Editorial Note
WELCOMETOTHE SECONDEDITION OFTHEMEXICO JOURNEY MAGAZINE
Welcome to the second edition of The Mexico Journey® Magazine a publication designed to offer clear, data-driven insights so that anyone, no matter their stage in the Mexico Journey, can make informed decisions Whether that means seeking binational recruiting support, choosing the right site, or evaluating a long-term investment, our purpose is to provide official, meaningful information that brings confidence and direction
This edition highlights a Mexico that remains resilient, adaptable, and strategically relevant amid global change Even with new trade dynamics and geopolitical shifts, the country continues to stand out for its industrial capabilities and the strength of its talent
Across these pages, you’ll see how Prodensa connects people, industries, and regions reflecting the values that have guided us for four decades: Team Spirit, because collaboration is how real solutions are built Passion for Service, offering guidance grounded in trust and proximity. Positive Attitude, recognizing that Mexico continues moving forward with purpose.
Although we present data and industrial trends, we never lose sight of the human element The true driver of Mexico’s manufacturing momentum is its people their resilience, skill, and ability to power global operations
Prodensa Talent Solutions plays a central role in this story, helping companies understand regional talent dynamics, strengthen culture, and build teams prepared for what’s next
If this edition leaves you with one message, let it be this:
Shaping the future by guiding every Mexico Journey with clarity, insight, and purpose
Thank you for reading and for being part of this evolving story.
BrendaHernández
Marketing Manager, Prodensa Talent Solutions
Behind the Numbers: Inside Mexico’s Economic Engine
Investment by sector
More than half of Mexico’s investment (52%) flows into manufacturing, confirming the country’s role as a global production powerhouse under USMCA.
Major Components of GDP
Retail and wholesale trade alone account for one-fifth of Mexico’s GDP, followed by real estate and logistics showing how both consumer demand and infrastructure power the economy
FDI Breakdown (2018–2024)
Over the past years, reinvestment of profits have consistently driven the majority of foreign direct investment, signaling investor confidence and long-term commitment to Mexico.
Top 5 Countries by FDI
The United States leads foreign investment in Mexico with $16.5 billion, followed by Japan and Germany together accounting for nearly threequarters of total inflows.
The Workforce Behind Mexico’s Growth
Employed Population by Sector
Manufacturing is Mexico’s largest employer, engaging nearly 8 million people more than any other sector solidifying the country’s reputation as a production powerhouse in North America.
Top Universities by Enrollement
Just ten public universities across Mexico account for more than 180,000 students, with the Instituto Politécnico Nacional leading the list a key contributor to Mexico’s pool of technical and engineering talent
Graduates by State
Just ten public universities across Mexico account for more than 180,000 students, with the Instituto Politécnico Nacional leading the list a key contributor to Mexico’s pool of technical and engineering talent
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Mexico’s Industrial Grid: The Map of Opportunity
Mexico’s industrial ecosystem is strategically distributed across the country’s northern, central, and coastal regions each serving as a specialized hub for global manufacturing
In 2024, more than 400 industrial parks power production and logistics, with the highest concentration located in Baja California, Nuevo León, and the State of Mexico
These regions anchor the nation’s competitiveness under the USMCA framework, linking supply chains and innovation corridors across North America
2%
Mexico’s Hottest Industrial Hubs
This map shows where Mexico’s main industrial activity is concentrated along the northern border, in the Bajío region, and across key inland cities These areas form what’s known as the “Golden Triangle, ” a region that connects Monterrey, Saltillo, and central Mexico Here, manufacturers and logistics companies are expanding rapidly, drawn by modern infrastructure, access to talent, and proximity to the U S market Together, these hubs represent the heart of Mexico’s growing industrial landscape
Ciudad Juárez
Aguascalientes Golden Triangle Border Markets Tijuana 4 1% Ciudad Juárez 7.6%
Ciudad de México Guadalajara
Bajío Region
San Luis Potosí
Guanajuato
Querétaro
5 2%
TURN DATA INTO DECISION
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Vacancy Rates (3Q 2024)
Plugged Into Progress: Mexico’s Evolving Energy Market
Mexico’s energy landscape remains largely powered by traditional sources, with thermal generation accounting for nearly two-thirds of the country’s installed capacity.
However, the diversification of Mexico’s energy mix is steadily accelerating renewables such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar now represent more than 30% of total generation This growing integration of clean technologies reflects not only a gradual shift toward sustainability and energy resilience for industrial users, but also Mexico’s long-term potential to attract investment in modern, low-carbon infrastructure
Energy Usage (2024)
TOTAL KILOWATT-HOURS (kWh) BILLED BY CFE
Mexico’s industrial power demand is highly concentrated in the country’s northern and central corridors Cities such as Tijuana, Mexicali, Ciudad Juárez, Monterrey, and Zapopan rank among the nation’s top energy consumers reflecting the manufacturing intensity of these regions
As nearshoring continues to expand, energy reliability and capacity are becoming defining factors for site selection and long-term industrial competitiveness
The Solar Shift: Mexico’s New Power Play
Energy on the Edge: Why Solar Is Stepping Up
Mexico’s power grid is feeling the strain as industrial growth, new investments, and extreme weather events continue to increase demand In many regions, occasional outages and limited capacity have become part of the challenge of doing business, pushing companies to seek more reliable and independent energy options and solar is leading the way Across the country, more manufacturers are turning to distributed generation to stabilize their operations, reduce long-term costs, and advance their sustainability commitments, creating a growing culture of energy self-sufficiency
Breaking the 0.5 MW Barrier
Until recently, Mexico’s distributed generation framework limited simplified permits to projects under 0 5 megawatts a cap that slowed adoption among large industrial users That’s now beginning to change Recent regulatory updates make it possible for systems above 0 5 MW to qualify under new conditions, allowing for larger and more flexible installations that better match industrial demand Combined with fiscal incentives like accelerated depreciation, power purchase agreements, and turnkey solar models, these changes are making renewable energy adoption faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever for businesses across Mexico
Solar in Numbers - CRE 2024 Statistics
518,019 total distributed generation contracts in Mexico 4,447.92 MW total installed capacity, with 99.4% from solar PV
Solar investment exceeds 8 billion USD nationwide
From Roads to Runways: The Network Behind Industry
Infrastructure that moves Mexico
Mexico’s industrial strength relies on a vast and evolving transportation network that connects factories, ports, and logistics hubs nationwide With over 72,000 miles of highways, 17,600 miles of railway, and 65 integrated airports, Mexico offers one of the most advanced multimodal systems in Latin America
These routes linking major industrial cities with seaports like Lázaro Cárdenas, Veracruz, and Manzanillo are essential to the efficient movement of goods, materials, and talent that power the country’s manufacturing economy
Routes that Redefine Regional Trade
Mexico’s connectivity extends beyond its borders as part of a unified North American network that drives regional production and trade
Corridors such as CANAMEX, the NAFTA Highway, and the CPKC Railway connect Mexico with the United States and Canada, creating efficient routes for exports and crossborder collaboration This infrastructure strengthens Mexico’s role within the USMCA region and reinforces its position as a key logistics and manufacturing bridge across global supply chains.
Mexico’s trade story continues to define its position as a global manufacturing hub In 2024, the country’s top imports and exports reveal a clear pattern a nation that builds, powers, and moves the world
From vehicles and electronics to machinery and plastics, Mexico’s industrial ecosystem is tightly connected to global supply chains Here’s a snapshot of what’s driving the exchange and where the strongest trade currents are flowing
Top 5 Imports (2024)
Top 5 Exports (2024)
Everything You Should Know About Rules of Origin
Don’t let compliance end at certification Explore Prodensa’s Rules of Origin series your guide to smarter trade decisions, stronger supplier networks, and fewer surprises during audits.
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Qualify for USMCA When Moving Manufacturing to Mexico THE EXPERT’S TOP READ
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How to Prove Eligibility Under Trade Agreements
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STAY AHEAD OF MEXICO’S TRADE GAME
Your gateway to real-time updates on IMMEX, exports, and tariffs
Mexico’s IMMEX Program drives over 58% of the country’s manufacturing GDP and employs 3 million workers — powering industries from automotive to electronics.
Don’t miss the trends shaping Mexico’s export economy:
Trade surpluses that keep rising ($59B in early 2025)
Growth along Mexico’s industrial corridors
Key policy and VAT certification updates
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Where Industry Meets Innovation:
MEXICO’SSTRATEGICCORRIDORS&TECHHUBS
A visual guide to the regions powering Mexico’s industrial growth and digital transformation.
Mexico’s manufacturing strength and technological progress converge across four key industrial corridors and a growing network of innovation clusters. From automotive and aerospace production in the north to high-tech development in Guadalajara and Querétaro, each region plays a unique role in shaping Mexico’s position as North America’s innovation and manufacturing hub This overview highlights how geography, logistics, and talent intersect to drive the country’s competitiveness in the nearshoring era
Innovation Cl Powering Me
Future
Mexico’s transi Industry 4 0 is technology cluster value innovation
“Silicon Valley” lea and electronics, Qu Center Hub power and Mexico City f and digital services
Together, these cl industrial know-ho edge technology digital supply chain
The Backbone of Mexican Manufacturing
Mexico’s industrial corridors connect key manufacturing regions across the country enabling seamless logistics and integration with U.S. and global supply chains
From the powerhouse plants of Monterrey to the automotive heart of El Bajío and the growing Interoceanic route, these corridors form the foundation of Mexico’s production ecosystem
Mexico’s Next Industrial Map: The 100-Park Strategy
Mexico is entering a new phase of industrial expansion
President Sheinbaum’s plan to develop 100 new industrial parks signals a long-term commitment to strengthening national infrastructure and accelerating strategic sectors. From advanced manufacturing and semiconductors to agroindustry and electromobility, the proposed industrial zones are designed to distribute opportunity across regions while supporting the industries shaping North America’s future. This map offers a snapshot of how Mexico is preparing its next chapter of growth more connected, more diversified, and more competitive than ever.
Strategic Sectors
Textile & Footwear
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices
Agroindustry
Semiconductors
Energy
Automotive & Electromobility
Consumer Goods
Chemicals & Petrochemicals
Aerospace
Industrial Zones
Mapping DNA Mexico’s Industrial
