Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Growth Amidst US Trade Policies
During his first governance report, Governor Pablo Lemus highlighted the economic achievements that have solidified Jalisco as Mexico’s leading economic driver, despite the challenging trade and tariff policies implemented by the United States this year.
Lemus stated, “Despite all the talk about new tariffs, look at how US investment in Jalisco grew by 145% in the first half of 2025. Jalisco has become a magnet for investments due to the relocation of companies or nearshoring effects.”
According to data from the federal Secretary of Economy, Jalisco attracted FDI amounting to $933 million in the first six months of 2025. Notably, new investments surged by 435% compared to the same period in 2024, rising from $38.2 million to $204.6 million.
Export Growth and Jalisco’s Economic Dominance
Lemus reported that national exports grew by 5% in the first half of the year, while Jalisco’s exports increased by 41% compared to the same period last year – eight times the national average.
“For the first time, Jalisco, a non-border state, has the most exports,” emphasized Lemus.
He also pointed out that, according to IMSS (Institute of Social Security) records, one in ten jobs nationwide is generated in Jalisco, and two out of ten registered companies monthly belong to this state.
Semiconductor Design Leadership
Lemus further highlighted Jalisco’s progress in competitiveness, moving up six positions in the IMCO (Mexican Institute for Competitiveness) ranking. Moreover, 70% of semiconductor design across Mexico takes place in Jalisco.
“The world’s leading companies for semiconductor design and production are in Jalisco… We are the architects of semiconductors globally,” Lemus asserted.
He anticipated that the National Semiconductor Design Center Kutsari would commence operations in Cinvestav’s facilities by March 2026.
Acknowledging the Crisis of Disappearances
At the beginning of his accountability exercise for his first year in office at the Cabañas Cultural Institute, Governor Pablo Lemus acknowledged Jalisco’s crisis of disappearances, describing it as a “tragedy.” He emphasized that recognizing the problem is the initial step towards resolving it.
In front of families of the disappeared at the venue, Lemus reiterated his public apology for past governments’ omissions and mentioned the Rancho Izaguirre case in Teuchitlán, a suspected recruitment and extermination center. He assured that this issue would be addressed.
“Recognizing a problem is the first step to solving it. Today, I welcome victim advocacy groups and families affected by disappearances; thank you for your committed work,” Lemus expressed.
Key Questions and Answers
- What did Governor Lemus highlight in his first governance report? He emphasized Jalisco’s economic achievements, including a 145% growth in US FDI, 41% increase in exports compared to the national average, and leadership in semiconductor design.
- What is the significance of Jalisco’s export growth? Jalisco’s exports grew eight times faster than the national average, making it the non-border state with the most exports.
- Why is Jalisco significant in semiconductor design? Seventy percent of semiconductor design across Mexico occurs in Jalisco, with major global companies operating there.
- What is the Centro Nacional de Diseño de Semiconductores Kutsari? It is a national semiconductor design center that will begin operations in Cinvestav’s facilities by March 2026.
- How did Governor Lemus address the crisis of disappearances in Jalisco? He acknowledged it as a tragedy, apologized for past governments’ omissions, and pledged to resolve cases like Rancho Izaguirre.
