Tijuana Targets US Aerospace Expansion to Meet Nearshoring Demand

Summary: Tijuana is strengthening its position as a nearshoring destination for aerospace manufacturing by targeting US companies seeking to improve supply chain resilience, operational efficiency and access to North American markets. The strategy reflects broader regional supply chain realignments and reinforces Mexico’s role in high-value aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing sectors, while expanding opportunities for international investors and specialized suppliers. At the same time, Queretaro continues to deepen its industrial competitiveness through aerospace, automotive and technology investments, supported by growing demand for digital infrastructure, logistics solutions and regulatory compliance services. 

Tijuana is intensifying efforts to attract high-value aerospace manufacturing investment from the United States as companies seek to optimize operations and strengthen supply chain resilience across North America.

The city promoted its nearshoring advantages during Space Tech Expo USA, one of the aerospace industry's leading events, where representatives met with manufacturers and suppliers serving the US aerospace supply chain. Officials reported active interest from US companies currently operating in Texas that are evaluating Mexico for future manufacturing expansions and production relocation projects.

The outreach reflects a broader trend among aerospace companies seeking greater operational efficiency and closer integration with North American markets amid ongoing supply chain realignments.

Tijuana's participation in the event was led by Carlos Castro, Senior FDI Manager, who held meetings with companies specializing in advanced manufacturing, precision components, specialized coatings, electronics and interconnection solutions.

The discussions focused on identifying companies interested in leveraging Tijuana's proximity to Southern California's aerospace ecosystem while improving supply chain resilience and operational performance.

According to event organizers, the city presented its capabilities as a manufacturing platform for companies requiring scalable operations, specialized industrial talent and immediate access to customers in the United States.

The strategy forms part of a broader effort to position Tijuana as a manufacturing center for the aerospace, space and defense industries, sectors that require high levels of technical specialization, quality standards and innovation.

Beyond US prospects, the event also expanded Tijuana's international investment pipeline. Officials established contacts with manufacturing companies and industry representatives from Japan, Canada, Denmark and South Korea, broadening the range of potential investment opportunities for the border region.

One of the key outcomes was the direct validation of Tijuana's value proposition among companies evaluating expansion options in North America. Participants highlighted the city's access to skilled manufacturing talent, established industrial base and strategic location near US customers.

As nearshoring strategies continue to reshape regional supply chains, Tijuana is seeking to capitalize on its geographic position and manufacturing experience to attract new investment and strengthen its integration into global high-technology supply chains. 

Queretaro Reinforces Aerospace and Automotive Hub Status

While Tijuana advances its aerospace attraction strategy, Queretaro continues to strengthen its position as one of Mexico's leading industrial centers through international business development initiatives.

The state inaugurated in February the Automotive & Aerospace Meetings 2026, an international business forum bringing together more than 400 companies from 15 countries and over 800 industry participants. At the opening ceremony, Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, Minister of Sustainable Development (SEDESU), said Queretaro's manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce were key factors behind its selection as host city.

According to Del Prete, the automotive and aerospace industries represent 26% of transportation equipment manufacturing in the state, highlighting the region's installed capacity, specialized supplier network and technical talent base. The forum operates under a B2B matchmaking model designed to strengthen global supply chains by facilitating pre-arranged meetings between buyers and suppliers.

Alongside its manufacturing base, Queretaro is also experiencing rapid growth in technology-related activities that support industrial development. Industry estimates project the state's technology sector will expand between 18% and 23% in 2026, following 12% growth in 2025. Growth is being driven by increasing demand for cybersecurity services, artificial intelligence applications and customs compliance systems.

Miguel Ángel Carapia, President, Vortice IT Cluster Queretaro, said stricter trade regulations between the United States and Mexico are creating demand for software and data management solutions. "These regulatory shifts create a permanent need for logistics monitoring systems, which opens significant opportunities for technology companies," Carapia said. 

Investment Pipeline Continues to Expand

The technology sector's growth is supported by a strong investment cycle that has reinforced Queretaro's industrial ecosystem. According to Del Prete, the state secured more than MX$30 billion (US$1.6 billion) in new investment during 2025 through 53 projects that generated 10,220 formal jobs. Formal employment now represents 60.5% of total employment in the state.

Foreign direct investment remains a central growth driver. Between 2006 and the third quarter of 2025, Queretaro accumulated MX$19.3 billion (US$1.07 billion) in FDI.

Major investments continue to reshape the state's digital infrastructure. In January 2025, Amazon Web Services announced a US$5 billion investment over 15 years to develop three data centers in Colón, El Marqués and Pedro Escobedo. The facilities will support artificial intelligence, Internet of Things applications and large-scale data processing.

Microsoft also established its first hyperscale cloud data center region in Mexico in Queretaro as part of a US$1.1 billion digital transformation initiative serving healthcare, government and financial services.

In logistics, DHL Express invested US$120 million to automate its hub at Queretaro International Airport, increasing handling capacity to 41,000 packages per hour. The airport processed 75,248 tons of air cargo in 2025, representing a 6.3% increase from the previous year.