Nuevo León Prepares for Second Wave of Nearshoring from China

Nearshoring in Nuevo León is gaining momentum as U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports continue to reshape global supply chains. Governor Samuel García announced that the state is expecting a second wave of company relocation from China to Mexico, citing the region’s export power, trade benefits under the USMCA, and significant recent investments.

During a recent European investment tour alongside Emmanuel Loo of the State’s Economy Ministry, the state secured foreign direct investment in Mexico amounting to $3.8 billion USD, which is expected to generate 11,500 new jobs. Notably, $300 million of that investment comes from Swedish firm SECO, to be officially announced this Friday.

Nuevo León Leads in Nearshoring Capacity

According to the 2024 Industrial Development Index (IDI) by Finsa, Nuevo León, along with Chihuahua and Coahuila, ranks at the top in terms of industrial development capacity. This makes Nearshoring in Nuevo León a natural choice for companies seeking stability, market access, and tariff-free export routes to the U.S.

Governor Samuel García highlighted the strategic advantage:

“We believe a second wave of nearshoring is coming. The USMCA guarantees zero tariffs for us—unlike China and 80 other countries. Nuevo León is already the leading export state.”

Major Projects and Infrastructure Boost in Monterrey

The state’s capital Monterrey continues to experience rapid growth in both industrial activity and infrastructure. Multinational firms like Unilever and LEGO are expanding in Ciénega de Flores, where Unilever recently announced an $800 million USD investment. In response, the government will launch a tender in May for the new Arco Norte, designed to reduce traffic between Santa Catarina and Ciénega de Flores.

Additionally, infrastructure in Monterrey is getting a significant boost. Airport operator VINCI is completing a $400 million five-year plan and is preparing to invest in a second runway, improved parking, and a unified Terminal A and C. Viva Aerobus will remain the anchor airline, similar to Aeroméxico’s role in Mexico City.

Nuevo León Bets on AI Innovation

In another step forward, Nuevo León is fostering tech-driven growth. At an event hosted by Tec de Monterrey, the governor announced the upcoming launch of an Artificial Intelligence Cluster in the Innovation District. Supported by tax incentives, companies integrating AI into their operations will be encouraged to establish innovation labs within the new Expedition building.

Conclusion

Nearshoring in Nuevo León is no longer a trend—it's a movement. With billions in foreign direct investment in Mexico, strategic infrastructure expansion in Monterrey, and ongoing efforts to attract companies relocating from China to Mexico, the state is positioning itself as the epicenter of the next manufacturing boom.

As Samuel García emphasized, “We are growing, and we’re ready for what’s next.”

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