Mexico’s nearshoring wave—what’s hot, what’s cooling, and where the opportunities are.
The big trends (late-2025): MexicoFDI / MexicoCRE
Mexico continues to lead the region in attracting FDI, building on its recent quarterly record of $3.15 billion in new FDI and maintaining robust investment inflows in Q3 2025, despite uncertain global markets.U.S., Spain, and Canada remain top investor countries.
Hot sectors include aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, pharmaceutical packaging, and advanced manufacturing. Key states: Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, Querétaro, and Chiapas. Mexico’s renewable energy and clean tech sectors are seeing accelerated development, especially in Central Mexico. Policy and incentive shifts continue to attract foreign companies in semiconductor, electromobility, and medical device sectors, strengthening Mexico’s position as a nearshoring hub
Shift from a land rush to a sorting-out phase. After years of record demand, Mexico industrial real estate availability has crept up in several border markets (e.g., Tijuana ~8% vacancy; rises in Mexicali/Reynosa/Juárez), as a heavy 2024–25 construction pipeline hits the market. Net-net: still healthy nationally, but more tenant-friendly in select cities.
Power is the governor on growth. Datacenters, AI hardware, and are straining Mexico’s grid. The government issued fresh electric-sector regulations in October to fast-track priority projects—helpful, but execution will be key. AI hardware + electronics momentum.
Foxconn is expanding to build Nvidia Blackwell/GB200 AI servers in Mexico (notably Guadalajara/Chihuahua), anchoring a broader AI supply chain shift. Auto retooling toward EVs continues. BMW’s €800m battery/EV investment in San Luis Potosí and other OEM refreshes keep the north/center humming—while rules-of-origin pressure ahead of the 2026 USMCA review raises compliance stakes for Tier-2/3 suppliers.
Manufacturing & Logistics is broadening beyond the classic border. New/expanded corridors—e.g., the Interoceanic Corridor (CIIT) plan through 2030, a reactivated Puerto del Norte in Matamoros, and upgraded ports like Guaymas—are opening new routing options. How companies are benefiting: Shorter lead times & logistics savings. OEMs shipping via modernized ports (e.g., Guaymas) report ~30% logistics cost reductions vs. prior routings—compounded by faster replenishment into U.S.
DCs. Tariff mitigation & USMCA preferences. By meeting content rules and filing correctly, firms avoid potential blanket tariffs and de-risk policy swings; the 2026 review makes proactive compliance even more valuable. Deeper cluster effects. Auto, electronics, and med-device clusters enable multi-sourcing within a 1–3 hour radius, better supplier development, and shared labor pools—evident in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Bajío, and Tijuana ecosystems.
Site selection Upgrading capabilities. Plants aren’t just “maquilas” anymore: companies are adding battery modules, AI-server integration, NPD, and automation/AI on the line (e.g., BMW SLP’s digital factory approach).
How companies are benefiting:
Shorter lead times & logistics savings. OEMs shipping via modernized ports (e.g., Guaymas) report ~30% logistics cost reductions vs. prior routings—compounded by faster replenishment into U.S. DCs.
Tariff mitigation & USMCA preferences. By meeting content rules and filing correctly, firms avoid potential blanket tariffs and de-risk policy swings; the 2026 review makes proactive compliance even more valuable.
Deeper cluster effects. Auto, electronics, and med-device clusters enable multi-sourcing within a 1–3 hour radius, better supplier development, and shared labor pools—evident in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Bajío, and Tijuana ecosystems.
Takeaways:
Record-breaking FDI: $3.15bn new quarterly inflow; sustained U.S. and EU confidence.
AIRCOM GROUP opens $24m electronics plant in Chihuahua.
Hengli Hydraulics invests $325m in Nuevo Leon, 800 new jobs.
First green hydrogen plant launches in Querétaro ($5.5m investment; Cryoinfra/Gerresheimer).
Landmark fly production plant for livestock health in Chiapas, eradicating screwworm.
National Electric System Plan backs $8.1bn+ in new solar and wind power projects.
Data center boom accelerates infrastructure demand in energy and telecom.
Freight and passenger rail expansion reshaping logistics corridors.
Nearshoring incentives continue to drive advanced manufacturing, especially U.S. supply chains.
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When nearshoring to Mexico, having the right partner makes all the difference. Our team primarily represents industrial tenants and buyers providing expert site selection and facility acquisition for manufacturing and logistics companies across Mexico.
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