Manufacturers worldwide are increasingly choosing to manufacture in Mexico to optimize costs, access skilled labor, and stay close to major markets. This post highlights the aerospace industry in Mexico, and gives insights for companies looking to establish or expand manufacturing in Mexico sustainably.
The aerospace industry has contributed significantly to the nation’s economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement in recent years. Over the past two decades, Mexico has strategically positioned itself as a significant player in the global aerospace market.
Overall, the industry comprises suppliers that manufacture parts and components for the commercial, civil, and private transport sectors. The Mexican transport sectors currently account for 29% of Mexican exports and approximately 3.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product. The aerospace industry in Mexico directly employs over 60,000 workers. In total supports 1.4 million workers throughout related industries in Mexico.
The aerospace industry is the most dynamic sector in Mexico, with 14% sustainable growth over the past 15 years.
Mexico’s Aerospace Industry is projected to grow to over $22 billion by 2029. The favorable ecosystem for the manufacturing sector and the low production costs in the country are attracting investments from aerospace manufacturing firms, thereby driving market growth.
The capabilities of Mexican manufacturers include several tier 1, 2 and 3 components, ranging from turbines, fuselages, and sensors for jet engines to fasteners in the fuselage. The decreased cost of logistics for components sourced in Mexico has influenced global companies to look at Mexico as a viable solution to counter the supply chain issues and reduce expenses.
With Mexico specializing in the production of aerospace materials and the demand for regional aviation parts on the rise, the country is set to become an aerospace manufacturing powerhouse in the coming future. Mexico collaborates with the U.S. as co-producers in all industry areas:
Mexico offers foreign manufacturing companies incentives and export programs to operate in the country. The sector is projected to continue its growth path.
Download the full Mexico Aerospace E-Book for trade compliance information for the industry.
For aerospace manufacturers operating in Mexico, rising import duties—especially on materials like steel and aluminum—can significantly impact cost structures. In August 2023, a presidential decree raised tariffs from 0% to 25% across 392 tariff lines, affecting many inputs used in export manufacturing. However, companies leveraging the right trade and tax programs can offset these increases and remain globally competitive.
The IMMEX Program (alongside a VAT Certification) administered by Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, allows companies to temporarily import raw materials and components without paying general import duties—provided the goods are transformed and later exported. This is especially relevant for shelter companies and maquiladoras, which operate under a special tax regime using safe harbor rules to avoid triggering permanent establishment for the foreign principal.
A VAT Certification issued by Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) can exempt certified companies from the standard 16% value-added tax on temporary imports and fixed assets. To retain this benefit, goods must be exported within a specified timeframe. This certification is particularly advantageous for aerospace operations with continuous cross-border production flows.
Eligible aerospace manufacturers and subcontractors may apply for a Manufacturing Certificate (Constancia de Manufactura) to simplify customs classification. This approval, issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) through the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), allows a single tariff classification for imported raw materials—significantly reducing duty costs for complex production chains.
Additional savings are possible through Chapter 98 of Mexico’s tariff schedule, specifically codes 9806.00.05 and 9806.00.06. These provisions allow for duty exemptions on goods used for aircraft maintenance, subassembly, or production—with prior authorization. For aerospace companies facing steep tariff hikes, these tools offer a critical cost-avoidance strategy.
The aerospace industry in Mexico has witnessed exponential growth, with distinct clusters forming nationwide. The most prominent aerospace clusters are strategically located in states such as Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo León, and Querétaro. These clusters have become integral to the industry’s success due to their proximity to major markets, logistical advantages, and a skilled workforce. These clusters focus activities related to manufacturing in Mexico, bring together producers, suppliers and service providers.
Download the full Mexico Aerospace E-Book for full details of each aerospace cluster in Mexico.
During the last few years, the number of factories and engineering centers that have been established in Mexico has grown. Impacted by COVID-19, the industry is expected to fully recover by the end of 2024, and continue growing beyond. The Secretary of Economy of Mexico estimates that by 2025, the aerospace industry will be the 10th most important globally, with employment topping 110,000 in the country.
Mexico has been developing special educational programs aimed at increasing the skills level of Mexican students. In the 2023-2024 academic year, over 25,000 students graduated from programs related to the aerospace. This includes technical and bachelor degrees in mechanical, electrical engineering, physics and astronomy and computer science.
Recently, new aerospace research centers are rising, fueling R&D for not just cutting-edge turbines and motors. But also innovative solutions for complex systems, software, and even manufacturing processes. Nearly 10% of Mexico’s aerospace companies focus on research and development. Some of those facilities:
As global aerospace manufacturers adapt to new supply chain realities, Mexico’s aerospace supply chain has emerged as a strategic solution. Thanks to trade advantages under the USMCA certificate, a skilled labor force, and growing regional clusters, Mexico now plays a central role in reshoring and nearshore outsourcing strategies for the North American aerospace industry.
Mexico's aerospace sector has matured well beyond assembly. Today, over 400 aerospace facilities across the country manufacture precision components ranging from turbine blades and fuselages to wiring harnesses and avionics. Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers across the country are tightly integrated with global OEMs, producing:
High-tolerance aluminum and titanium parts
Engine components and nacelles
Complex electronics and cable harnesses
Composite materials for structural assemblies
This depth makes Mexico a preferred trade partner for companies aiming to diversify away from Asia and rebalance production closer to end markets.
Mexico’s aerospace manufacturers adhere to strict international standards, including:
AS9100 – Aerospace quality management
AS9110 – MRO operations
AS9120 – Material distribution
In addition, specialized suppliers offer non-destructive testing, coatings, chemical processing, and heat treating, meeting the evolving technological requirements of advanced aerospace platforms. Explore common quality systems in Mexico.
As OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers reassess their global strategies, Mexico presents a unique opportunity to integrate advanced manufacturing capabilities with cost-effective, compliant operations. Companies investing in Mexico's aerospace supply chain gain access to:
A talent pipeline of over 25,000 aerospace-related graduates annually
Proximity to engineering centers and R&D labs across key clusters
Collaborative trade frameworks that simplify Mexico customs rules and enhance Mexico exports to the U.S.
Mexico is no longer just an assembly base—it’s a critical link in North America’s high-performance aerospace supply chain.
For companies pursuing resilient, compliant, and cost-efficient operations, nearshoring in Mexico is not just a smart move—it’s a competitive imperative.
We continue to work very closely with our aerospace clients. Prodensa is unique in that we serve our clients throughout all aerospace clusters in Mexico. This allows us to gain expertise in managing operations and apply that knowledge to new challenges and opportunities.
Prodensa stands out as a champion of nearshoring in Mexico. Our extensive network and robust support infrastructure position us are the forefront of this strategic shift. This is empowering businesses to streamline operations and unlock new possibilities in Mexico.
Our goal is to support our clients in finding the right location that will inhibit them to grow and become Employers of Choice in their markets. Further, to develop a strong talent pipeline and establish trustworthy suppliers. These are the keys to sustainable operations in Mexico for aerospace companies.
Download the full Mexico Aerospace E-Book with Prodensa expert insights, and additional market information.