Widespread Adoption, Basic Integration
In the past year, 495,000 Mexican companies have started using artificial intelligence (AI) technology in their business operations, equating to one company adopting AI every minute. This significant leap means that over 2 million businesses have incorporated these tools, according to the study “Unleashing the Potential of AI in Mexico 2025” by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
As a result, 38% of the country’s 5 million companies now use AI, up from 29% in the previous year—a 31% increase in adoption rates. This growth indicates that more than 2 million businesses have integrated AI into their operations.
Measurable Benefits
The benefits of AI adoption are already evident, with 83% of companies reporting increased revenue (averaging 16%) and 88% observing significant productivity improvements. Furthermore, 83% of AI adopters anticipate expanding their use in the coming year, and 80% expect cost savings.
Most Companies Stuck at Basic Levels
Despite the widespread adoption, most organizations remain at basic levels. Seventy-two percent of companies using AI focus on incremental uses, such as chatbots for efficiency and agility in processes. Only 16% are at the transversal integration stage, while a mere 7% of those who have adopted AI (3% of all companies in the country) have reached the most transformative stage, combining models and creating customized systems.
Among large companies, 75% maintain AI at basic levels, while only 20% have a global AI strategy, and 9% has developed innovative products or services that fully leverage these capabilities.
Startups Leading the Way
Mexican startups show greater traction. Forty-one percent report AI adoption (compared to 38% nationally), and within them, 29% already use AI in their advanced applications (compared to 7% nationally).
Twenty-two percent claim that AI is fundamental to their business model, and 31% develop new products based on AI. However, only 37% employ talent with specialized skills in this technology.
Costs and Compliance
Despite the promise of AI returns, 34% of Mexican companies perceive initial costs as a barrier, and 45% request clearer understanding of the ROI for these investments.
Additionally, regulatory burdens weigh on companies. Currently, 17% of their technology budgets are allocated to compliance, and 67% anticipate this cost will rise in the next three years.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the extent of AI adoption among Mexican companies? Over 495,000 companies have adopted AI in the past year, with 38% of Mexico’s 5 million companies now using AI.
- What benefits have these companies experienced? 83% report increased revenue, averaging 16%, and 88% observe productivity improvements.
- At what level are most companies integrating AI? Most organizations remain at basic levels, focusing on incremental uses like chatbots for efficiency and agility in processes.
- How do startups compare to larger companies in AI adoption? Mexican startups show greater traction, with 41% adopting AI compared to 38% nationally. Within startups, 29% use AI in advanced applications.
- What challenges do companies face with AI adoption? Initial costs and regulatory burdens are significant challenges, with 34% of companies citing costs as a barrier and 67% expecting compliance costs to rise.
- What is the primary obstacle for AI adoption? Lack of digital skills is the main obstacle, with 55% of organizations citing it as their primary challenge.
