Mexico's Port of Manzanillo handled 346,257 TEU in August, setting a new monthly record and reinforcing its role as the country's busiest container port and gateway for Asian trade, reported Monterrey's Mexico Business News.

According to ASIPONA, containerised cargo made up 73 per cent of commercial cargo moved in the first nine months of 2025, totalling 14.4 tonnes. Bulk minerals accounted for 16 per cent, agricultural bulk six per cent, and general cargo five per cent.

Of total cargo movements, 44 per cent were imports, 42 per cent exports, and 14 per cent transshipments. The port has processed 2.54 million TEU so far this year and is projected to reach four million by December.

August throughput rose 10 per cent from July and eight per cent year-on-year, reaching nearly 2.82 tonnes, including petroleum products, according to AMSTOM.

From January to July, Manzanillo contributed MX$109.45 billion in trade, trailing only Nuevo Laredo and ahead of Veracruz. Despite strong performance, infrastructure strain and incidents like the May disruption underscore the need for expansion.

Investment plans include MXN$18.7 billion (US$1.02 billion) for Puerto Nuevo's five terminals, MXN$994 million for relocating the PEMEX terminal, and MXN$40.9 billion for Phase I of specialised container terminals.

Phase II will add MXN$47.6 billion for Terminals 4 to 6. San Pedrito Terminal is undergoing a MXN$676 million rehabilitation and a MX$3.04 billion expansion led by CONTECON Manzanillo.

ASTOM will convene its second annual meeting this month with port and customs officials and major users to discuss infrastructure upgrades, nearshoring, and Mexico's global supply chain role.

SEMAR chief Raymundo Morales said Manzanillo could become Latin America's top container port, citing record volumes, rising trade, and multi-billion-dollar investments.