AI-Linked Jobs Rise as Auto Employment Falls

Employment in Mexico’s manufacturing sector continues to weaken, but computer equipment production is emerging as a notable exception, fueled by growing demand for servers, data storage systems, and other technologies linked to the artificial intelligence boom.

In June, employment at companies participating in Mexico’s IMMEX export manufacturing program fell 0.73% year over year, marking the sector’s 30th consecutive month of annual declines. Hours worked also dropped 0.80% compared with the same month a year earlier.

The automotive industry has also continued to shed jobs. Employment in transportation equipment manufacturing declined 1.37% annually in June, extending its streak of contractions to 24 months and bringing employment levels closer to those seen in 2021.

Meanwhile, employment in computer equipment manufacturing increased 7.58% year over year, marking 19 consecutive months of growth. The expansion coincides with a sharp increase in Mexican exports of data-processing equipment to the United States.

During the first half of 2026, U.S. imports from Mexico of automatic data-processing machines increased 79.33% year over year. These products accounted for approximately 21% of Mexico’s exports to the United States, up from around 14% in 2025, while the automotive sector’s share declined from roughly 24% to 20%.

Economists at Scotiabank said the trend reflects the global expansion of artificial intelligence and the infrastructure required to support it. However, they warned that Mexico still needs to develop more domestic suppliers, skilled workers, and engineers to capture a larger share of the value generated by the industry.

Mexico also faces infrastructure challenges, including electricity, water, and transportation limitations. Expanding its role beyond assembly will be critical if the country wants to turn the AI-driven demand for computing equipment into a long-term industrial opportunity.