AI chips will now be manufactured in Mexico

MEXICO - US tech giants are betting on Mexico as the next hub for artificial intelligence (AI) chip manufacturing.

According to a recent WSJ publication, this decision not only seeks to diversify production outside China, but also to take advantage of the free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada (USMCA).

Foxconn, known for being the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer, has responded to demand from US companies by increasing its investments in Mexico.With US$690 million over the past four years and the acquisition of land in Jalisco for US$27 million, Foxconn is significantly expanding its production of AI servers.

According to the report, leading companies such as Nvidia, Amazon, Google and Microsoft are using Foxconn's facilities in Mexico to meet their AI server needs. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on supply chains from China, considered a political adversary of the United States.

According to Foxconn data, Mexico has proven to be a profitable investment, shaking up international trade with imports from the country and surpassing those from China for the first time in two decades. However, the country faces challenges such as high crime rates and wage competition for skilled workers in high-tech assembly.

However, Mexico has attracted not only AI hardware manufacturers, but also several automakers. According to data published by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), car manufacturing in Mexico experienced a 14% increase in year-on-year comparison and reached the figure of approximately 4 million units in 2023. This figure marked a year of remarkable growth for the country's automotive sector.

Naturally, this also implies a general trend within the industry towards "nearshoring" as a key strategy, bringing production closer to core markets to streamline deliveries, improve supply chain transparency and optimize operational efficiency.

With tech giants at the forefront, redefining their manufacturing strategies, we are likely to see a significant transformation. This movement could inspire more companies to explore alternative manufacturing hubs that promise strategic and economic advantages for Mexico.