Introduction:

The dynamics and trade interaction between countries has led to transformations in their economic structures, and a process of productive specialization in the agricultural sector.

Objective:

To analyze the behavior of natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis [Willd. ex A. Juss.] Müll. Arg.) production and identify specialized and competitive regions using regional analysis techniques.

Materials and methods:

Mexico’s states and municipalities were considered geographical units. The methods of analysis were the location quotient, Shift-Share, specialization and competitiveness. The value of natural rubber crop production, in the period 1980-2016, was used as an analysis variable. The information was obtained from the Agrifood and Fisheries Information Service.

Results and discussion:

Results show increased natural rubber production and reconfiguration of its specialization. Tabasco is the most specialized state and Veracruz, Chiapas and Tabasco have competitive advantages; however, the states with the greatest prospects for growth and being highly specialized and competitive are Oaxaca and Tabasco. The specialization and competitiveness of natural rubber production is related to natural conditions, market demand and technological development.

Conclusions:

Oaxaca and Tabasco have prospects for specialization and competitiveness, so natural rubber production should be expanded to these regions that in theory should be the most productive and with the lowest production costs. To exploit these advantages, it is necessary to promote a regional innovation system for the design and implementation of smart specialization strategies.