Mexico reached a historic high in foreign direct investment (FDI) during Q1 2026, attracting US$23.591 billion from January 1 to March 31, 2026, a 10.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy.

During the presentation of the quarterly FDI report, Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard said the figures exceeded expectations despite concerns over global economic deceleration and trade tensions linked to the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement. “The first quarter of 2026 presents a new historic record. It is a good signal for our economy,” Ebrard said.

The increase was driven largely by reinvested earnings from foreign companies already operating in Mexico, which rose from US$16.647 billion in Q1 2025 to US$22.222 billion this year, representing annual growth of 33.5%. New investments also increased from US$1.586 billion to US$1.705 billion during the same period, a 7.5% annual rise.

The performance reinforced Mexico’s position as one of the main industrial and manufacturing destinations in North America as companies continue expanding operations tied to nearshoring, automotive production and advanced technologies.

Automotive Manufacturing and Finance Lead Growth

The record inflow reflected continued momentum across manufacturing, financial services and industrial infrastructure projects. Among the sectors posting the strongest gains were financial and insurance services, where investment climbed from US$5.321 billion to US$6.851 billion, representing growth of nearly 28.8%.

Vehicle manufacturing also reported significant expansion, increasing from US$3.351 billion to US$4.033 billion. Mining investment rose from US$2.171 billion to US$3.034 billion, while construction nearly doubled its inflows from US$742 million to US$1.456 billion. Additional growth came from computer equipment and electronic components manufacturing, which increased from US$370 million to US$863 million, as well as transportation, postal and warehousing services, which advanced from US$409 million to US$933 million.

The Ministry of Economy said a significant share of the capital was linked to manufacturing projects associated with automobiles, auto parts and electromobility in states including Guanajuato, State of Mexico, and Queretaro. The agency also highlighted expansion projects in scientific research and medical device manufacturing in Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, and Mexico City, alongside investments tied to artificial intelligence, data centers and electronic components across central Mexico.

Production line expansions in household appliances manufacturing in Baja California and Queretaro, along with new technologies applied to financial services and SME financing, also contributed to foreign capital inflows.

 Click here read the original content