Investment Announcements Continue, but with Reduced Amounts and Sector Changes
Despite the noise since January 20th from the U.S.’s tariff tactics on the world, Mexico recorded investment project inaugurations related to nearshoring worth 6,531 million dollars, according to information gathered by Integralia Consultants.
This amount represents 2.8% more inaugurations than those observed during the same period last year, well before the uncertainty generated by the fragmentation of trade as we knew it. Alberto Quiroz, Public Affairs Manager at Integralia Consultants, highlighted this point.
Evidence of Ongoing Investments
This indicates that the strategic relocation of foreign companies seeking to capitalize on Mexico’s logistical advantage due to its geographical and commercial proximity to the U.S. is indeed taking place, though perhaps not at the expected scale. The nearshoring continues and defies tariff uncertainty, Quiroz commented.
Adjusting to Tariffs
The highest investment amount announced during the semester was made by Dutch brewery Heineken for the construction of a brewery in Yucatan. This 2,750 million-dollar investment perfectly illustrates the evolution of nearshoring in the era of trade fragmentation instigated by the U.S.
This is an investment announcement associated with relocation, as it takes advantage of Mexico’s national expansion program for industrial parks in the southeast, according to Plan Mexico. The government’s strategy to promote nearshoring across the country.
However, this contrasts with last year’s highest investment announcement by Tesla, aiming to build a plant in Monterrey, Nuevo León, estimated at 5,000 million dollars. This demonstrates the adaptation of investments concerning the context.
Investment Reaches Less Exposed Sectors
As per Integralia’s expert and analysts from Grupo Bursátil Mexicano (GBM) and EY consultancy, there are significant opportunities for businesses in sectors including manufacturing.
GBM suggests that the consumption, technology, health, and fintech sectors could reach a turning point in the coming months. Meanwhile, EY points out that there are significant opportunities for manufacturing businesses like stamping, machining, and plastic injection.
Key Investment Announcements
Santander:
The global Spanish bank announced a 2,000 million-dollar investment in Mexico and the start of operations for Openbank, a 100% digital institution. Ana Patricia Botín, Santander’s president, emphasized Mexico’s growth potential and stated that they are aligning their investment intentions with Plan Mexico’s principles.
Heineken:
The Dutch brewery announced a 2,750 million-dollar investment until the end of 2028. This project includes building a new brewery in Kanasin, Yucatan. Heineken’s CEO for Mexico, Oriol Bonaclocha, reaffirmed their commitment to Mexico during a conference with Mexico’s president.
Novem Car Interior:
A German factory of vehicle interior decorative components announced a 306 million-peso investment to expand its plant in Querétaro’s industrial park. The announcement was made during the second day of Hannover Messe, an industrial fair in Germany.
Tajco:
A Danish capital company producing automotive parts for the auto industry will invest 200 million pesos in a new automotive plant in Querétaro. The operation will start in June 2026, creating 275 direct jobs. This information is contained in a commitment letter from Tajco Mexico’s operations director, Niels Ole Jeppesen.
Awl:
A Dutch company specializing in high-precision tool manufacturing for the automotive industry plans to invest 225 million pesos in Querétaro’s manufacturing expansion over the next five years. This was emphasized by Wilfred Mohr, Dutch Ambassador, at AWL’s Querétaro headquarters inauguration.
Sempra:
Infrastructure informed about ongoing investments worth 3,550 million dollars in Baja California, which have already generated 19,000 direct and indirect jobs. According to Sempra Infrastructure’s president, Tania Ortiz, the company aims to bring clean and secure energy to states across Mexico, aiding in deepening the energy transition and generating shared prosperity.
Unilever:
The British multinational consumer goods company announced a 30,000 million-peso investment in Mexico between 2025 and 2028 to boost its Nuevo León plant, increase production capacity, and develop logistics and digitalization projects. The factory’s supply chain and operations director explained that the investment aligns with Plan Mexico’s principles to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Modelo:
The Mexican-origin brewery announced a 3,600 million-dollar investment between 2025 and 2027, according to Modelo’s corporate affairs vice president, Raúl Escalante. The investment will go towards plant renovation, recycling initiatives, and local producer collaboration.
