Mexico’s Foreign Investment Rises, But New Projects Remain Scarce
Mexico attracted $21.4 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first quarter of 2025, according to official data from the Ministry of Economy.
This amount represents a 5.4% increase compared to the $20.3 billion received in the same period in 2024. The United States was the largest investor, contributing $8.3 billion, or 38.7% of the total.
Spain followed with $3.2 billion (15%), then the Netherlands with $1.8 billion (8.3%), Australia with $1.2 billion (5.7%), and Germany with $800 million (3.7%). Together, these five countries provided over 71% of the total FDI.
Most of this investment did not go into brand new projects. Only a small share, about 7% to 8%, represented fresh capital for new ventures.
The majority came from companies already operating in Mexico, either reinvesting their profits or moving money between related companies.
In 2024, for example, 80% of FDI was reinvestment, and only 8.6% was new investment. The trend continued in early 2025, though official sources noted a 165% increase in new investment compared to the previous year’s first quarter.
The manufacturing sector received the largest portion of FDI, totaling about $9.2 billion, or 43% of the total. Most of this went into the automotive industry, which remains the main draw for foreign investors.
Other manufacturing areas like electronics, chemicals, and food also attracted significant funds. Financial services accounted for 24% of the total, mining for 10%, wholesale trade for 6%, and construction for 3%.
Mexico City received the highest share of FDI by location, with $11.8 billion, or 55% of the total. The state of Nuevo León followed with $2.7 billion, or 13%.
These figures show that while Mexico continues to attract record levels of foreign investment, most of the money supports existing businesses rather than new projects.
The automotive manufacturing sector remains the top destination for FDI, confirming its central role in Mexico’s economy.
All data and figures above are drawn directly from official government releases and public statements by the Ministry of Economy.
| Category | Q1 2025 Value (USD) | % of Total FDI |
|---|---|---|
| Total FDI | $21.4 billion | 100% |
| Manufacturing | $9.2 billion | 43% |
| Financial Services | $5.1 billion | 24% |
| Mining | $2.1 billion | 10% |
| Wholesale Trade | $1.3 billion | 6% |
| Construction | $0.6 billion | 3% |
| United States | $8.3 billion | 38.7% |
| Spain | $3.2 billion | 15% |
| Netherlands | $1.8 billion | 8.3% |
| Australia | $1.2 billion | 5.7% |
| Germany | $0.8 billion | 3.7% |
| Mexico City | $11.8 billion | 55% |
| Nuevo León | $2.7 billion | 13% |
Key Facts
— Deep Dive
— For the complete picture, read our in-depth guide: Mexico Economy 2026: GDP, Peso, Nearshoring, Banxico and Trade
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