Mexico's newly elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is expected to have a significant impact on the manufacturing sector and its relationship with the United States. During the administration of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), Mexico experienced rapid growth and enhanced trade in North America. The manufacturing sector played a crucial role in Mexico's economic success, with sustained growth in manufacturing GDP. Nearshoring, in particular, has been instrumental in this growth, attracting investment to Mexico. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector increased from $16.6 billion in 2019 to $18.11 billion in 2023. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has also been a key factor in Mexico's manufacturing growth, allowing the country to surpass China as the leading auto parts exporter to the United States [435652bf].
Claudia Sheinbaum, the new president-elect, has expressed her commitment to maintaining and strengthening support for the manufacturing sector and its relationship with the United States. Sheinbaum recognizes the importance of foreign investment and the relocation of production chains as opportunities to improve social welfare in Mexico. She plans to continue the energy transition, promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and enhance industrial parks and wellness poles across the country. While there may still be unknowns and challenges, it is not expected that there will be significant changes in the short- and medium-term for manufacturing development in Mexico [435652bf].