Sonora, a strategically located state in northwest Mexico,stands out for its robust logistical infrastructure, boasting 8border customs facilitating international trade, including aseaport connected to the Asia Pacific. Sonora offers aninvestment-friendly environment with skilled labor, a strongsupplier network, and a wide range of fiscal incentives andbusiness support programs through the Sonora Plan forSustainable Energies, which is a presidential initiative, aimed atachieving energy security through an integral plan, incollaboration with strategic industries such as semiconductors,automation, and electromobility. Sonora is the national leader inmining production and has the largest lithium reserve in Mexico.
Why invest into Sonora
The state Sonora occupies the second place in the territory of the country, representing 9.1% of Mexico, with a border of 588km with Arizona and New Mexico, thus being an excellent option to invest. Investing in Sonora, Mexico offers strategic advantages such as its proximity to the United States, thriving manufacturing sector, strong infrastructure, abundant natural resources, and renewable energy potential. The state's stable business environment, skilled workforce, and supportive government policies make it an attractive destination for investment across various industries.
Sources: Government Mexico, Government Sonora, Sonora Global, Inegi
General Info - Sonora
Some general info about the state Sonora
$453 USD
Average Monthly Salary
1.46M
Active working population
63
Institution for higher education
28
Years old as average age
49
Industrial Parks
2.86 M
Population
179'355km2
Total area of Sonora
278km
Distance to the US-Border
107'746
undergraduate engineers enrolled
FDI
14 foreign countries which invest into Sonora, over 40% by the United States & Canada. FDI in Sonora, Mexico, has shown steady growth, especially in industries like manufacturing, mining, aerospace, and agriculture.
Seaport Advantage
- Rail line loop that operates 24 hours at day, 7 days a week - Inland designated logistic activity area at 6.2mi, from the port - Double stack capacity of containerized cargo from the port to the US. - Authorized operate a free trade zone inside the port area.
Strategic Ubication
Wiithin 2'500km, various states in America are reachable within 1 - 2 days by camion.
Location of the State Sonora
Where is Sonora located
Distances from Sonora
Find below all distances from the Capital Hermosillo to some strategically important locations.
| Mexico Cities | Km | Hours |
| Monterrey | 1'600km | 19h |
| Mexico City | 2'000km | 22h |
| Tijuana | 940km | 10h |
| USA & Canada Cities | Km | Hours |
| San Diego | 500km | 7h |
| Phoenix | 600km | 6h |
| Houston | 1'900km | 19h |
| Ports & Border | Km | Hours |
| Nogales (Border) | 300km | 3h |
| Manzanillo (Port | 1'700km | 19h |
| Mazatlan (Port) | 800km | 11h |
The 3 Strategical Advantages of Sonora
Sonora, Mexico, stands out as a prime investment destination with its strategic location bordering the United States, thriving manufacturing industries, robust infrastructure, abundant natural resources, and promising renewable energy potential.
Sectors
The strategic sectors in the entity are: mining, food industry, chemical industry, manufacturing of metal products, machinery and equipment, transportation equipment, electronics, communication equipment and measurement equipment.
Foreign Direct Investment
In the period from January to December 2021, FDI in Sonora reached US$921M, distributed in new investments (US$653M), accounts between companies (US$176M) and reinvestment of profits (US$91.7M). Main countries: USA, CANADA, SPAIN, UNITED KINGDOM, GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, FRANCE and CHILE
Clusters
In Sonora we have clusters such as energy, Information Technology, Mining, among others, which provide support and support to the sectors they belong to.
Main Industries of Sonora
Sonora offers an investment-friendly environment with skilled labor, a strong supplier network, and a wide range of fiscal incentives and business support programs
Automotive
Ford Plant of Stamping and Assembly in Hermosillo: Bronco Sport and Maveric Pick-Up truck, assembled in the same place. Sonora manufactures 75%
of the components of an export vehicle in Mexico.
76%
National Integration
91
Companies established
53'700+
Direct Jobs
Aerospace
Sonora is one of the fastest-growing aerospace clusters in Mexico: highly integrated casting, machining, surface treatments (hot and cold coating) / assembly of parts and composites for aerostructures / MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircrafts)
20,000+
Direct Jobs
70+
Companies Installed
Electric - Electronic
Robust Electric-Electronic
Components Manufacturing foundation, supported by
over 70 companies and a workforce comprising more than 58,700 qualified professionals poised for entry into the
semiconductor sector. The region’s specialization includes cutting-edge technologies such as PCB, PCBA, and PCM.
Other Industries in Sonora
Agribusiness
-> Livestock: 15.5 million ha for livestock development
-> Agrigulture: 759'500 ha useful for Agriculture
->30+ installed companies of the most important in Mexico
-> 173'000+ direct jobs -> forest: 250'000 ha for Forest Activities
Mining
-> 1st National Place in Production in Metals and Minerals
-> Nr. 1 producer in Mexico of: Gold, Copper, Graphite, Wallastonite, Molybdenum, Anthracite Carbon
-> 56 mines in the state
-> 110'000+ jobs creaed
-> only state of Mexico with Lithium Mine in development
Energy
-> 16 large projects with private investments -> exceeding $3 BUSD and a capacity of 2533 MW -> 15 Pholtovaltaic Plants in the state -> 1 combined Cycle Plant -> 982.4 mi from Gas Pipelines
Infrastructure of Sonora
Sonora's infrastructure is a key asset driving its economic development and attractiveness to investors. The state boasts a modern and extensive transportation network, including highways, railways, and ports, facilitating efficient movement of goods and people within Mexico and to international markets.
Highways
Sonora has the longest coastline in the country. It shares 373 miles of border with the states of California, Arizona, and New Mexico, in addition to the four-lane I15 international highway. An extensive ecosystem of services and infrastructure provides Sonora with access to global markets: 8 border land Ports of Entry to the USA, 15,534 miles of highways, 1,250 miles of railways, and a deepwater port which is currently undergoing expansion, and is serviced by an international railroad system.
Air Freight
State is connected by 2 international airports. Which are Hermosillo (HMO), Ciudad Obregon (CEN) both with acces to the highway and industrial zone. Facts about Hermosillo Airport: -> domestic flight: Culiacan, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Ciudad de Mexico, La Paz, Mazatlan Mexicali -> international flight: Phoenix, Arizona Facts about Obregon airport: -> Ciudad Obregon International Airport is located 9.3 mi southeast of the center of Ciudad Obregen -> terminal with two telescopic passageways -> operated by "Aeropuertos y servicios Auxiliares", a corporaton of the federal government Facts about the airport San Luis Rio Colorado -> Yuma international airport is currently served by American Airlines with five direct round - trip flight between Yuma and Phoenix Sky Harbox (PHX) and one daily round - trip flight between Yuma and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
Railways
-> 80% of the ports cargo shipping by rail -> 20% of the ports cargo shiping by truck -> Railway companies are: Ferromex, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF
Sea Freight
-> Guaymas it is the Mexican Deep water seaport with railroad connection closed to the pacific US. -> at 1.2 mi from feder al highway 15, a four - lane highway Northbound to I-19 and I-10 in the US -> Part of CANAMEX corridor, 249 mi south of the US border -> main landport of entry at Nogales, AZ, with alternative routes to San Luis, AZ and Douglas, AZ
Industrial Parks
With 49 industrial parks and 2 Technology parks, Sonora is prepared to receive investors and their companies.
Skilled Labor Force & Universities of Sonora
Sonora is distinguished by its skilled labor force and renowned universities, contributing significantly to the state's economic vitality.
Quality of Life in Sonora
Leisure & Sports
The state's diverse landscape, including deserts, mountains, and coastline, provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and recreation.
Culinarity & Hotels
Sonora offers a tantalizing culinary scene and a diverse range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.
Tourism & Culture
Sonora's tourism and culture captivate visitors with a tapestry of natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant traditions.