Mexico's FDI Boom: Unveiling the Future of Nearshoring and International Manufacturing

México es un país geográficamente privilegiado: al estar ubicado en el corazón de América, es un país con conectividad con Estados Unidos y Canadá, así como con todos los países de América Central y del Sur.

Además, su crecimiento económico, mano de obra altamente calificada e infraestructura se han ganado la confianza de inversionistas de países de todo el mundo, principalmente de Estados Unidos, que buscan nearshoring en México.

Hoy en el blog de American Industries analizaremos qué es el nearshoring en México, sus objetivos, las razones por las que las empresas buscan reubicar sus operaciones y cómo podemos ayudarte a reubicar tu negocio a través de nuestros servicios especializados.

¿Qué es el Nearshoring?

El nearshoring es una estrategia empresarial que consiste en trasladar parte o la totalidad de la producción de una organización a otro país geográficamente cercano. Esta práctica permite a las empresas acercarse a su consumidor final, reducir costos y reducir riesgos logísticos.

En general, las empresas que buscan reubicar sus operaciones optan por países cercanos con una zona horaria y una cultura similares para crear una cadena de suministro más eficiente y resistente.

Razones que impulsan el nearshoring en México

El impulso del nearshoring de México ha sido impulsado por una combinación de factores que han hecho del país el lugar adecuado para las empresas internacionales:

• Cercanía a Estados Unidos, Centro y Sudamérica, lo que reduce los costos de transporte y facilita la logística.
  
• Altos aranceles impuestos por Estados Unidos a los productos chinos.
  
• Acuerdos comerciales como el T-MEC (Tratado entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá) que reducen las barreras arancelarias para facilitar el comercio internacional.
  
• La pandemia de coronavirus provocó cierres de fronteras en todo el mundo, lo que llevó a las empresas de todo el mundo a buscar nuevos acuerdos para reducir los tiempos de entrega y agilizar las operaciones.
  
• Mexico has a network of airports, highways and ports that connects to every city in the country, facilitating the transportation of goods both within the country and to other countries.

Foreign Direct Investment in Mexico: An Overview

Through June 2025, Mexico captured nearly US$34.3 billion in FDI, a notable increase of 10.2% compared to the same period last year. This increase is in addition to unprecedented new investment of more than US$3 billion, more than triple the figure for the first half of 2024.

Reinvestment of earnings, meanwhile, reached US$29 billion, representing 84.4% of total FDI, despite a slight contraction of 4.5% compared to the equivalent period in 2024.

The factors driving FDI in Mexico include its ideal position as a bridge between markets, a broad network of free trade agreements, and a stable economic environment. These elements, combined with Mexico's emphasis on economic reforms and infrastructure development, paint a promising picture for the nation's investment landscape.

The Rise of the Manufacturing Industry

The manufacturing industry is a pillar of the Mexican economy and has been key to boosting foreign trade. Mexico is one of the countries with the highest exports of manufactured products, making it a strategic location for relocation.

Nearshore Services and Mexico's Strategic Advantage

Mexico stands out as a leading choice for nearshore services, offering foreign manufacturers unmatched proximity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Nearshoring in Mexico allows companies to reduce transportation costs and time, improve supply chain reliability, and access a skilled labor pool. The country's free trade agreements and robust infrastructure make it more attractive as a nearshore destination, providing a stable and efficient base for doing business close to the U.S. market.

Sectoral and Geographic Distribution of FDI in Mexico

Although manufacturing remains central (accounting for 36% of total FDI), there is notable diversification into sectors such as food, beverages, chemicals, and agricultural processing. At the same time, the incentives targeted since 2023 to sectors such as semiconductors, electromobility, and medical devices have significantly contributed to the current dynamism.

FDI is distributed across the country, with states like Nuevo León, Jalisco, and the Bajío region emerging as crucial investment destinations due to their manufacturing prowess and logistical advantages. This distribution promotes balanced growth and the development of specialized industrial clusters throughout the country, further boosting Mexico's proposition for nearshoring. The surge in FDI signifies not just Mexico's current economic health but also its potential for future growth.

The main investors continue to be the United States (43% of the total, with an increase of US$986 million), followed by Spain (17.3%), Canada (5.1%), Japan (4.2%) and Germany (3.7%).

Economic benefits for Mexico and the United States

Nearshoring in Mexico is an increasingly attractive business model for transnational companies thanks to benefits such as:

• Access to new markets
  
• Diversification of risks associated with unforeseen events such as geopolitical conflicts, border closures or health crises.
  
• Reduced costs in labor, taxes and transportation.
  
• Streamlined supply chains through shorter delivery times
  
• Reduced dependence on services in Asian countries
  
• Strengthened trade relations with Mexico
  For Mexico, nearshoring represents a great opportunity thanks to benefits such as:
  
• Generation of new jobs in industries such as manufacturing or technology.
  
• Increase in the development of national industry
  
• Economic growth thanks to the increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
  
• Diversification of the Mexican economy

The promotion of nearshoring in Mexico has allowed benefits for both countries, such as economic integration, in terms of rules and regulations to create fair working conditions, which attract more companies to invest and continue to grow the economy.

Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities for Nearshoring in Mexico

While the opportunities for nearshoring in Mexico are vast, foreign investors will face the learning curve of adapting to a new local regulatory environment and cultural differences. Shelter services are crucial in streamlining the process, offering expertise in legal compliance, hiring practices, and integration into the Mexican market.

The future growth of FDI and nearshore services in Mexico looks bright, supported by the country's advantageous location, strong manufacturing sector, and dedication to economic reforms. For foreign manufacturers exploring nearshoring in Mexico, key recommendations involve utilizing shelter services for easier setup and operations, conducting comprehensive market research, and collaborating with local partners to grasp the intricacies of the Mexican business environment.

By addressing potential challenges and leveraging Mexico's dynamic economy, foreign manufacturers can enjoy the benefits of nearshoring. Through shelter services, companies can mitigate risks, streamline operations, and secure their position in the competitive global market, contributing to the continued growth of foreign direct investment in Mexico.

For companies looking to explore the vast potential of nearshoring in Mexico, American Industries provides the guidance, support, and administrative services to ensure a seamless transition and successful operation. To learn more about how your business can benefit from nearshoring in Mexico, contact American Industries today and take the first step toward unlocking growth and competitive advantages in this evolving market.

FAQs: Foreign Direct Investment in Mexico

1. Why is Mexico an attractive destination for foreign direct investment?

Mexico's prime location, comprehensive trade agreements, and strong manufacturing sectors are attracting foreign direct investment. A skilled labor force and a stable economy make it an ideal location for businesses looking to grow in this market (2024).

2. Which sectors in Mexico are seeing considerable foreign direct investment inflows?

The automotive and aerospace industries are major beneficiaries of foreign direct investment in Mexico, thanks to the country's location, workforce, and trade policies. Emerging sectors like technology and renewable energy highlight Mexico's focus on sustainable and innovative development.

3. How do nearshore services enhance operational efficiency for foreign manufacturers in Mexico?

Nearshoring in Mexico cuts transportation costs, speeds up market access, and streamlines supply chains.  Mexico's proximity to major markets and manufacturing capabilities make it ideal for efficiency gains.

4. What challenges might companies face when establishing nearshore operations in Mexico, and how can they be addressed?

Navigating regulatory landscapes and adapting to cultural differences can pose challenges. However, shelter services can mitigate these issues by providing legal compliance, cultural integration assistance, and access to skilled labor, ensuring a smooth operational transition.

5. Is now a good time to nearshore to Mexico? (2024)

A: Absolutely!  Supply chain disruptions and the rise of regionalization make Mexico an ideal nearshoring partner in 2024.  Mexico's focus on reforms, strong trade deals, and innovation creates a welcoming environment for foreign investment, putting your business closer to the North American market.

If you're interested in learning more about the benefits and key considerations for companies moving to Mexico, check out our in-depth blog on the topic.