Coparmex reports record low investment sentiment in Mexico

Investment sentiment among members of the Confederation Patronal of the Mexican Republic (Coparmex) has dropped to 23% during the first quarter of 2026, the lowest level recorded in six years. According to Juan José Sierra Álvarez, president of Coparmex, this represents a 16.5 percentage point decline from previous levels.

Business expansion plans are also retreating. The intention to increase staff, branches, or products fell from 62.8% to 50.3%. Sierra Álvarez noted that Mexican companies have shifted from expansion strategies to containment strategies, which threatens the country's ability to generate employment, increase productivity, and attract capital.

Key drivers for this decline include economic, political, and security uncertainty. Insecurity remains a primary obstacle, with approximately half of the surveyed companies reporting they have been victims of crime. Notably, extortion—including 'derecho de piso' and threatening phone calls—emerged as the most impactful crime affecting members. States such as Michoacán, Nayarit, and Jalisco reported high victimization rates.