Mexico Refocuses FDI Strategy for 2027
Mexico is preparing to change the way it attracts and develops foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2027, placing greater emphasis on strategic sectors and the execution of announced projects rather than simply increasing the number of investment commitments.
Under the proposed 2027 strategy, Mexico’s Economy Ministry would have approximately US$5.3 million available for trade promotion and foreign investment attraction, compared with US$7.4 million approved for 2026. This represents a 30.9% real reduction in funding.
The change comes as Mexico seeks to ensure that announced investments translate into operating facilities, production capacity, jobs, and stronger supply chains. According to Deloitte Econosignal’s Mexico Investment Monitor, US$286.3 billion in investment projects were announced between January 2023 and June 2026. However, only 11.3% of that amount corresponds to projects already in operation, while 42% remains under construction and 46.6% is still at the announcement stage.
Greater Focus on Strategic Industries
The Economy Ministry’s 2027 strategy calls for mechanisms to monitor and support foreign investors and to channel investment toward strategic sectors. The approach maintains relocation and nearshoring among Mexico’s objectives, but places greater emphasis on accompanying companies after they announce their projects.
The proposed budget includes approximately US$3 million for the Global Economic Intelligence Unit, down from US$4.8 million in 2026. Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Foreign Investment would receive approximately US$2.3 million, compared with US$2.7 million this year.
The new approach comes amid a mixed FDI landscape. Mexico received a record US$34.97 billion in FDI during the first half of 2026, although 88.5% of the amount came from reinvested profits by companies already operating in the country. New investments accounted for US$2.73 billion, or 7.8% of the total.
Manufacturing Remains Key
Manufacturing continues to play a central role in Mexico’s investment strategy. During the first half of 2026, the sector attracted US$13.48 billion, representing 38.6% of total FDI. Computer, communications and electronic-component manufacturing were among the activities contributing to the increase.
At the same time, investment announcements have slowed. Deloitte recorded 73 announced projects during the first six months of 2026, 55% fewer than a year earlier. Their combined value reached US$36.35 billion, down 20.7% year over year.
Energy, food and beverages, transportation, and automotive projects accounted for 88% of announced investment during the period, highlighting the concentration of new capital in industries considered important to Mexico’s productive infrastructure and supply chains.
Trade uncertainty, particularly ahead of the USMCA review, is also influencing companies’ investment decisions. For 2027, Mexico is therefore seeking not only to attract foreign capital but also to guide investment toward strategic industries and help move projects from announcements to actual operations.
