A Tariff-Proof Manufacturing Base

Creating a “tariff-proof” manufacturing or assembly base may become the path to building operations that are more resilient, sustainable, and embedded in the local economy. As global fragmentation in international trade continues, Mexico has become a natural fit as a favored destination to relocate investment flows that want more predictability in the medium and long term, and access to large consumer markets. In particular, China wants to partner with Mexico with those strategic goals in mind, Diana Gamboa, Communication and Media Manager of the Mexico-China Chamber of Commerce and Technology (ChAMCham), says.

A Rising Tide of Chinese Investment

China has become the third-largest country of origin for investment announcements in Mexico. Mexico’s Ministry of Economy reports that more than 1,000 Chinese companies have been registered in Mexico under the foreign direct investment regime. The Mexico-China Chamber of Commerce and Technology estimates that the figure is between 4,000 and 5,000 when accounting for representative offices, distributors, and commercial intermediaries. This indicates not only an expansion of Chinese presence but an even greater deepening of Chinese operations in the Mexican economy.

Trade Realignment and Strategic Diversification

José Manuel Salazar Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), believes the world is experiencing a realignment of global trade, “above all as a result of policy changes adopted by the United States, and particularly its China policy.” In this new investment context, diversification is the approach. But diversification is hard in the Mexican case since the economy is still predominantly anchored to the United States. As Finamex Casa de Bolsa Chief Economist Víctor Gómez Ayala explained, 80% of exports are destined for U.S. markets, while a greater share of imports comes from Asia. However, in this geopolitical moment of caution, Asia is not the most strategically attractive partner.

Moving Beyond Assembly to Strategic Integration

Nevertheless, China wants to partner with Mexico to develop an integrated production base that can serve global markets and leverage the country’s specific trade and investment advantages. Mexico’s critical mass in industrial sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, software, and advanced manufacturing clusters is a strong draw. Industrial clusters generate virtuous circles that pull in more investment and talent, strengthen the supply chain, and further embed a value-added manufacturing base.

Ten years ago, China saw Mexico almost exclusively as a low-cost assembly base to access the U.S. market. Today, it’s clear that China wants to partner with Mexico in a more strategic, long-term way. Gamboa highlights the fact that Chinese companies have stopped thinking only of Mexico as a staging ground for exports to the U.S. market, and increasingly, see Mexico as a market in itself. “The reasons that Chinese companies are coming to Mexico,” Gamboa says, “are not only for geographic reasons. Mexico has free trade agreements with over 50 countries, and the North American market is a preeminent platform from which to access the rest of the world. At the same time, it also has macroeconomic stability, competitive costs, and a young and skilled labor force.” China’s evolving relationship with Mexico reflects the way investment is being redefined in response to a global fragmentation of international trade. It’s no longer enough to plug into global value chains that are themselves vulnerable to disruption, be that from tariffs or sudden shifts in policy. Chinese companies want direct access to North America’s production ecosystem by physically embedding in the region.

Geopolitical Sensitivities and the U.S. Factor

But of course, this increasing alignment also raises acute political concerns. Alberto Quiroz, Public Affairs Manager at Integralia, points out the fact that the United States is increasingly sensitive to Chinese investment that attempts to use Mexico as a platform to evade tariffs or other restrictions on Chinese imports. “It is an issue that will become even more important,” Quiroz says, “during the upcoming period of review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).” However, he concedes that it represents a political dilemma: on the one hand, “productive investment is welcome regardless of origin, as long as it has the potential to become a key part of the national economy.”

Major Chinese Enterprises Embedded in Mexico

Examples of large Chinese enterprises that are already operating in Mexico and investing in manufacturing operations abound. Among them, firms like Hisense, Minth Group, Huawei, Kuka Home, Hangzhou XZB, JAC Motors, Changan, ICBC, Honghua Group, and many others are not just investing in Mexico, but are beginning to treat the country as a strategic market in its own right. And all of this is creating the foundation for more long-term integration.

The BYD and Dragon Mart Cases

BYD, an electric vehicle manufacturer, is a case in point. Rumors in China said the project in Mexico would be canceled, but in fact, Gamboa confirms it is going forward, but in a measured way: that is, with a scale that is more in line with current operating conditions. “A more pertinent example, given the current circumstances, could be the Dragon Mart project, a Chinese retail and logistics project that began in 2012 in Quintana Roo.” At the time, a number of foreign investors showed interest in coming to Mexico to invest in infrastructure projects. “The project did not materialize because of a lack of consensus among the various stakeholders,” Gamboa says. “In this regard, one of the lessons learned is that in Mexico, there needs to be coordination and consensus not only between authorities and the private sector but with local communities as well. They are also an essential part of any project, and their voice must be taken into account.”

Opportunities for Innovation and Industrial Integration

China wants to partner with Mexico, not only to develop existing infrastructure, but also to co-create innovation, logistics, and value-added production ecosystems. Mexico’s industrial hubs in booming states like Nuevo León, Guanajuato, and Querétaro are also looking increasingly attractive to Chinese companies that want to embed within a mature supply chain ecosystem. This is crucial in industries like automotive, electronics, and renewable energy, where Chinese capabilities are strong and bring both technological know-how and capital. At the same time, Mexico provides proximity to markets in North America and trade advantages.

Improving Infrastructure and Business Conditions

In recent years, Mexico has also been working to make targeted improvements in infrastructure and regulatory transparency to attract foreign capital. Industrial parks designed for foreign investors, improved energy availability, and streamlined customs procedures have all been part of this trend. As China wants to partner with Mexico, this more robust and dynamic environment becomes even more attractive.

Macroeconomic Stability as a Strategic Asset

Mexico also offers a compelling macroeconomic picture for Chinese investment. With a relatively stable inflation rate, its interest rate regime is predictable and favorable for long-term planning, and its central bank has developed credibility with investors, all of which makes Mexico a safer bet for Chinese investors seeking predictability and yield outside of Asia.

A Strategic Fit with the Belt and Road Vision

Further, Mexico’s development agenda is well-aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) push by China’s government to expand infrastructure connectivity and economic corridors. Mexico is not a formal part of that initiative, but the spirit of that framework is well-aligned with Mexico’s long-term goals of positioning itself as a global manufacturing and logistics hub. Chinese companies are motivated to mitigate risks and access high-consumption regions like the U.S., so Latin America, and particularly Mexico, offers an attractive alternative.

Navigating the U.S.-Mexico-China Triangle

In this context, Mexico and China must also be careful not to antagonize the United States, which remains the anchor of Mexican trade and investment activity. But with strategic coordination and transparent policy frameworks, this three-way relationship can be more complementary than competitive.

Future Collaboration in Emerging Sectors

Gamboa also suggests that greater collaboration in areas of innovation, renewable energy, green supply chains, and digital infrastructure could further shape the next phase of the engagement. Chinese battery producers, for instance, are already identifying Mexican states with lithium potential for further collaboration. Cooperation on areas of AI, smart manufacturing, and 5G connectivity could further bind the two economies together and increase local capability.

A Long-Term, Value-Generating Partnership

Overall, there is no shortage of possibilities. China wants to partner with Mexico not simply to avoid tariffs or reposition its supply chains, but to become a long-lasting and value-generating force in the region. This sort of partnership can become a game-changer for the dynamics of investment and trade in the Americas, as long as all three parties align their regulatory, diplomatic, and community interests.

Medellín received the title of “Most Innovative City in the World” in 2013 from Citigroup, The Urban Institute, and The Wall Street Journal. Since then, the city’s story has been shaped by a dream of forming major alliances that help overcome the socioeconomic gaps preventing it from reaching its full competitive potential. Over the last decade, Medellín has undergone an economic metamorphosis grounded in sustainability, social inclusion, and internationalization. Once overshadowed by instability, the city now attracts forward-thinking enterprises and investors committed to building long-term prosperity.

Tourism and Culture Fuel the Local Economy

The local economy is energized by tourism driven by Antioquian culture, which is currently showcased in the renowned Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival). This event draws visitors from around the world and across Colombia who want to experience traditional Antioquian customs. The Flower Festival is not just a cultural affair—it is an economic engine. It provides a platform for hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses, artisans, hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers to benefit from the influx of tourists.

Nicolás Rodríguez Aristizábal, Director of Investment at ACI Medellín, stated, “The Flower Festival is a space to position the city. Here, we welcome ambassadors and investors, showcasing our traditions to them. They come to experience our culture and fall in love with it, so we are fully aligned with the city’s strategy to generate investment encounters.” This cultural diplomacy approach has proved effective, as many visitors see Medellín not only as a destination for leisure but also as a gateway for business opportunities in Colombia and Latin America.

Every year, thousands of tourists arrive in the city, expressing admiration for its urban development, infrastructure, and the warmth of its people. These are key factors that make Medellín not only a destination for family-friendly activities but also a thriving business hub where corporate alliances are welcomed. Hotels report occupancy rates exceeding 90% during peak cultural events, and the city’s airports handle increased international traffic, reflecting Medellín’s growing integration into global travel networks.

Investment Event Showcases Medellín’s Potential

Recently, the Medellín 2025 Investment Roundtable was held. This high-level forum facilitated connections with international investors focused on the city, aiming to attract foreign capital with high growth potential across a range of industries. These sectors include infrastructure and logistics, technology services and outsourcing, commerce, manufacturing, creative industries, agribusiness, life sciences, and energy. Medellín’s diverse industrial base allows it to weather global economic headwinds while opening doors to niche sectors like fintech, healthtech, and green energy.

These industries have helped position Medellín as a prime destination where major companies seek to invest and grow their operations, thanks to a well-qualified labor force, institutional support, and modern infrastructure. In addition, Medellín’s universities and vocational training institutions, such as Universidad EAFIT, Universidad de Antioquia, and the SENA network, play an instrumental role in talent development—furnishing a steady pipeline of bilingual and tech-savvy professionals.

All these attributes make Medellín a haven for startups and business expansion—enhanced by the friendly culture and temperate Antioquian climate. Additionally, the city’s cost of living and cost of doing business are significantly lower compared to other Latin American hubs such as Bogotá, São Paulo, or Mexico City, giving it a strategic price-performance advantage.

Medellín: A Hub for International Business

Today, the city is recognized for its international business prospects. It appears on the global radar as a leader in tech-based startups, some of the most robust in Latin America. Medellín’s startup scene is gaining increasing attention for its strong ecosystem supported by innovation hubs like Ruta N and the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, one of only a handful in the world created in partnership with the World Economic Forum.

But it wasn’t always this way. In the past, the city faced periods of violence that discouraged foreign investment in Medellín and posed significant risks to local businesses. The transformation is particularly notable because it was driven by long-term public policies that emphasized resilience, inclusiveness, and international integration.

The Medellín Mayor’s Office played a key role in reversing this trend. The path to combating insecurity was rooted in education, entrepreneurship opportunities, the creation of technology development centers, and offering alternatives that would steer youth away from violence. Aligned to generate opportunities and focus on young talent, Ruta N was founded in 2009. This organization was created to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of tech-based businesses. It has incubated and accelerated hundreds of startups, providing mentorship programs and international investor connections.

Institutional Support to Attract Foreign Capital

In response to the growing need to attract international investors to Medellín’s industrial landscape, the Agency for Cooperation and Investment of Medellín and the Metropolitan Area (ACI Medellín) was established. This agency has been instrumental in bringing foreign investment to Medellín and consolidating strategic partnerships to expand local markets. Through detailed investor roadmaps and personalized assistance, ACI Medellín removes friction from the investment process—providing foreign companies with a clear pathway to launch or expand operations in the city.

ACI has built global bridges, putting Medellín on the map for foreign investors. Through alliances with leading global companies, ACI leverages international cooperation to implement projects that enhance the quality of life for residents of Medellín and the Aburrá Valley. The organization also coordinates closely with ProColombia and Colombia Productiva, ensuring that foreign direct investment complements national development priorities.

In line with its mission to attract foreign investment in Medellín, ACI presented the results of its efforts during the first half of 2025. The Investment Roundtable, led by ACI Medellín and the Medellín Chamber of Commerce for Antioquia—with support from ProColombia, Ruta N, ANDI del Futuro, and the Antioquia Governor’s Office—showcased the city’s strategic direction and growing visibility among global investors.

Foreign Investment in Medellín: 2025 Outlook

As of mid-2025, ACI reported 18 foreign direct investment projects amounting to USD 168.11 million, with projections for more than 8,100 jobs. This foreign investment in Medellín originates from countries including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, and Puerto Rico. These investments span across sectors such as software development, BPO (business process outsourcing), agritech, advanced manufacturing, and logistics.

Nicolás Rodríguez Aristizábal commented, “From the agency, we supported $168 million in investments and reinvestments. These were 18 projects across the technology and agricultural sectors. We expect to close the year with $400 million in foreign investment in Medellín supported by the agency.” These figures reinforce Medellín’s evolution from a national center of industry to a regional magnet for high-value international capital.

Medellín: A Business and Innovation Powerhouse

The Investment Roundtable enabled 27 regional companies to engage with national and international investment funds, expanding their reach and solidifying Medellín as a business hub capable of transforming society through a stable economy and strong labor conditions. These matchmaking sessions included seed funding discussions, venture capital introductions, and infrastructure co-financing opportunities.

Among the key outcomes were 350 tech-based startups and more than 300 investors facilitating the development of these initiatives. These efforts reinforce Medellín as a vibrant innovation ecosystem, with support from key players like Ruta N and Staritia—crucial allies in building the best environment for startups. The presence of these firms also allows Medellín to serve as a testing ground for digital solutions that can later be scaled across Latin America.

International Cooperation and Social Impact

It is worth noting that these international collaborations generated USD 2.58 million in social projects focused on gender equity, circular economy, data for public governance, and hunger alleviation strategies. These projects are not peripheral—they are essential to Medellín’s inclusive growth model. From pilot programs for digital inclusion in low-income neighborhoods to entrepreneurship grants for women and youth, foreign investment in Medellín is tied to measurable social impact.

ACI also leads initiatives that drive the city’s economic and social progress, including the Antioquia Investment Table and diversification of investment mechanisms. Two noteworthy platforms include MedInvest and the First Investment Roundtable for Traditional Sectors—both essential for boosting local industries through domestic and international capital. These platforms aim to integrate traditional sectors like textiles, food production, and furniture manufacturing into the global value chain.

Global Networking from Medellín to the World

A standout success story is SOS Paisa, a network created by the Medellín Mayor’s Office. It connects Paisas (people from Antioquia) living abroad to contribute to the city’s development through networking, bringing together individuals with shared interests to form both professional and personal connections. The initiative has attracted members from more than 25 countries and has played a role in several investment opportunities and philanthropic initiatives.

Conclusion

In summary, foreign investment in Medellín is not only accelerating its transformation into an innovation powerhouse but also bridging global capital with local talent. Backed by robust institutional support, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a people-centric development model, Medellín continues to evolve as an inclusive and visionary business destination for the 21st century. From tech startups to agribusiness, from social development to global networking, Medellín is proving that with the right vision and partnerships, cities can reinvent themselves and lead on the international stage.

Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace company, has just obtained an exemption from the tariffs announced by the Trump administration on Brazilian goods. On July 30th, President Trump’s administration declared that, effective August 1st, 50% in tariffs would be added to a comprehensive package of Brazilian exports. However, through diplomatic outreach and established economic policy, Embraer obtains an exemption that prevents its commercial and executive aircraft from being subject to financial penalties from the increase.

In this post, we’ll discuss the extent of Embraer’s exemption, what aircraft the deal covers, and why it matters for companies on both sides of the equator.

Escaping from the Tariff Storm: Good News for Embraer’s Commercial Aircraft

The tariff declaration applies an additional 40% tax on top of existing levies, making Brazilian goods generally more expensive in U.S. markets. However, the U.S. government made a point of exempting civil aircraft, as well as aircraft parts and components, from the policy. Sources from the aerospace industry tell us that Embraer obtained an exemption from the White House after a concentrated campaign of negotiation, based on its importance to the U.S. regional jet fleet and local production.

This case closely resembles rulings against Airbus in the past. As trade war heat was turned up across the Pacific, American negotiators have regularly carved out large civil aircraft from punitive measures in order to avoid disrupting key supply chains and airline economics.

Saving the E175: A Key Player in U.S. Domestic Aviation

The biggest winner in the exemption is easily the Embraer E175-E1 regional jet, used extensively in the U.S. by regional airlines under the livery of major carriers like Delta, American, and United. Regional jets like the E175 fill a unique role in domestic aviation and keep passenger counts high at smaller airports that don’t get as much traffic as larger hubs.

Absent the tariff exemption, Brazilian-made aircraft and component sales would be much more difficult to justify, creating potential holes in regional coverage that could hurt smaller carriers and make their businesses unprofitable. Instead, Embraer obtains an exemption that will keep these workhorse jets in the middle of the U.S. market for the foreseeable future.

Gearing Up for the E2 Family and Praetor Jets

The exemption also applies to Embraer’s larger E-Jets E2 family and its line of Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 business jets. The E2 aircraft line is Embraer’s newest and most competitive lineup, which includes updated versions of its E190 and E195 jets. It gives Embraer a technological edge that places it head-to-head with Bombardier and Gulfstream in long-range, fuel-efficient executive aircraft.

Embraer has placed a significant emphasis on quality in recent years, creating aircraft that punch above their weight class in terms of range, fuel consumption, and payload capacity. The company has also been able to sell these aircraft at more competitive prices than traditional market leaders. The tariff-free ability to sell to the U.S. domestic market is a significant win that will allow the company to continue competing on performance even as the regional market fragments.

In another win for the company, Embraer obtains an exemption that will protect these and its most competitive models, too.

Made in Florida: Protecting Embraer’s North American Operations

Beyond Embraer’s aircraft portfolio, the tariff exemption also acknowledged the unique economic role that the company plays in the U.S. manufacturing industry. Embraer operates an assembly line in Melbourne, Florida, which produces the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 light jets for the U.S. and international markets. This factory also serves as a high-skill employer for dozens of local workers in the region, tying itself to the aerospace and economic communities.

While the Phenom jets assembled at the Florida plant are technically made in the U.S., they use many high-end components that are still manufactured and shipped from Brazil. In addition to the aircraft themselves, these parts would have been subject to import taxes under the new tariffs, increasing the total manufacturing cost and driving up prices. However, Embraer obtains an exemption for its critical components and maintains a streamlined production for its U.S.-made aircraft.

Large Civil Aircraft: Traditionally Exempted from Trade Conflicts

Aerospace is also an industry that has shown a strong degree of continuity in the past, even during intense geopolitical flare-ups. It is common for major manufacturers and programs to be carved out of broad-based sanctions or tariffs. This practice is the direct result of the complex and global nature of the industry, with international supply chains stretching across hundreds of suppliers and subcontractors.

The United States government and Brazilian Embraer have been able to negotiate in a way that has produced this exemption, allowing all parties to avoid the kind of unintended blowback that broad sector tariffs have in the past.

In a savvy move, Embraer obtains an exemption in a high-stakes environment, which serves as a tacit recognition that aviation products should not be subjected to tariffs in the same way that other goods are treated.

The Missing Piece: Military Aircraft—Where Does It Stand?

Oddly, the new decree that levies these penalties does not have similar protections for military and defense-related aircraft. This could put additional pressure on sales and production of programs like the A-29 Super Tucano, which is manufactured in Florida by Embraer as part of an agreement with Sierra Nevada Corporation. Embraer’s C-390 Millennium transport aircraft could also be negatively affected by this program, due to its unique capabilities and design elements.

While Embraer’s military and commercial aircraft share limited areas of overlap, any future disruption to either segment’s manufacturing process, supply chain, or other factors could create future complications when making sales to the U.S. military or third-party countries.

In Conclusion: An Embraer Exemption with Room to Expand

In conclusion, Brazil’s Embraer obtains an exemption for itself and its aircraft from the steep tariffs placed on Brazilian goods and companies. This exemption is a major positive for the company’s business strategy, as it keeps Embraer’s aircraft competitive in price, its supply chains protected, and its existing commitments secure.

A major message from this ruling is that the current geopolitical environment is somewhat volatile and unpredictable. But, a physical and economic commitment to major markets like the United States can give companies significant political and diplomatic leverage, should trade or geopolitical conflict begin to escalate.

While it remains to be seen how Embraer and other major manufacturers and airlines will be affected by the larger U.S.–Brazil trade dispute, one thing is clear: Embraer obtains an exemption and buys itself some time in one of the most important markets for the company’s future growth.

 The Focus on Chilean Vineyards Is Rewriting the Rules in the World of Wine Investment

The Chilean wine industry is witnessing a significant influx of foreign investment from global investors, making Chile one of the key destinations for international investments in vineyards and wineries. This trend has also increased interest in opportunities to make co-investments, as well as in the outright purchase of a brand or the infrastructure to develop new wines, which has led many families who have sold their vineyards to create boutique labels in other valleys. This movement has contributed to diversifying the Chilean wine industry ecosystem.

Internationally renowned brands such as Château Lafite-Rothschild, Félix Solís Avantis, González Byass (Veramonte-Neyen), Antinori (Haras de Pirque), François Lurton (Viña Hacienda Araucano), and Sogrape (Chateau Los Boldos), which have recently arrived in Chile, have aroused the interest of Chilean wine industry families, which in turn has been encouraging foreign investors to continue arriving in Chile, as well as to help the national wine economy to consolidate, thanks in large part to Chile’s wide range of agro-climatic conditions and terroirs, as well as its new wine entries in the Premium segment.

In this context, the Chilean wine industry brands Concha y Toro, San Pedro, Montes, Santa Rita, Errázuriz, Cousiño Macul, Santa Carolina, Casa Silva, Viu Manent, and VIK, among others, are taking the lead. Focused on strengthening and consolidating their prestigious brands, they are using their power and presence to generate international buzz and are focused on leveraging their brands. On the one hand, these wine companies are raising prices for wines from wineries that make “Terroir Wines” (Vin de Terroir) and have them in their portfolios. On the other hand, they are looking at the real estate sector in Chile, which allows them to open new businesses such as lodges, boutique hotels, restaurants, etc.

Maximiliano Morales, CEO of Andes Wines, the online wine business platform, states: “Chile’s investment opportunity is ideal, thanks to the high quality of our grapes and internationally recognized brands that have been developing over four decades, as well as the wide range of terroirs, for an international wave of premium wine investments that come with the heritage and know-how of the Old World and the innovation and technology of the New World.”

Armenian businessman and owner of one of the largest taxi fleets in a state in the United States, Edward Tutunjian, fell in love with Chile on a vacation to the country. After falling in love with the country and the Chilean wine industry, he made the decision to invest in Chile, and his first move was the purchase of the vineyard “La Pancora” in the Curicó Valley. Later, he bought the vineyard “Huaquén” in Curepto, which is one of the most privileged in Chile, and to date has acquired “Viñedos y Bodega Apaltagua” in the Apalta Valley, Colchagua. Currently, Viña Apaltagua is present in five of the most important Chilean wine valleys.

Doors Open

Another of the most important events in the international investment race for the Chilean wine industry is the arrival of owners of châteaux in France, which is giving Chile the reputation of being a global benchmark, and is all the more necessary as in Europe climate change is making itself felt more and more in historic wine regions.

The Viña Los Vascos winery, located in the Colchagua Valley and owned by the prestigious Bordeaux winery Château Lafite-Rothschild, stands out as a symbol of biodiversity and sustainability in the Chilean wine industry. Adapting to its terroir, this vineyard from Château Lafite Rothschild adopts organic agriculture that is in tune with its environment and uses renewable energy sources and water-saving practices.

On the other hand, Undurraga Wines Group also stands out, of which José Yuraszeck, who owns approximately 45% of the company, is a member. He has an equal share with the Picciotto family, which has the remaining 55%. On July 15, 2024, the Bisquertt and J. Bouchon brands were added to the portfolio with operations of different quality levels, according to reports from the company.

Wineries Invest in Other Countries

The Chilean investments in wineries abroad, mainly in Argentina and the United States, have been key to wine portfolio diversification for various countries. Chilean families are leading players in wine making in Argentina, not only due to their interest in developing different wine valleys, with growing sectors such as the Uco Valley, but also thanks to the boom of the Malbec variety. In this regard, wines from Argentine brands such as Trivento, Dona Paula, Bodegas Renacer and Kaiken among others, stand out, all with Chilean capital. Chilean winemakers have also been active in the United States. In the Empire State, Brotherhood Winery, a reference in wine tourism in the United States, is Chilean. In California, Chilean wineries are also not lacking, including the emblematic Huneeus Wines group, which owns internationally recognized wineries such as Quintessa, Favia Wines, Benton-Lane, Leviathan, Faust, The Pact, as well as Flowers Vineyards & Winery, among others.

Maximiliano Morales emphasizes: “It would be an excellent opportunity for the Argentinean market to position itself as a very attractive market for Argentinean investors to diversify their portfolios with wines from Chile’s most prestigious valleys, thus allowing them to access trade agreements that open more doors. I think it’s time for more Argentinean winemakers to cross the Andes and produce Chilean wine with Argentinean capital, just as Chileans have done in Argentina.”

A Taste of Wine Investment in Chile

It is precisely to make clear the importance of the wine industry as a magnet for investment in Chile that the Valparaíso Regional Productive Development Committee—CORFO—has made a special effort, such as organizing the Wine Innova Tech 2024 Seminar through the Viraliza CORFO program in May, in Viña del Mar, Chile, as an international and highly recognized seminar.

Maximiliano Morales, Project Manager of the Seminar and Founder of AndesWines.com, presented the official protocols to launch Chile’s first Private WineTech Fund. The activation of this investment fund could allow financing of an entire series of innovative projects in the Valparaíso Region of Chile focused on wine facing issues and challenges such as: climate change and adaptation, sustainability and decarbonization in all its lines, as well as the implementation of cutting-edge technology in winemaking and vine genetics. We can say that Chile is critical in this, since the Chilean wine industry is the one that has the largest area of surface ungrafted European vines in the world. The WineTech investment fund is currently suspended, but is expected to resume its activities in the coming months.

Capturing the Investment Potential of the Chilean Wine Industry

Chile’s wine industry is at a turning point that will attract investment from all over the world, with the Chilean wine industry as a key investment magnet with new strategic alliances. The combination of high-quality grapes, terroirs, and already consolidated brands has made Chile a key destination for wine investments worldwide.

The Chilean wine industry is going to continue to attract investment capital, expand its reach, and become even more of a global player in the Premium wine segment in the coming years. This is the case, for example, with the wine industry in the Coquimbo Region, where more than 27 luxury cruise ships from all over the world arrive every year and a large percentage of its passengers disembark in the Elqui and Limarí Valleys to taste the local wines and piscos, an initiative that is headed by Turismo Ingservtur, and which has aroused growing interest in luxury wine tourism in the region.

In this context, AndesWines.com is the perfect tool, with the necessary tools and knowledge of the investment sector. Strategic action is taken both in Chile as well as in the global investment community, and targeted to family offices of local and foreign investors who are in the search for profitable investment opportunities in Chile, with a stable and growing market, or for families interested in knowing how to sell their business, which also allows them to reach potential acquirers, both national and foreign. This can be through brand purchases, co-investments, or business alliances with wineries and families that are already known in the wine trade.

Automotive investment in Aguascalientes continued to show resilience despite market volatility and a 38.6% decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to the Mexican automotive sector. In H1 2025, the state attracted five automotive projects that committed more than USD 107 million in new capital and 685 jobs. Although other states in Mexico’s Bajío region registered higher volumes of announced projects, Aguascalientes remains one of the most competitive subnational destinations for automotive investment in Mexico.

This is due to its specialization in high-end manufacturing, deep industrial infrastructure, and the presence of globally competitive European and Asian firms.

Premium Automotive, High-Value Manufacturing Drive Investment

The five automotive projects announced in the first half of 2025 align with the state’s economic development strategy that prioritizes high-value added products. These products include premium automotive interiors, molded parts and components, structural components, and electromobility.

NBHX Trim (China)

NBHX Trim, a Chinese company specializing in the manufacturing of automotive interiors for premium and electric vehicles, made a USD 24.13 million investment in H1 2025. The Chinese company expanded its Aguascalientes plant to produce dashboards, door panels, and metal body parts for premium models.

Job creation and expansion area were not disclosed. However, the introduction of new production lines focused on value-added manufacturing of interior components reinforces Aguascalientes’ position as a leading manufacturer of precision, automation, and quality.

PROMA Group (Italy)

The Italian company PROMA Group, specialized in car seat frames and structural components, committed USD 32.1 million for the construction of a new plant in Aguascalientes. This project also entails the creation of 225 new jobs in the state.

This new automotive investment in Aguascalientes reflects the state’s capacity to attract more European companies to establish their operations in the state to produce high-quality and sophisticated components. In addition, by targeting the production of seat frames and structural components, PROMA has access to more premium automotive markets. Therefore, automotive investment in Aguascalientes is expanding its footprint beyond component supply to include other operations upstream and further along the supply chain.

Tokai Kogyo (Japan)

Tokai Kogyo, a Japanese company, announced a USD 5.35 million reinvestment into its Aguascalientes plant, which manufactures molded rubber and plastic parts for various automotive applications.

The company did not provide further details on job creation and area expansion. However, the reinvestment is a sign of confidence and long-term commitment in the state.

Advanced Composites (Japan)

Advanced Composites, a Japanese company specializing in high-performance plastic compounds, announced a USD 13.38 million expansion to its manufacturing plant in San Francisco de los Romo.

The company is a producer of TPO (thermoplastic olefin), polypropylene, and other plastics with high performance and unique technical characteristics. The compounds are used to manufacture a range of vehicle parts from bumpers to interior panels. As plastic components contribute to weight reduction and emissions in vehicles, Advanced Composites’ presence in Aguascalientes also supports the state’s growth in electromobility.

ITA Breaks Ground on Semiconductors & Electromobility Lab

The National Laboratory of Semiconductors and Electromobility, owned by the Aguascalientes Institute of Technology (ITA), broke ground on the new USD 1.77 million semiconductor laboratory in H1 2025. When completed, it will cover an area of 4,600 square meters and focus on the development of leading-edge electromobility and semiconductor technologies.

Although the state did not disclose how many jobs will be created and how long the project will take to become operational, the laboratory’s introduction as a high-tech R&D hub bodes well for long-term returns. By working to strengthen the state’s technology talent pool and developing more local suppliers, this new facility will accelerate innovation and the local talent pool for electromobility solutions and cutting-edge manufacturing in semiconductors.

Electromobility: Next Big Opportunity for Mexico’s EV Hub?

Although the launch of the semiconductor lab is a promising development, only one out of the five projects announced in the first semester of 2025 is directly related to electromobility technologies and processes.

This reveals the huge potential that the sector represents and one of the few opportunities where Aguascalientes can differentiate itself as the automotive hub of Mexico.

The state has one of the most developed ecosystems of automotive component suppliers in the country and access to specialized technical institutions that make it the ideal destination for investment in EV batteries, charging systems, software development, and systems integration. The state could benefit from more active promotion and incentives to capture global R&D centers and engineering hubs focused on electromobility.

To move into higher-value and technology-intensive projects, the state will need to work on specialized promotion campaigns that appeal to both software and battery R&D.

Industrial Infrastructure: Waiting for the Next Wave of Investment

Aguascalientes’ secret has always been its ability to receive complex manufacturing operations. With five projects in H1 2025, automotive investment in Aguascalientes is already showing interest in advancing along the value chain into more technology-intensive operations. For example, in electromobility, the state can benefit from promoting the advantages it has over other destinations: specialized suppliers, high-quality and competitive talent, and a long track record of stable operations.

It also requires a constant investment in industrial infrastructure that can support the needs of new-generation global firms. The emergence of smart industrial parks can help fill the gap that requires not only space but also services, digital connectivity, clean energy, and ESG compliance.

Closing Thoughts: Quality, Talent, Precision

In a semester characterized by international reticence and a general downturn in FDI figures nationwide, Aguascalientes demonstrated that it can remain in demand and strategically oriented. By attracting over USD 107 million in investments, creating 685 new jobs, and deepening its footprint in advanced materials and electromobility, the state provides a good example of how more specialized regions can be more competitive in a rapidly changing world market.

The question now is how to move up the value chain and deepen the technological ecosystem. By achieving this, automotive investment in Aguascalientes can go beyond components and parts to become a more important regional center for innovation, testing, and design in new-generation mobility.

If it continues to attract high-tech companies and make the necessary investments in talent and infrastructure, the state will likely see its role and relevance in Mexico’s automotive ecosystem increase.