# Economic development and informality in Chihuahua

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/economic-development-and-informality-in-chihuahua
> Updated: 2026-09-06T08:51:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Economic trends in Chihuahua, Mexico, show a complex landscape of formal growth and expanding informality. Between 2021 and 2026, Chihuahua Capital emerged as a major investment hub, attracting $2.224 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and increasing total employment by 11.8% through strategic sectors like aerospace and automotive.

However, the informal economy in the region has also seen significant growth. During the first quarter of 2026, the informal economy in Chihuahua generated 253,386 million pesos, a 5.3 percent increase over the same period the previous year. This total is comprised of unregistered businesses and workers without social security, with the tertiary sector contributing the largest share at 47.6 percent.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Chihuahua informal economy grows to 253 billion pesos

Chihuahua's informal economy grew by 5.3 percent in the first quarter, generating over 253 billion pesos, led primarily by the tertiary sector.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chihuahua-informal-economy-grows-to-253-billion-pesos

### 2026-09-02: Economic growth and employment trends rise in Chihuahua and Colombian cities

Chihuahua Capital, Mexico, attracted over $2.2 billion in FDI and grew employment by 11.8% since 2021, while Colombian cities like Medellín and Bogotá report declining unemployment rates.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/economic-growth-and-employment-trends-rise-in-chihuahua-and-colombian-cities

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Cite as: Economic development and informality in Chihuahua. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/economic-development-and-informality-in-chihuahua