Mexico’s Economic Sectors: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary

Mexico’s economy is built upon three core sectors: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each plays a crucial role in the country’s economic and social development, contributing significantly to GDP and job creation. Over the decades, the balance among these sectors has shifted, reflecting Mexico’s ongoing evolution and adaptation in the global landscape.

Mexico’s economic sectors: What they are and how they drive development

Primary Sector

The primary sector includes activities related to the extraction and production of natural resources without further processing—such as agriculture, livestock, fishing, mining, and forestry. Although once the backbone of Mexico’s economy, it currently represents around 3.4% of GDP and employs 10.7% of the workforce (Q4 2023).

Despite its smaller share of GDP, it remains vital for food security and supplies essential raw materials to other industries. In 2022, for example, Mexico was the world’s top exporter of avocados, generating over $3.5 billion USD in revenue.

Secondary Sector

This sector transforms raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods. It includes manufacturing, construction, energy generation, and other industrial activities. In Q4 2023, it accounted for 32.2% of Mexico’s GDP and employed 25.1% of the labor force.

Manufacturing is especially dominant, contributing over 20% of the total GDP. Key industries include automotive, electronics, and processed foods, which drive exports and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

Tertiary Sector

The tertiary sector encompasses service activities such as commerce, transportation, communications, finance, education, and tourism. It is the largest contributor to the Mexican economy, accounting for 58.8% of GDP and employing 63.5% of the workforce (Q4 2023).

Retail and wholesale trade are major components, while tourism has positioned Mexico among the world’s most visited destinations. In 2024, more than 77.4 million international tourists generated $29.25 billion USD in revenue, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Key differences and examples of Mexico’s economic sectors

Differences between the sectors:

• Nature of activities: The primary sector focuses on direct extraction of natural resources; the secondary transforms those resources into goods; the tertiary provides services.
• GDP and employment contribution: The tertiary sector dominates in both GDP and employment, while the primary sector, although smaller, is crucial in rural areas.
• Historical trends: Economies tend to evolve from primary reliance to a greater emphasis on manufacturing and services, reflecting industrialization and economic diversification.

Sector examples in Mexico:

• Primary: Avocado farming in Michoacán, shrimp fishing in Sinaloa, silver mining in Zacatecas.
• Secondary: Vehicle assembly in Puebla, appliance manufacturing in Nuevo León, textiles in the State of Mexico.
• Tertiary: Tourism in Quintana Roo, financial services in Mexico City, retail in Jalisco.

Mexico’s leading productive sectors and their contribution to GDP

Manufacturing Industry

This is Mexico’s largest individual economic sector, contributing over 21% of GDP. It includes the production of vehicles, machinery, electronics, and food products. Manufacturing supports domestic consumption and drives export performance.

Commerce

Commerce, which combines wholesale and retail activities, contributes about 20% to GDP. It plays a key role in product distribution and ensures nationwide access to national and international goods.

Real Estate Services

With steady growth, real estate services represent around 10% of GDP. This sector covers property buying, selling, and leasing across commercial and residential markets. Cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara are major hubs for real estate investment and development, driven by urbanization and a growing middle class.

Transportation, Postal, and Warehousing Services

The transportation, postal, and warehousing sector is another fundamental component of the Mexican economy, contributing over 7% to the national GDP. This sector encompasses activities related to the movement of goods and people and the storage of products, and plays a critical role in supply chains across various industries. E-commerce has driven increased demand for logistics and distribution services, with courier companies, air freight, and ground transportation seeing significant growth. Additionally, major infrastructure projects like the Tren Maya and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport remain essential for enhancing the country’s connectivity and promoting regional development. This sector is crucial for Mexico’s global competitiveness, particularly in facilitating trade and logistics with international markets—especially the United States.

Financial and Insurance Services

This sector has shown notable growth, contributing significantly to the national GDP with more than 4%. It includes banking activities, insurance, investment funds, and other financial services that support both individuals and businesses in their economic operations.

Construction

The construction industry is essential for infrastructure development, including housing, roads, bridges, and commercial buildings. While its contribution to the GDP varies, it remains a strategic sector for both public and private investment. As of the end of 2024, it accounted for over 6% of the country’s GDP.

Mexico’s economic sectors—from agriculture and mining to services and manufacturing—have been fundamental to the country’s growth and modernization. Through the evolution and diversification of these sectors, Mexico continues to be a dynamic economy, adapting to global challenges while leveraging its productive strengths.

The transition across these sectors has driven regional development, improved infrastructure, boosted employment, and strengthened exports. Understanding the importance of each sector not only reveals the structure of the Mexican economy but also how each contributes to the development of society as a whole. For more insights into Mexico’s economy and productive sectors, follow us for updates focused on national competitiveness.

At VYNMSA, we understand the relevance of each economic sector in Mexico’s development. That’s why we offer world-class industrial spaces that drive productivity in the secondary sector and enhance logistics and services in the tertiary sector. With a wide range of industrial parks in strategic locations across the country, we are the ideal partner for national and international companies looking to grow competitively and sustainably. Looking to expand operations in Mexico? Contact us and find the perfect location for your industry.