Despite a Q2 dip, first semester Foreign Direct Investment was Mexico’s highest ever

In the first half of 2026, Mexico attracted a record-breaking $34.968 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), marking the highest amount ever recorded for a first semester, according to the Economy Ministry (SE). The figure represents a 2.1% year-on-year increase compared to the same period last year, underscoring Mexico's ongoing allure for established international companies.

The surge in FDI since 2021, spurred by the Televisa-UNIVISION merger and Aeroméxico restructuring, continued to rise steadily. However, the momentum slowed during the second quarter of 2026, with revenues falling to $10.464 billion, 3.5% less than the $10.848 billion recorded during the same period in 2025. The SE attributed this contraction to the high base of comparison from the previous year and reassured that it does not signify a shift in trend.

Manufacturing emerged as the top beneficiary of the incoming resources, receiving $13.482 billion, or 38.6% of the total FDI, reflecting a 9.3% year-over-year increase. Financial and insurance services followed in second place with $10.15 billion, while transportation, postal, and warehousing sectors saw the strongest growth, attracting $2.65 billion.

Mexico City topped the list as the leading destination, receiving $16.862 billion, or 48.2% of the national total, trailed by Nuevo León, Mexico state, Baja California, and Jalisco.

The majority of the FDI originated from the United States, which accounted for $16.871 billion, or 48.2% of the total, followed by Spain ($4.954 billion), Canada ($1.741 billion), Australia ($1.698 billion), and Germany ($1.647 billion). The SE attributes the positive FDI figures to Mexico's robust macroeconomic and institutional fundamentals, as well as the government's flagship economic strategy, Plan México.