Summary: Swiss companies are projected to invest approximately US$1.24 billion in Mexico during 2026, focusing on the food, chemical and manufacturing sectors following a record US$2.3 billion in Swiss investment in 2025. The expansion reinforces Mexico’s position as a strategic manufacturing and export platform under North American supply chains, while supporting job creation, industrial capacity growth and technology transfer. Major investors including Nestlé, ABB, Bühler, Franke and Novartis are deepening their presence as bilateral cooperation increasingly extends into innovation, sustainability, workforce development and USMCA-related competitiveness. 

 

Swiss companies are expected to invest approximately US$1.24 billion in Mexico during 2026, targeting the food, chemical and manufacturing sectors as Switzerland deepens its long-term commitment to the country and expands its industrial footprint.

The investment outlook was announced during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Switzerland, held under the theme “80 years building trust to innovate together.” Business leaders highlighted the growing strength of bilateral trade and investment ties amid continued expansion by Swiss companies operating in Mexico.

The projected investments follow a record year for Swiss capital in Mexico. According to the Swiss-Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SwissCham Mexico), Swiss investment reached a historic US$2.3 billion in 2025, consolidating Switzerland as Mexico’s sixth-largest foreign investor.

“In 2025, Swiss investment reached a record US$2.3 billion, consolidating Switzerland as the sixth foreign investor in Mexico. This is a long-term commitment reflected in constant reinvestment and the operation of 55 production plants nationwide,” said Francisco Martínez, President of SwissCham Mexico.

The new projects are expected to strengthen supply chains, create specialized jobs and expand productive capacity for both domestic and export markets, according to SwissCham Mexico.

Record Investment Drives Industrial Expansion

The strong investment pipeline builds on a year of significant industrial growth and corporate expansion by Swiss companies across Mexico. SwissCham, which represents 66 Swiss companies operating in Mexico and generating more than 55,000 direct jobs, reported unprecedented levels of investment, innovation and collaboration with Mexican authorities during 2025, reported MBN. 

Among the most notable announcements were projects by Nestlé, MSC and Bühler, alongside new investments from Franke, ABB and the Novartis Innovation Center. “These investments consolidate Switzerland as one of Mexico’s main economic partners and reaffirm Swiss companies’ confidence in the country’s productive environment,” said Karina Lerma, President of SwissCham Mexico.

Industrial expansion was particularly visible in San Luis Potosi, where Franke and ABB expanded operations in projects expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs. Meanwhile, Bühler inaugurated its first manufacturing plant in Mexico, backed by a US$44 million investment and the creation of 500 direct jobs.

Innovation and Sustainability Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Beyond manufacturing investment, Swiss companies expanded collaboration with Mexico in innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Innovation initiatives were reinforced through the fifth edition of the Switzerland & Mexico Startup and Innovation Exchange, hosted at Mexico’s Ministry of Economy and organized by the Swiss Embassy. The program connected companies and startups exploring solutions in health care, artificial intelligence and clean technologies.

SwissCham also organized the SWISStainability Forum 2025 and the ESG Program 2025 in collaboration with federal and state authorities, Swiss chambers across Latin America and academic institutions, including the University of St. Gallen and ITESM. The organization’s sustainability agenda also advanced through social impact initiatives designed to promote inclusion and workforce development.

The Women Leaders Mentorship Program reached 500 women beneficiaries since its launch and was recognized by the United Nations as a best practice for advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5. Its 2025 edition included 100 participants focused on equality, leadership and institutional training.

Talent Development and Institutional Cooperation Expand

As Swiss companies continue growing their presence in Mexico, workforce development and government engagement have become key pillars supporting future investment. More than 80 students joined the Dual Education Model in 2025, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 600 through partnerships with CONALEP and companies including Schindler and ABB. The Swiss Virtual Job Fair attracted more than 1,500 participants and connected candidates with 15 affiliated companies, reported MBN. 

SwissCham also strengthened institutional dialogue through more than 20 meetings with federal and state agencies, including the Ministry of Economy, SEMARNAT, SENER, ANAM, CONAGUA, CFE and Mexico City’s Ministry of Economic Development. Discussions focused on energy transition, innovation and the review of the USMCA.

The 80th anniversary celebration brought together senior executives from SwissCham member companies and representatives from Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), led by Hervé Lohr, Head of Americas, and Marcel Brengard, Desk Officer for North America.

During a reception hosted by Swiss Ambassador Pietro Piffaretti, business leaders and government officials emphasized Mexico’s role as a strategic platform for manufacturing, exports and technological development within the global operations of Swiss companies.

“With more than 100 activities, forums, industrial visits and meetings with authorities, SwissCham Mexico concludes an exceptionally dynamic year that reaffirms Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable development, innovation and national competitiveness,” Lerma said.

SwissCham Mexico is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of promoting business partnerships, bilateral trade and investment between Switzerland and Mexico.