- The 5 main activities of the Sonoran economy
- 1- Industry
- 2- Fishing
- 3- Agriculture and Livestock
- 4- Mining
- 5- Trade
- References
The economic activities of Sonora have their focus in the capital, Hermosillo, which is located in the center of the state to 270 km of the border with the United States and at a distance of 95 km from the Pacific coast.
It has an active economy. Its transportation routes, business environment, qualified workforce, and industries of various fields, make it a favorable state for the industry.
It has several international airports, trains, highways and 6 seaports. It is the commercial corridor par excellence between Mexico and the United States of America.
Exports are mainly made to the US, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Central and South America.
The exported products are pork and beef, both frozen, fresh or processed; Kabocha oranges and pumpkins.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Sonora.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Sonora.
The 5 main activities of the Sonoran economy
1- Industry
The automotive industry is one of the largest projects in Latin America, with thousands of employees in the field.
On the other hand, maquiladoras or factories that produce only for export are very widespread in the state of Sonora, mainly because of its proximity to the United States.
Assembly plants produce home appliances and electronic equipment such as computer circuits and vacuum cleaners. The proximity to the border with the US plays an important factor in exports.
The aerospace industry is also growing in the state of Sonora.
2- Fishing
Fishing is one of the main activities along the extensive Sonoran coast. The state has a large fishing fleet, being the sardine its main production.
In addition to the fishing itself, shellfish and fish are also processed and packed with strict quality control.
On the other hand, cultured shrimp are raised and produced.
3- Agriculture and Livestock
The state of Sonora is a leader in the production of wheat, cotton, watermelon, grapes and asparagus.
In the north and northeast, due to the dry climate, irrigation systems are used and alfalfa, vegetables, forage, grapes, raisins and olives are produced.
The main crops in the central region include wheat, barley, alfalfa, and safflower. Corn, broad beans, apples, and peaches are grown in the east.
The main types of livestock are cattle, pigs, poultry and goats. Horses, mules, and donkeys are raised in the eastern part of the state.
4- Mining
It is a traditional element of the Sonoran economy.
The state has deposits of silver, celestine, bismuth, gold, copper, graphite, molybdenum and wollastonite. There is very little silver left in Sierra Madre Occidental.
It has the largest coal reserves in the country, the most important mines being La Caridad, Cananea and Minería María.
Mining was dominated by the Spanish in colonial times and after independence by foreign companies, which is why it was never in the hands of the Sonorans.
Mining operations are causing a severe environmental impact, for example, in Cananea, waste contaminated the San Pedro and Sonora rivers.
In addition, forests are destroyed by the demand for construction materials and fuel.
5- Trade
The largest proportion of wholesale and retail businesses is located in Hermosillo.
Its strategic location allows it to collect and distribute inputs from and to other geographical areas.
Also, this city concentrates more than a third of the businesses dedicated to professional and technical services throughout the state.
References
- Editor (2017) Economy of Sonora. 11/04/2017. Exploring Mexico Website explorandomexico.com Editor (2017) Sonora 11/4/2017. Nations Encyclopedia Website nationsencyclopedia.com
- Editor (2017) Hermosillo. 11/04/2017. Pro Mexico Website promexico.gob.mx
- Researchers (2017) Economy - Sonora. National Institute of Statistics and Geography, System of National Accounts of Mexico. Website inegi.org.mx
- Lara, Blanca, Velásquez, Lorenia, & Rodríguez, Liz Ileana. (2007). Economic specialization in Sonora: Characteristics and challenges at the beginning of the new millennium. Region and society, 19 (spe), 27-49. 11/04/2017, scielo.org.mx