MEXICAN major port container volume increased 12.2 per cent year on year to 6,375,338 million TEU in 2017 for the first time in history, according to Mexico's Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT).

Terminals on the Pacific lifted 4,324,051 TEU, a year-on-year increase of 9.8 per cent with the Port of Manzanillo leading the National Port System with 2,830,370 TEU, up 9.8 per cent, reported Colchester's Seatrade Maritime News. 

Lazaro Cardenas saw a three per cent increase coming in at 1,149,079 TEU, ahead of Ensenada in third place on the Pacific, with 230,185 TEU, up 20 per cent.

Gulf of Mexico ports lifted 2,051,287 TEU, up 17.6 per cent in 2017 year on year. Veracruz was up 15.7 per cent to 1,117,304 TEU, while Altamira volume increased 17.3 per cent to 803,222 TEU. 

"Mexico is doing well because of the automotive industry with new plants that have consolidated production volumes," said SSA Mexico commercial director Iker Allison.

SSA Mexico runs terminals in Manzanillo, Vera Cruz, Acapulco, Progreso, Cozumel, Lazaro Cardenas and Tuxpan. 

"Growth will continue since new plants will come on lines with BMW in 2019 in San Luis de Potosi. Volume will continue increasing during 2018 probably at the same pace," said Mr Allison.