The Mexican textile and apparel industry has changed dramatically over the past decade. What used to be a mainly low-cost assembly location has turned into a highly developed manufacturing hub that attracts some of the world’s biggest fashion brands.
The figures tell the story. In 2024, the apparel market in Mexico reached a valuation of around $23 billion USD and forecasts suggest continued growth going forward. The wider apparel and non-apparel manufacturing market generated revenues of **$19.59 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8% during 2019-2024. Mexico represents 16.6% of the total value of apparel production in Latin America and is the second largest market in the region.
What is driving this growth? A few things: 1. First, the rise of nearshoring has compelled brands to relocate production to within closer proximity to the US market, cutting shipping times from weeks to days. Second, Mexico’s trade agreements, especially the USMCA, provide duty-free access to the U.S. market for eligible products. And third, the investment of Mexican manufacturers in vertical integration is significant, which allows them to control quality, protect intellectual property and respond more quickly to market trends.
The sector employs more than 1.2 million people and continues to be one of the main manufacturing clusters in Mexico in terms of value and jobs. More than 90% of Mexico’s textile and apparel exports go to the United States, which makes the country an important part of the North American supply chain.
If you’re sourcing apparel for wholesale, e-commerce, or private label, here are the five textile and apparel manufacturers in Mexico you need to know.
1. Grupo Kaltex
Grupo Kaltex is one of the most important textile groups in Mexico. The pioneer is Rafael Moisés Kalach Mizrahi, whose family has deep roots in the Mexican textile industry and has built an empire that extends through several states and even to Nicaragua.
What sets Kaltex apart is their complete vertical integration. They don’t just sew garments—they spin yarn, weave fabric and finish products all under one roof. This integrated model allows them to maintain tight quality control and respond quickly to changing orders. Major mills like Kaltex are now allowing brands to adopt a “pull” model—ordering smaller batches and restocking in real-time based on actual consumer demand.
Kaltex has a significant presence in Puebla, one of Mexico’s textile hearts, as well as operations in four other Mexican states. They manufacture for internationally known brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and have a big portfolio on the denim market that Puebla is known for.
Who is Kaltex’s partner? Brands that are looking for a full-service partner who can scale production across multiple product categories. Their vertical integration makes them especially appealing to companies that want consistent quality across complicated supply chains.
Official Website: https://kaltex.com/
2. Grupo Denim
Grupo Denim, a company from Puebla, occupies a specialized niche within the competitive world of denim, workwear and uniform production. The company has earned a reputation for its diversified garment portfolio and its commitment to quality.
For a long time Puebla has been considered the denim capital of Mexico. The state is home to maquiladoras that make jeans for big international brands and Grupo Denim is right at the heart of that ecosystem. The company benefits from the region’s strong expertise in the production of denim from cutting and sewing to washing and finishing.
As a leader in the Mexican denim industry, Grupo Denim is able to fulfill high-volume orders with the quality standards that international brands expect. Their specialization in workwear and uniforms is another dimension to their expertise, making them a versatile partner for businesses with diverse clothing needs.
Who should partner with Grupo Denim? If you are in the denim, workwear, or uniform business, or looking to get into those categories, Grupo Denim has the specialized expertise and production capacity to realize your vision.
Official Website: https://www.grupodenim.com
3. Monty Industries
Monty Industries is a member of the Monty Group, which has a history dating back to 1946. The company, headquartered in Motul, Yucatán, has established itself as an export powerhouse with an impressive client roster.
Monty’s logistics integration is what sets it apart. The goods are shipped from the port of Progreso, Mexico, straight to US ports such as Panama City, Florida, with the help of specialized carriers. That closeness to US markets is a huge advantage—shipping times are in days, not weeks.
“They have a very broad portfolio. Monty makes denim jeans, professional workwear, blouses and jackets. Their reach has made them a go-to manufacturer for premium brands like Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss. They take advantage of Mexico’s trade agreements, especially USMCA, to send tariff-free shipments to the US market.
Who should work with Monty Industries? Brands that need high-quality, export-oriented production with reliable logistics. Their experience with premium international brands speaks to their quality standards and reliability.
Official Website: https://www.montyindustries.com
4. Textiles Anáhuac
Textiles Anáhuac, based in Puebla, has become a recognized name in large-scale production and a strong commitment to sustainability. The company is a pioneer of the circular economy movement in Mexican textiles, using recycled materials, particularly in their denim fabric and zero-waste patterning.
Their operations particularly suit maquiladora clients. Their supply chain employs virtual import and export procedures that facilitate customs processing and uses strategic ports such as Nuevo Laredo to keep goods flowing efficiently.
Textiles Anáhuac prioritizes sourcing raw fabrics from Mexican suppliers, including locally grown cotton, polyester and nylon fibers. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports the domestic economy but also gives them greater control over their supply chain.
They produce denim, gabardine fabrics, industrial uniforms and pants/trousers. The combination of fashion and functional apparel makes them a versatile partner for brands across a variety of market segments.
Who should work with Textiles Anáhuac? If you care about sustainability and need a partner that can handle large-scale production while maintaining environmental standards, Textiles Anáhuac is an excellent choice.
Official Website: https://textilesanahuac.com.mx
5. Grupo Skytex
Grupo Skytex is a textile manufacturing giant with a workforce of more than 1,700 employees, with manufacturing facilities spread over more than 80,000 square meters. They are based in Huejotzingo, Puebla and produce more than 2 million meters of fabric each week.
The sheer size of Skytex’s business is what is truly impressive. Their vertical integration includes extrusion, texturizing, twisting, yarn preparation, dyeing, printing and finishing. That means they’re able to do just about every step of the textile production process in-house.
Skytex is a leader in sustainable manufacturing as well. Their Zero Waste Sustainability program includes water recycling, waste heat recovery and a textile waste recycling program that turns waste into other products. Their fabric offering includes cotton, recycled polyester, spandex and nylon—materials that can be used for activewear, fashion and even upholstery.
Who Should Partner With Grupo Skytex? Brands need a sustainable, vertically integrated partner with massive production capacity. Thanks to their extensive knowledge of fabrics, they work in the fields of fashion, activewear and home textiles.
Official Website: https://www.gruposkytex.com
Why Mexico’s Textile Industry Matters Right Now
Mexico’s textile industry is at a crossroads. The country is also a top beneficiary of the nearshoring trend, as brands seek to reduce their dependence on Asian supply chains and bring production closer to North American consumers.
A key driver of this shift has been foreign direct investment. Mexico attracted more than $40 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, with billions flowing into industrial hubs and logistics infrastructure, according to the Mexican Ministry of Economy. These investments are changing Mexico from an assembly point to a vertically integrated manufacturing destination.
The Mexican government has also acted to protect local producers. In December 2024 the government announced an increase in tariffs on textile imports from countries with no free trade agreement (mainly China and other Asian competitors) of between 15% and 35%. These measures, along with changes to the IMMEX program, aim to level the playing field for local manufacturers.
But there are problems in the industry still. Competition from fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu has put pressure on local producers, with an estimated 300 million low-cost packages arriving in Mexico in 2024 alone. The sector also saw a 20% decline in GDP between 2015 and 2023 due to a lag in technology as well as competition arising from imports.
The outlook for Mexican textile and apparel manufacturing is positive, despite these headwinds. Mexico’s proximity to the US market, trade advantages and skilled workforce make it a key partner for brands looking to build resilient and responsive supply chains.
FAQ
1. Why should I source apparel from Mexico instead of Asia?
Mexico provides huge advantages for North American brands. Shipping times from Mexico to the US are in days and not weeks, meaning faster restocking and less inventory risk. Qualifying goods enter tariff-free under the USMCA trade agreement. Mexican manufacturers have also made heavy investments in vertical integration, giving brands more control over quality and production timelines.
2. What types of apparel are Mexican manufacturers best at producing?
Mexico has a strong denim, workwear, uniform, knitwear and casual apparel industry. Mexico possesses a strong talent base for denim manufacturing, especially in Puebla, the denim capital of Mexico. Manufacturers are also diversifying into activewear, sportswear and sustainable textiles.
3. How do tariffs affect importing apparel from Mexico?
Mexico is raising duties on imported textiles in a bid to protect its local producers. In December 2024, the government imposed 15% tariffs on cotton and synthetic fabrics and 35% tariffs on apparel items from countries without free trade agreements. But USMCA rules of origin generally provide tariff-free treatment of goods manufactured in Mexico and exported to the US.
4. What are the sustainability credentials of Mexican textile manufacturers?
Several Mexican manufacturers, such as Grupo Skytex and Textiles Anáhuac, have invested heavily in sustainability. These are water recycling, waste heat recovery, zero-waste patterning and use of recycled materials. Moving production to Mexico can also reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions by replacing long-haul maritime freight with shorter trucking routes.
5. How does Mexico’s labor force compare to other manufacturing destinations?
Mexico has a mature and skilled textile labor force, with over 1.2 million people working in the sector. But labor costs have been climbing—average daily wages in Mexico’s formal sector rose 14% in real terms between 2019 and 2023, outpacing productivity gains in some cases. That’s something to factor into your cost calculations.
6. What is the IMMEX program and why does it matter?
IMMEX (Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry) is a government program of Mexico to encourage export manufacturing. This allows companies to import raw materials without paying duties and export finished products without paying certain taxes. The program has changed recently so that only some textile items can be imported temporarily. It is important to know the latest rules.
7. Are there quality differences between Mexican and Asian manufacturers?
Mexican manufacturers have invested in quality control and modern equipment. Many of the world’s leading brands, including Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s and Guess, manufacture clothing in Mexico. The quality is on par with Asian manufacturing and the shorter supply chain can actually make the product more consistent because you can respond to issues quicker.”
8. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Mexican manufacturers?
MOQs vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer and product to product. Some manufacturers, such as Uniformes Andrea, require a minimum of 200 units per order. Others will need more, in particular for custom fabric or intricate designs. It’s best to call each manufacturer directly and discuss your needs.
9. How does the nearshoring trend affect the Mexican textile industry?
The big driver of growth for Mexican textiles is nearshoring. Brands are increasingly moving production from China to Mexico to cut shipping times, reduce tariff risk and build more resilient supply chains. The result has been record foreign investment and expansion plans across the industry.
10. What are the main challenges facing Mexican textile manufacturers?
There is also stiff competition from fast-fashion imports from Asia, especially China. Between 2015 and 2023, the sector’s GDP fell by 20% and 80,000 jobs were lost from the industry’s peak employment levels. Another problem is a technology gap—for them to stay competitive, the Mexican manufacturers need to invest more in automation and new materials.
