Summary: Jalisco is accelerating its integration into global value chains by deepening its strategic alliance with Japan to develop semiconductor capabilities and advanced manufacturing, supported by strong FDI growth of US$1.26 billion in 2025, outperforming national trends. The strategy aligns with nearshoring-driven supply chain reconfiguration, targeting high-value industries such as automotive, electronics, and smart devices while emphasizing talent development and technology transfer. Increased new investment and reinvestment signal sustained confidence among multinational companies, positioning Jalisco as a competitive hub for export-oriented manufacturing and diversified trade.
Jalisco is strengthening its position as a global manufacturing hub by deepening its strategic alliance with Japan to advance semiconductor development and high-tech industries, while simultaneously posting US$1.26 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, a 14.2% annual increase that outpaced the national average of 10.8%.
The combined momentum highlights the state’s growing role in global value chains as companies accelerate nearshoring strategies and seek resilient production bases.
The state government’s engagement with Japanese diplomatic representatives underscores a broader internationalization strategy aimed at attracting investment, fostering talent and expanding trade. Japan, one of Jalisco’s key partners in high-technology industries, is expected to play a central role in strengthening capabilities in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
Semiconductors, Talent Take Center Stage
As part of this strategy, semiconductor development has emerged as a priority, reflecting its importance for the future of industrial manufacturing and digital transformation.
This focus aligns with global demand for semiconductors as supply chains undergo structural changes and companies seek to diversify production locations. By positioning itself within this ecosystem, Jalisco aims to capture higher-value manufacturing activities and reinforce its competitiveness in advanced industries.
Alongside technological collaboration, workforce development remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.
Partnerships with universities, research centers, and companies are expected to strengthen technical skills required for high-complexity industries. This approach responds directly to one of the manufacturing sector’s main challenges: ensuring access to highly specialized talent capable of driving innovation and productivity.
The emphasis on human capital reflects a broader strategy to align education and industry needs, ensuring that investment attraction is supported by a qualified workforce.
Beyond industrial development, the relationship with Japan is also creating opportunities to expand market access for companies based in Jalisco.
Participation in platforms such as FOODEX Japan is enabling firms to increase exports and diversify commercial destinations, reducing reliance on traditional markets. This diversification is critical to strengthening supply chain resilience and mitigating external risks in an increasingly uncertain global trade environment.
FDI Growth Reflects Strong Investor Confidence
Complementing its international partnerships, Jalisco reported strong FDI performance in 2025, with inflows reaching US$1.26 billion. The 14.2% growth rate exceeded the national average of 10.8%, underscoring the state’s competitiveness in attracting global capital.
The results highlight Jalisco’s ability to navigate global economic uncertainty while capitalizing on shifting supply chains. As companies increasingly adopt nearshoring strategies, the state has emerged as a key destination for new industrial investment.
New investments totaled US$382 million in 2025, representing a 51% increase compared to the previous year and placing Jalisco fourth nationwide in this category.
This surge reflects strong demand for regionalized production and confirms the state’s attractiveness for companies seeking proximity to North American markets, reported MBN.
Manufacturing remained the primary driver of FDI, reaching US$719.6 million, a 15.8% year-over-year increase. The sector’s expansion highlights Jalisco’s deep integration into global value chains, particularly in advanced manufacturing and export-oriented industries.
In addition to new inflows, reinvestment trends point to sustained confidence among companies already operating in the state.
Reinvestment of profits totaled US$849.7 million, a 45% increase from 2024, indicating that established firms are expanding operations and strengthening production capacity. This trend reinforces Jalisco’s reputation as a stable and attractive environment for long-term industrial investment.
The main sources of foreign investment included the United States, Germany and Japan, reflecting strong ties with leading global manufacturing economies.
AloJapan.com