Nuevo Leon: Premier Nearshoring Destination

As Mexico collectively aims to become a prime destination for nearshoring, local governments are actively competing to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Among all states, Nuevo Leon currently stands out as the national leader in receiving FDI within this nearshoring context. Despite facing significant challenges, the state government is focused on infrastructure and talent development to maintain its top position.

Betsabé Rocha, Minister of Economy of Nuevo Leon, noted that the state holds the first position nationwide in attracting FDI, totaling US$110 billion. The state is also ranked first in the creation of new companies, totalling 3,914 new employers between October 2021 and December 2024. Employment creation totaled 385,000 new jobs from January to April 2025. The unemployment rate stood at 2.8%, the lowest level recorded in the last 20 years. Furthermore, the state records the lowest labor informality in the country at 33.7%.

Rocha noted that Nuevo Leon's economic activity grew by 1.3% in 1Q25 compared to 1Q24. Nuevo Leon was the second entity with the highest contribution to national economic growth in that period. Industrial activity registered growth of 4.5% during 1H25. Exports totaled US$27.7 billion during 1H25, a growth of 3.4% compared to the same period in 2024. The state also ranks first in the reduction of extreme poverty, decreasing from 2.1% to 0.5% between 2020 and 2024. Security-related metrics show a 72.9% reduction in high-impact crimes.

The state confirmed 382 FDI projects between October 2021 and September 2025. This represents 192 new ventures and 190 expansions. The announced investment totaled US$90 billion and is expected to generate over 385,000 jobs. “Nuevo Leon grows at twice the rate of the rest of the country, despite holding only 4% of its population,” Rocha said at Mexico Business Summit 2025.

The distribution of FDI by sector demonstrates a focus on industrial and technological areas: Manufacturing accounts for 39%, followed by the automotive sector at 24%. Logistics accounts for 8%, while IT & software and services each account for 6%. Appliances account for 5%, and machinery and equipment account for 4%. The origin of active projects as of September 2025 is led by the United States with 130 projects, followed by Asia with 124 projects, and Europe with 59 projects. The remaining 70 come from various countries, including Argentina, Canada, the UAE, and Tunisia, among others.

Nuevo Leon's competitive position relies on its infrastructure, location, and talent pool. Monterrey is located only 153 miles from the nearest United States border crossing. The state features over 250 industrial parks. Logistics are supported by the Port of Colombia-Laredo crossing, which is the second most important border crossing in Mexico. The customs process at the Port of Colombia allows trade with the United States in an estimated 20 minutes, compared to the estimated 5 hours required at other standard ports. The state’s industrial development is fostered by 15 industry clusters that involve the state government, the private sector, and universities.

The state is an educational center, hosting over 150 universities and ranking first in Mexico for dual education. The largest engineering school in northern Mexico is located in the state (UANL). The government is also promoting the Supply Chain Hub, a digital platform that connects over 1,500 registered local suppliers 32 with purchasing companies.

The state government is addressing infrastructure needs through public works investment, projecting a total of MX$105 billion (US$5.7 billion) in infrastructure spending. Projects include the construction of new highways to connect the state, such as the new Nuevo Periferico highway and the new road to the International Airport. A total of MX$37 billion has been invested in the new Metrorrey monorail lines, L4 and L6, intended to connect the metropolitan area and serve an estimated 250,000 daily users. Improvements to the public bus transport system involve an investment of MX$269 billion and have completed the bidding for 1,300 new bus units.

FIFA World Cup an Opportunity for Nuevo Leon

The local government considers the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be a strategic opportunity for value and employment creation. The event is projected to generate an economic spillover across Mexico exceeding MX$10 billion. Monterrey, as a host city, is estimated to see an economic impact of around US$5 billion and the creation of 7,000 direct jobs.