Industrial boom: Ship deliveries grow by almost 40% in just six months

In the first half of the year, demand for industrial buildings reached 1.2 million square meters, an increase of 39.5 percent annually, driven by investments, expansions and the arrival of car, appliance and electronics assembly plants.

In the first half of 2024, the delivery of industrial buildings in Mexico experienced a notable increase of 39.5% per year, reaching a demand of 1.2 million square meters.

This growth was driven by investments from leading companies in the automotive, electronics and home appliance sectors, such as Toyota, General Motors, Autozone, Jabil, Hyundai, BMW, Daikin, Mazda, Bosch and Continental.

This boom has led real estate developers to accelerate the construction of new industrial space, a direct response to the increase in demand generated by nearshoring and the expansion of the country's manufacturing industry. 

Despite this progress, growth has also revealed significant challenges, particularly in the infrastructure needed to sustain this development.

Although cities such as Ciudad Juarez have the capacity to develop industrial parks, the lack of adequate infrastructure, especially power transmission, is an obstacle.

The location of new developments in areas with insufficient energy coverage requires substantial investments by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), which generates uncertainty about the country's ability to keep pace with industrial growth.

Sector figures show an increase of more than 30% in the commercialization of industrial space in the first half of the year, with the automotive sector leading the occupation of industrial warehouses, followed by machinery, tools, appliances and electronics, and the metals industry.

This reflects Mexico's strength as a manufacturing hub in the region, where a strong supply chain and skilled labor force continue to attract foreign investment. However, these strengths contrast with the weakness of the logistics and energy infrastructure, which could slow the pace of growth if the necessary investments are not made.

The nearshoring phenomenon has been a catalyst for the arrival of new investments, capturing 53% of new projects in the country during the first half of 2024.

The opportunity presented by electromobility is also a key factor, with the possibility of Mexico becoming a leader in the production of components and related technologies. However, this opportunity comes with threats, such as international competition and the need for rapid adaptation to new technologies so as not to lose ground to other countries that are also seeking to position themselves in this emerging sector.

As Mexico continues to attract investment, it is crucial that it focuses on strengthening infrastructure and building talent, factors that will be critical to sustaining and enhancing growth. The country's ability to meet these challenges will be critical to ensure that the current industrial boom translates into long-term, sustainable development, consolidating Mexico as a central player in global manufacturing.

This growth scenario, with its strengths and opportunities, as well as its weaknesses and threats, highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy that allows Mexico to capitalize to the maximum on the advantages offered by the current context.

Investment in infrastructure, technological innovation, and the formation of a highly skilled workforce will be key elements in converting current opportunities into sustained growth that will benefit the Mexican economy and its position in the global marketplace over the long term.

Collaboration: Editorial Auge.