MX Prefix and Three-Character Location Code
UN/LOCODEs for Mexico begin with MX. Examples in the Ecer Freight sample include MXVER for Veracruz, MXATM for Altamira and MXMAN for Manzanillo, Mx.
Seaports in Mexico: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Mexico has 127 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database and serves as a major maritime gateway between North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Explore Mexico port codes, regional cargo gateways, indicative trade lanes and current data notes for international shipping.
Mexico Port Overview
Mexico has commercial seaports on both the Pacific and Gulf coasts, supported by inland logistics centers and industrial gateways. Indexed coverage and international container rankings are separate measures: the figures below distinguish Ecer Freight database coverage from public maritime statistics.
127
Mexico ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Nov 2026
—
National port cargo volume, 2025; YoY not stated in the reviewed public release
SICT 2025 Bulletin
—
National container throughput, 2025; YoY not stated in the reviewed public release
SICT 2025 Bulletin
—
Commercial berths nationwide, 2025; YoY not stated in the reviewed public release
SICT 2025 Bulletin
How many seaports does Mexico have?
Mexico has 127 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its MX port database as of Nov 2026; this is an indexed coverage figure rather than a national legal count of every maritime facility.
Which are Mexico's busiest container gateways?
Manzanillo, represented in the sample by MXMAN and MXZLO, is generally Mexico's leading container gateway, while Lazaro Cardenas (MXLZC), Veracruz (MXVER) and Altamira (MXATM) are important container and general-cargo hubs.
Which regions handle most Mexico freight?
The Pacific west coast, centered on Manzanillo (MXMAN) and Lazaro Cardenas (MXLZC), and the Gulf coast, centered on Veracruz (MXVER) and Altamira (MXATM), handle major shares of Mexico's international maritime cargo.
Top Ports in Mexico
The table highlights leading Mexican gateways represented in the Ecer Freight sample. World rank and 2025 throughput should be checked against the latest port authority or national statistical release before being used for a contractual capacity or ranking decision.
Selected Mexico container and cargo gateways; 2025 comparable TEU figures and year-on-year changes were not verified in the reviewed public data snapshot.
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Manzanillo, Mx | MXMAN | — | — | Pacific west coast |
| — | Manzanillo | MXZLO | — | — | Pacific west coast |
| — | Lazaro Cardenas | MXLZC | — | — | Pacific west coast |
| — | Veracruz | MXVER | — | — | Gulf of Mexico |
| — | Altamira | MXATM | — | — | Gulf of Mexico |
| — | Ensenada | MXENS | — | — | Baja California Pacific |
| — | Progreso | MXPRO | — | — | Yucatan and southeast |
| — | Tampico | MXTAM | — | — | Gulf of Mexico |
Mexico Port Regions
Pacific West Coast
The Pacific coast provides Mexico's principal direct container connection with Asian manufacturing and transshipment networks, with industrial hinterlands extending into central Mexico.
Selected Pacific west coast gateways
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manzanillo, Mx | MXMAN | Colima / | Containerized imports and exports |
| Manzanillo | MXZLO | Manzanillo / | Container, automotive and general cargo |
| Lazaro Cardenas | MXLZC | Lazaro Cardenas / | Containers, minerals and project cargo |
| Ensenada | MXENS | Ensenada / | Containers, vehicles and regional cargo |
| Guaymas | MXGYM | Guaymas / | Agricultural, mineral and general cargo |
Gulf of Mexico and East Coast
Gulf gateways connect Mexico with the United States Gulf, Europe, the Caribbean and Atlantic trade networks. They also serve energy, automotive, agricultural and industrial cargo.
Selected Gulf coast gateways
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veracruz | MXVER | Veracruz / | Containers, vehicles, grain and general cargo |
| Altamira | MXATM | Altamira / | Containers, petrochemicals and industrial cargo |
| Tampico | MXTAM | Tampico / | Project, agricultural and general cargo |
| Coatzacoalcos | MXCOA | Coatzacoalcos / | Energy, chemicals and bulk cargo |
Yucatan and Southeast
Ports in the Yucatan and southeast support regional consumer markets, agricultural trade, tourism-related supply chains and Caribbean connections.
Selected southeast gateways
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progreso | MXPRO | Progreso / | Containers, grain and regional distribution |
| Puerto Morelos | MXPMS | Quintana Roo / | Regional cargo and tourism supply chains |
| Cancun | MXCAN | Cancun / | Regional consumer and tourism-related cargo |
Northern and Baja California Gateways
Northern logistics corridors connect Mexican ports with manufacturing and distribution networks in Baja California, Sonora and the wider North American market.
Selected northern gateways
Mexico Port Codes and UN/LOCODEs
Mexico port identifiers use the two-letter country prefix MX followed by a three-character location code. Always confirm the exact location against the carrier booking system and the current port directory.
City-Level and Terminal-Level Codes
A city-level location code may cover a wider logistics area, while a terminal or port facility can use a more specific record. Similar names may therefore appear with different codes and should not be substituted without confirmation.
How to Verify a Mexico Port Code
Compare the code in the shipping instruction, bill of lading and carrier schedule with the UNECE directory and the Ecer Freight port database.
Shipping from Mexico: Main Trade Lanes
Indicative transit times vary by service rotation, transshipment, equipment availability, port congestion and final destination. Confirm current schedules and quotations before booking.
Mexico to East Asia
Pacific services connect Mexico's manufacturing and consumer markets with China, Korea, Japan and other Asian origins.
Mexico to North America
Cross-border supply chains move containers, automotive products, machinery and consumer goods between Mexico and North American markets.
Mexico to Europe
Atlantic and Mediterranean services support automotive, industrial, agricultural and consumer cargo moving between Mexico and Europe.
Mexico to Latin America
Mexico's Pacific and Gulf gateways feed regional distribution networks across Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Data Sources and Methodology
Port coverage, codes and editorial summaries are separated from official throughput statistics. Public figures can use different definitions, reporting periods and facility boundaries.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party indexed coverage of 127 Mexico ports and terminals, snapshot Nov 2026.
- UNECE — UN/LOCODE structure and location-code reference.
- Mexico Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport — national transport and port statistics, where publicly released.
- Veracruz Port Authority — port operations and cargo information for Veracruz.
- Quintana Roo Port Administration — regional port and operating information for relevant southeast facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexico Ports
How many seaports does Mexico have?
Mexico has 127 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight as of Nov 2026. The figure describes Ecer Freight database coverage and is not a claim about every legally designated maritime facility in Mexico.
What is Mexico's largest or busiest container port?
Manzanillo is generally regarded as Mexico's leading container gateway. The Ecer Freight sample includes MXMAN and MXZLO records associated with Manzanillo; exact rankings should be checked against the latest official port statistics.
What is the UN/LOCODE for Veracruz?
The Ecer Freight sample lists Veracruz under MXVER. Shipping documents should use the code confirmed by the carrier, terminal and current UN/LOCODE reference.
Which Mexico regions are important for ocean freight?
The Pacific west coast, Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan and southeast, and northern Baja California corridors are important. Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Veracruz, Altamira, Ensenada and Progreso serve different cargo and hinterland needs.
Are Mexico port statistics current for 2026?
The database coverage snapshot is Nov 2026, while the latest complete statistical year used for this page is 2025. Official releases may be revised and can follow different definitions of cargo, containers and port boundaries.
How can I obtain a freight quote from Mexico?
Request a current FCL or LCL quotation with the confirmed origin port, destination, commodity, cargo dimensions, gross weight, incoterm and required shipping date. Rates and transit times remain subject to carrier confirmation.
Editorial data is compiled from the Ecer Freight port database, public transport and port authority information, and recognized location-code references. Indexed port coverage is refreshed with database updates, while throughput, schedules and carrier conditions are reviewed against available public releases and should be reconfirmed for live shipping decisions.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Mexico: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact