Mexico’s economic engine is firing on all cylinders, hitting a historic high for foreign direct investment during the first six months of 2026. According to the Ministry of Economy, the country pulled in a record-breaking $34.968 billion in FDI between January and June. That marks a 2.1% bump compared to the same timeframe last year and sets the highest first-half total since tracking officially began.
This historic momentum builds on a powerful multi-year run. Over the last five years, foreign investment into the country has nearly doubled, surging 89.7% since 2021. Even on the global stage, Mexico continues to outpace many major markets.
While global investment flows grew by 6% in 2025, Mexico saw a 10.8% jump, maintaining its spot among the world’s top ten destinations for foreign capital and outpacing major economies like France, India, Spain, and Italy.
A closer look at the numbers shows where that money is coming from and where it is going. Existing businesses expanding their presence drove the vast majority of the gains, with profit reinvestments accounting for $30.957 billion, or roughly 88.5% of the total. Brand-new investments brought in $2.726 billion, while intercompany transactions made up the remaining $1.285 billion.
North American commercial ties remain the backbone of this influx. The United States led all foreign investors by a wide margin, contributing $16.871 billion – nearly half of the entire total. Spain took second place with $4.954 billion, followed by Canada, Australia, and Germany. Together, these five nations accounted for 77% of all foreign capital entering the country, with North American partners alone making up more than half.
Geographically, Mexico City captured the lion’s share of incoming funds at $16.862 billion, representing 48.2% of the national total. Industrial and regional hubs also saw substantial activity, led by Nuevo León at $3.712 billion, the State of Mexico at $2.114 billion, Baja California at $1.743 billion, and Jalisco at $1.406 billion.
From an industry perspective, manufacturing retained its crown as the primary driver of foreign capital, pulling in $13.482 billion. That represents a 9.3% increase year-over-year, largely propelled by heavy investments in computer and electronic component production, machinery, and basic metals.
Financial services and insurance followed closely behind with $10.15 billion, up 10.9%. Meanwhile, the transport, mail, and storage sector experienced an explosion of growth, nearly quadrupling its previous year’s figures to reach $2.65 billion.
While second-quarter figures showed a slight 3.5% drop compared to the exceptionally strong second quarter of 2025, officials view the minor dip as a temporary adjustment rather than a change in course. With solid macroeconomic fundamentals and a clear strategic framework, Mexico continues to solidify its role as one of the world’s premier destinations for global capital.
We Need Your Support: While other local media outlets have retreated behind paywalls, at Banderas News, we believe news should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers at no cost? We can’t do it without you. Your contribution helps us sustain and grow.
