APIEJ Reports Robust Performance Amidst Trade Policy Changes
GUADALAJARA, Jalisco – Despite global economic uncertainty, the Association of Industrial Parks of the State of Jalisco (APIEJ) reports a nearly 30% increase in square meter absorption for the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.
APIEJ President, Bruno Martínez, shared with El Economista that there are 700,000 square meters of industrial installations under construction, set to be completed by 2025. These projects represent a $485 million investment.
Of the construction area, 40% is pre-leased, and current vacancy hovers around 3%. Martínez Zurita considers this a healthy rate, as other markets like Ciudad Juárez have vacancy rates of 10%, indicating oversupply.
“In the first quarter of this year, we closed with an absorption of 128,000 square meters, which represents nearly a 30% increase compared to the same period last year. Our vacancy rate is approximately 2.98%, which we consider a healthy and expanding rate,” explained APIEJ’s president.
Impact of Trade Policy Changes
According to the sector leader, global uncertainty caused by the U.S. trade strategy has led to a slowdown, but only in new developments.
“Due to the Trump effect, there has been a slowdown, but mainly in new developments—more so in investments or capital raising; funds have become cautious and are waiting to see what unfolds,” Martínez emphasized.
Martínez detailed that the sectors driving growth and industrial park development include electronics, logistics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agroindustry, electromobility, semiconductors, high technology, and artificial intelligence.
“In fact, much of the absorption is logistics focused on e-commerce. We must consider two perspectives: nearshoring or relocation and Jalisco’s growth as a logistics ecosystem. Currently, 55-60% of inventory is logistics, heavily influenced by the airport, highways, and proximity to the Manzanillo port,” he added.
APIEJ Annual Congress
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, APIEJ will host the second annual APIEJ Congress, “Jalisco’s Industrial Parks: The Oasis for Nearshoring Investments,” on May 29th.
APIEJ President highlighted that the congress takes place amidst the renegotiation of the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada (T-MEC) and progress on Plan Mexico to develop 100 new industrial parks during this administration.
Martínez Zurita explained that five leading global investment funds will participate in a panel to discuss opportunities for industrial development in Mexico. Additionally, four Afores will present how they can support the expansion of industrial parks through a funding mechanism often unknown to developers.
The second edition is expected to attract 400 participants who will engage in dialogue, form alliances, and share insights on the present and future of industrial parks. It will also foster strategic connections with developers, investors, and other key industry players.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the growth rate of Jalisco’s industrial parks in Q1? The growth rate is nearly 30% compared to the same period last year.
- What is the total investment in industrial parks under construction? The investment amounts to $485 million.
- What sectors are driving growth in Jalisco’s industrial parks? Electronics, logistics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agroindustry, electromobility, semiconductors, high technology, and artificial intelligence are key sectors.
- How has the global economic uncertainty affected Jalisco’s industrial parks? The slowdown is mainly in new developments due to cautious investment behavior caused by trade policy changes.
- What is the purpose of APIEJ’s annual congress? The congress aims to bring together industry stakeholders, discuss investment opportunities, and foster strategic connections.
