In a global environment of economic transformation, which is increasingly competitive, nearshoring has become one of the best economic growth strategies for several countries around the world. This trend, which involves moving manufacturing and service operations to countries closer to the final consumer market, has had a significant positive impact on our country.
According to Grant Thornton's International Business Report (IBR) study conducted between October 8 and November 18, 2024, 64% of companies in Mexico reported direct benefits derived from the nearshoring boom. Fifty-one percent of participants say they have considered hiring more staff, while 66% said that if the impact of nearshoring continues, they would be willing to increase investment in their projects within 12 months.
This phenomenon has translated into an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) and a growing demand for industrial infrastructure, particularly in border states such as Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua and Baja California.
According to data from the Ministry of Economy, Mexico received a record 31,096 million dollars in FDI during the first half of 2024, much of which is related to nearshoring projects. Industries such as manufacturing, logistics, automotive, e-commerce, electronics and medical devices have been the most benefited after the arrival of this phenomenon.
The success of nearshoring can be seen in the growth of several countries that have a strategic geographical location. These nations have experienced economic advantages thanks to the boom in nearshoring.
● Poland: In Europe, Poland has become a key center for shared services and manufacturing, attracting investment from large corporations due to its proximity to major European Union markets.
● Vietnam: In Asia, Vietnam has capitalized on nearshoring, becoming a preferred destination for manufacturing, especially in the textile and electronics sectors, thanks to its competitive labor force and trade agreements.
● Canada: As a T-MEC partner, Canada has strengthened its position in technology and automotive industries, attracting projects that seek to avoid the complexities of transcontinental supply chains.
If this trend continues, Mexico could become the main nearshoring destination in the Americas. Regions such as Querétaro, Coahuila and Guanajuato have the potential to become highly technological industrial centers, which could generate a multiplier effect in terms of employment, innovation and economic growth.
In addition, nearshoring opens the door to advances in sustainability. The implementation of green technologies and the establishment of responsible supply chains would not only strengthen Mexico's competitiveness, but also position it as a global leader in responsible production. However, fully capitalizing on this potential requires a strategic vision that combines investments in infrastructure, labor training policies and a commitment to sustainability.
By overcoming current challenges and maintaining its attractiveness as an investment destination, the country could not only consolidate its position as a regional leader, but also as a key player in global trade in the coming decades.