Long-Term Business Outlook Drives Continued Interest
Companies from the Netherlands continue to view Mexico as a strategic destination for international expansion. Despite ongoing global economic shifts and the uncertainty triggered by U.S. tariff policies, Dutch investment in Mexico is gaining momentum. According to Steven Büter, representative of the Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO) at the Dutch Embassy in Mexico, Dutch companies are drawn to the country not for short-term gains but for long-term operational plans that span decades.
“There is a solid long-term vision behind these investments,” Büter explained. “Even in the face of short-term challenges, Dutch businesses are planning for the next 30 to 40 years, not just for the next U.S. administration or policy cycle.”
Ten Projects Underway Across Strategic Regions
The NBSO currently tracks at least ten Dutch investment projects in various stages of development. These initiatives are being launched in strategically important Mexican states, including Querétaro, Jalisco, and Nuevo León. These regions have become magnets for foreign investment thanks to their robust industrial ecosystems, well-developed infrastructure, and skilled labor pools.
Specifically in Querétaro, two manufacturing-related investments are underway. One company from the Netherlands is entering the automotive sector, while another will produce television stands. “We’re working on about 10 projects for Mexico and about two or three for Querétaro, which are almost finalized—they are going to happen,” said Büter, highlighting the growing confidence in the local business climate.
Job Creation and Capital Inflows
These new investments will have a significant economic impact at the local level. Bueter estimates that the two projects in Querétaro alone will result in an influx of €30 to €40 million and create between 300 and 400 jobs. One of these ventures is already in the installation phase, while the other is set to commence operations within the month.
Dutch investment in Mexico brings capital, technology, innovation, and best practices in sustainable and efficient manufacturing. These advantages enhance Mexico’s position as a preferred destination for nearshoring and foreign direct investment.
Expanding Beyond Manufacturing: Interest in Agriculture
While the manufacturing sector remains a dominant attraction for Dutch investors, there is also rising interest in the agricultural industry, particularly in protected agriculture, such as greenhouse farming and high-tech cultivation systems. Bueter pointed out that Dutch companies involved in greenhouse technology have found a receptive and mature market in Mexico.
“When 50 Dutch companies are coming here, it shows strong interest in Mexico’s agricultural sector,” he said. “For example, if you go to the area in the Netherlands where greenhouses are located, they’re all already here in Mexico, they already have business in Mexico—so it’s a very mature market, and the production market can mature even more. That’s why Dutch companies keep coming.”
This segment of Dutch investment in Mexico is helping to introduce advanced agricultural technologies that improve productivity and reduce environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Navigating U.S. Tariff Uncertainty with Long-Term Strategies
The threat of U.S. tariffs, such as the proposed 25% duties on goods from Mexico, has introduced uncertainty into global supply chains. However, Bueter emphasized that these developments do not deter Dutch companies because their investment decisions are made with a long-term perspective.
“It’s challenging to gather all the information about what’s happening,” Bueter said. “We’re trying to bring all the companies together and have conversations to figure out what’s happening. Even so, companies that invest in Mexico don’t do so for just four years—they do so for 30 to 40 years. So, they’re looking at the long-term horizon of the investment, which means the projects continue.”
While higher tariffs could temporarily increase production costs, the structural advantages of producing in Mexico, such as lower operating expenses, trade agreements, and access to regional markets, still outweigh the risks.
Talent Availability: A Critical Asset for Investors
One of the most cited advantages driving Dutch investment in Mexico is the availability of skilled human talent. Mexico offers a young, trained, and competitively priced workforce compared to the United States, where labor shortages in specific sectors have created bottlenecks.
“Obviously, 25% tariffs are significant, but sometimes it’s still easier to produce in Mexico,” Bueter noted. “Especially due to the availability of human talent, which the United States lacks. Even if you can get it cheaply, how can you produce it if it is unavailable?”
This abundance of capable labor makes Mexico an increasingly attractive base for Dutch companies looking to optimize cost and efficiency in their global operations.
Nearshoring Trend Continues to Gain Momentum
The global trend of nearshoring—relocating supply chains closer to consumer markets—continues to benefit Mexico. Dutch firms are taking advantage of Mexico’s proximity to the United States, its network of trade agreements, and its expanding logistics infrastructure.
A recent example is the February 2024 opening of Trouw Nutrition’s facility in Colón, Querétaro. The Dutch company invested 1 billion pesos to produce animal feed in the region. This move illustrates how Dutch investment in Mexico supports the region’s industrial development and food security.
Nuevo León: The Leading Destination for Dutch Capital
Nuevo León is the primary recipient of Dutch investment in Mexico, attracting over USD 5.13 billion between 2006 and 2024. This figure represents 32.2% of Dutch capital inflow into the country. The state’s strong industrial base, skilled workforce, and developed infrastructure make it a preferred destination for international investors.
Following Nuevo León, Quintana Roo ranks second with 11.3% of Dutch investment, followed by Veracruz (9%), the State of Mexico (8.7%), and Mexico City (8.3%). These statistics, provided by Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, underscore the geographical diversity and scale of Dutch investment in Mexico, totaling approximately USD 15.95 billion over the 18-year years.