Mexico Strengthens Appeal for European Investment

European companies are reinforcing their long-term commitment to Mexico through capital investment, industrial expansion and deepening diplomatic ties, strengthening the country’s position as a key destination for foreign direct investment and a strategic platform for global value chains. 

According to the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CAMESCOM), European-backed projects gained significant momentum throughout 2025, spanning sectors such as energy, financial services, manufacturing and infrastructure. Antonio Basagoiti, President, CAMESCOM, said several of the year’s most relevant foreign investment announcements originated from European business groups, underscoring both the scale and quality of their engagement with Mexico.

“The most valuable aspect of European investment is not only the amounts involved, but also the sectors and the quality of that investment,” Basagoiti said, pointing to companies such as Cox, BBVA, and Santander as examples of firms shaping Mexico’s investment landscape.

Among the largest commitments is Spanish firm Cox, whose combined investments are projected to exceed US$10.7 billion between 2025 and 2030 in electricity generation and water-related projects. The scale of these initiatives reflects growing European interest in Mexico’s critical infrastructure and its role in the global energy transition.

European capital flows into Mexico form part of a broader trend. In 2024, Spanish investment in the country surged nearly 69% to more than €3 billion, positioning Spain as Mexico’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment after the United States. Nearly half of Spanish companies operating in Mexico expect business growth, with many planning to expand both local investment and employment, according to chamber data.

This consolidation of European investment is expected to support job creation, technology transfer and Mexico’s deeper integration into global value chains, particularly in energy, finance, telecommunications and professional services, helping diversify the country’s productive base and enhance competitiveness.

At the diplomatic level, Mexico has also strengthened its economic and institutional ties with other key European partners. President Claudia Sheinbaum and French President Emmanuel Macron recently formalized a set of bilateral cooperation agreements covering environmental protection, gender equality and academic exchange programs, reported MBN. The leaders also emphasized the cultural dimension of the relationship, announcing that the Codex Azcatitlán, currently housed in France, will be exhibited in Mexico in 2026 as part of reciprocal displays marking 200 years of diplomatic relations.

“Our nations share a long history of cooperation in heritage matters,” Macron said, adding that Mexico and France continue to build their relationship on mutual respect. His visit marked the first official trip by a French president to Mexico in more than a decade and included discussions on expanding economic collaboration and France’s role in the forthcoming trade agreement between Mexico and the European Union.

In 2024, Mexico’s leading export to France was medical instruments and devices, totaling US$145 million. The main exporting regions were Mexico City, Queretaro, and Nuevo Leon. Mexico’s top import from France consisted of pharmaceutical products and therapeutic preparations, valued at US$389 million.  Between January and December 2024, FDI from France to Mexico recorded a net outflow of US$804 million. The states receiving the most French capital were Morelos (confidential amount), the State of Mexico (US$82.7 million), and Chihuahua (US$45.2 million).

Southern and Central Europe are also deepening their engagement. Italian business leaders have increasingly identified Mexico as a strategic partner and a gateway for international expansion amid global economic uncertainty, reported MBN. During Italy’s national conference on exports and internationalization, Mexico was highlighted as a key platform for Italian companies seeking resilient value chains, advanced manufacturing capabilities and access to North American and global markets.

The Mexico–Italy Chamber of Commerce has intensified efforts to support business internationalization, and is evaluating the organization of a business mission to Mexico in 2026 focused on machinery, industrial automation and energy, aiming to connect Italian firms with Mexico’s industrial ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Switzerland reached a historic milestone in its economic relationship with Mexico in 2025, recording US$2.3 billion in new Swiss investment, the highest level ever. According to the Swiss-Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry, investments by companies such as Nestlé, MSC, Bühler, ABB, Franke, and the Novartis Innovation Center reinforced Switzerland’s industrial footprint in the country, reported MBN. 

Industrial expansion drove job creation, with Franke and ABB expanding operations in San Luis Potosi and Bühler inaugurating its first manufacturing plant in Mexico, supported by a US$44 million investment. Swiss companies operating in Mexico now generate more than 55,000 direct jobs, reflecting sustained confidence in the country’s productive environment. SwissCham, which represents 66 Swiss companies operating in Mexico and generating more than 55,000 direct jobs, reported unprecedented levels of investment, innovation, and collaboration with Mexican authorities during the year.