Overview of Jalisco’s Industrial Sector
Guadalajara, Jalisco. By the end of the second quarter, 280,000 square meters of industrial areas were absorbed, and there are 713,000 square meters under construction—40% of which are already pre-leased. The Association of Industrial Parks of the State of Jalisco (APIEJ) and state authorities affirm that Jalisco is in a phase of “expansion and growth.”
Vacancy as an Indicator of Market Health
According to APIEJ President Bruno Martínez, Jalisco has an inventory of 7.2 million square meters with a vacancy rate of 3.6%. Martínez explains, “Vacancy serves as a market thermometer; vacancies below 5% indicate expansion, 5% to 8% signify a stable market, and above 10% indicates oversupply. In this case, Jalisco’s 3.6% vacancy rate reflects a phase of expansion and growth, despite global challenges such as tariffs.”
Contrasting Jalisco with Northern Cities
In contrast, vacancy rates in Monterrey, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juárez range from 7% to 11%. Martínez attributes this to the concentration of economic development in a few sectors like automotive and metal-mechanical industries, which have been significantly impacted by Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Meanwhile, Jalisco’s diverse industrial sectors make it resilient.
Absorption Growth
In terms of absorption, 151,000 square meters were absorbed in the second quarter, a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. By the end of the first half, 280,000 square meters were absorbed, representing 50% of the annual target.
APIEJ President Martínez states that the first two quarters are “very seasonal,” expecting higher absorption in the third and fourth quarters of 2025. They aim for 520,000 to 560,000 square meters of absorption, nearly reaching their target. Jalisco ranks third in industrial absorption growth, following Monterrey and Mexico City.
Investment in New Industrial Parks
APIEJ President Martínez adds that the 713,000 square meters under construction represent double last year’s building, with new parks requiring approximately $400 million in investment for the current year.
Projected Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Growth
Jalisco’s Secretary of Economic Development (Sedeco) Cindy Blanco states that FDI continues to arrive in Jalisco, anticipating that by the end of the current state administration in 2030, Jalisco will achieve its goal of attracting $3 billion—triple the foreign capital attracted by the previous administration.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current vacancy rate in Jalisco’s industrial sector? The vacancy rate is 3.6%, indicating a healthy and expanding market.
- How does Jalisco’s industrial sector compare to northern cities like Monterrey, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juárez? Jalisco has a more diversified industrial base, making it resilient compared to northern cities heavily impacted by tariff policies.
- What is the current absorption rate in Jalisco’s industrial sector? 280,000 square meters have been absorbed by the end of the first half, representing 50% of the annual target.
- What are the investment plans for new industrial parks in Jalisco? Approximately $400 million will be invested in new parks, with 713,000 square meters under construction.
- What are Jalisco’s FDI goals and current progress? Jalisco aims to attract $3 billion in FDI by 2030, having already received $1.1 billion by 2024.
