In early 2024, Mexico set a record with $20.313 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), marking a 9% increase from 2023.
However, only 3% of this was new investment, showing investor caution despite nearshoring opportunities.
During a May 15 press conference, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador celebrated this as a historic achievement.
He highlighted how this influx of foreign capital is generating jobs and boosting worker incomes.
Yet, a closer examination shows that 97% of the FDI came from profit reinvestments by established companies.
The Ministry of Economy observed a shift in FDI patterns, crediting it to ongoing investor confidence that encourages capital retention in Mexico.
This change has enabled companies to better manage foreign debts and support intra-group financial transactions, stabilizing new capital inflows.
The United States led the investment, contributing 52% of the FDI. Germany and Canada followed, with 9% and 8%, respectively.
Notably, China, despite high investment announcements in 2023, was not among the top ten investors this quarter.
In terms of sectors, manufacturing drew the most foreign capital, securing 42% of the total investments.
Financial services and mining also received substantial inflows, at 25% and 12%, respectively.
This sectoral distribution reflects Mexico’s economic diversity, spanning from traditional manufacturing to emerging financial services.
Mexico’s Record Foreign Investment in Early 2024
According to the Ministry of Economy, led by Raquel Buenrostro, Mexico City received the most foreign investment, capturing 59% of the FDI.
Nuevo León and Baja California also attracted significant investments, demonstrating a wide geographic distribution.
This surge in capital highlights both challenges and opportunities in Mexico’s economic landscape.
The slow conversion of new investments into outcomes suggests a need for improved strategies to capitalize on nearshoring trends.
As Mexico continues attracting significant foreign investment, ensuring these funds boost economic benefits nationwide is vital.
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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