In a significant boost for the national economy, Mexico attracted nearly $35 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first half of 2026, according to the Ministry of Economy. This remarkable figure not only sets a record for the highest first-semester investment in history but also indicates a growing confidence among international companies in Mexico as a preferred destination for business ventures. For families, this influx of foreign investment may lay the groundwork for future job opportunities and economic stability, impacting daily lives positively.
The recent investment marks a 2.1% increase from the same period last year, reflecting Mexico’s consistent appeal over the past few years. To put this into perspective, FDI has nearly doubled since the first half of 2021, showcasing an impressive growth of 89.7%. This surge has been driven by notable events like the merger of Televisa and Univision, as well as the restructuring efforts within Aeroméxico.
However, the rate of growth has moderated, as the second quarter of 2026 saw a slight decrease in investment to $10.464 billion compared to the same quarter in 2025. The Ministry attributes this decline to a high previous year’s comparison rather than a broader trend shift, emphasizing that the second quarter figures still stand as one of the highest in 16 years.
The manufacturing sector was the largest beneficiary of the recent investments, attracting approximately $13.5 billion, accounting for 38.6% of total FDI—an encouraging 9.3% increase year-over-year. Financial and insurance services followed closely with $10.15 billion, while the transportation sector noted the most significant growth, receiving $2.65 billion.
Geographically, Mexico City emerged as the primary destination, capturing nearly half of the total FDI at $16.862 billion. Other significant contributors included Nuevo León, México state, Baja California, and Jalisco, collectively accounting for 73.9% of the national investment.
In terms of origin, the United States continues to lead as the major source of foreign investment, contributing around $16.87 billion. Spain and Canada followed, demonstrating the diverse international interest in Mexico’s economic landscape. The Ministry of Economy credits favorable macroeconomic conditions and the strategic guidelines outlined in Plan México for attracting such impressive foreign investment. Through these developments, the future economic prospects for Mexico look promising, with potential benefits for citizens across the nation.