Mexico reports record $23.6 bn foreign investment and surge in job creation in Q1 2026

The Mexican economy posted strong growth in the first quarter of 2026. Foreign direct investment reached US$23.591 billion, a 10.4 % increase over the same period in 2025. Unemployment fell to 2.5 %, placing Mexico among the world’s lowest‑unemployment nations, and 669 000 new jobs were created, with April 2026 recording the highest level of formal employment in the country’s history.

Real minimum wages rose 154 % since 2018 to more than 9 500 pesos per month. Public‑sector debt closed the quarter at 50.3 % of GDP, while the fiscal deficit narrowed by 1.5 percentage points. The peso strengthened to 17.40 per US dollar, and both inflation and interest rates continued to decline. Exports hit a record, producing a trade surplus after years of deficits, and tourism grew 10.2 % year‑on‑year. Agricultural output is set to increase by 300 000 tonnes of beans and at least 2 million tonnes of corn.

The newly approved Investment Law aims to accelerate public‑private projects in the second half of 2026, supporting further infrastructure development and national growth.