746 companies deregistered from IMSS since October 2023, with 28 employers leaving the registry in January alone. This trend reflects a nearly three-year slowdown linked to the decline in the maquiladora industry, with commerce and construction also being significantly affected.
Local Financial News and Dollar Stability
On the local front, the US dollar maintained stability in the border region on Friday, February 13, with exchange houses offering 16.85 pesos for purchase and selling at 17.85 pesos.
The Mexican stock market closed the week with a gain of 0.95%, marking its fifth consecutive advance in 2026. The market reached a new historical high of 71,601.35 units on Wednesday.
Wall Street, however, experienced a downturn on Thursday amidst fears surrounding the advancement of artificial intelligence in business.
Convenience for Citizens
In other news, the Chihuahua Transit Infraction payment system has been streamlined, allowing citizens to pay online from home, eliminating the need for queues. Similarly, the Chihuahua circulation card can now be downloaded and printed from home, enhancing convenience for residents.
Source: https://oem.com.mx/elheraldodejuarez/finanzas/exportaciones-por-aduanas-de-ciudad-juarez-registran-repunte-en-enero-con-2-mil-600-cruces-diarios-28361846
