The U.S. multinational will also open two new distribution centers in the Bajío region and Tlaxcala, featuring artificial intelligence and robotics.
On March 27, 2025, Walmart made a significant announcement during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily press conference. The company will invest over $6 billion in Mexico in the coming year. This investment is accompanied by a significant expansion plan that includes opening two state-of-the-art distribution centers in the Bajío region and the state of Tlaxcala, incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
Walmart’s Expansion Plans in Mexico
As part of its broader strategy, Walmart will also open additional retail locations under its various store formats, including Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter, and Walmart Express. These new stores are expected to generate approximately 5,500 direct jobs, further bolstering Walmart’s presence in the country. This investment will contribute to the company’s extensive retail network, which already includes over 3,200 stores across nearly 700 municipalities in all 32 states of Mexico.
Ignacio Caride, Walmart’s general director for Mexico and Central America, confirmed the company’s commitment to the Mexican market. “We will open more stores under our Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter, and Walmart Express formats, generating approximately 5,500 direct jobs,” Caride stated during the press conference. This significant expansion underscores Walmart’s ongoing growth strategy in Mexico, where the company has maintained a strong foothold for over 65 years.
Walmart’s Role in the Mexican Economy
The company’s presence in Mexico goes beyond retail stores. Walmart operates a robust supply chain that supports over 30,000 domestic suppliers, 85% of whom are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This highlights Walmart’s role in supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth in the country. Additionally, Walmart claims that 83% of the products sold in its stores are “proudly made in Mexico,” highlighting its commitment to sourcing locally and supporting the national economy.
This investment in new stores and distribution centers aligns with Walmart’s broader goal of expanding its reach and providing employment opportunities nationwide. “This significant Walmart investment in Mexico will allow us to support Walmart’s more than 200,000 permanent jobs in the country,” Caride emphasized.
Walmart’s presence also significantly supports the national supply chain, helping ensure a reliable flow of goods throughout the country. The two new distribution centers, one of which will be located in the Bajío region—though the specific state and municipality have not yet been disclosed—and the other in Tlaxcala, will further optimize Walmart’s logistics capabilities. These centers will integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and robotics, to increase operational efficiency and support the company’s continued growth in the region.
Walmart’s Long-Term Commitment to Mexico
Despite facing regulatory challenges, including a nearly $4.62 million fine in December 2024 for monopolistic practices following a four-year investigation, Walmart remains focused on its long-term prospects in Mexico. The Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece) penalized the company for monopolistic practices in the wholesale distribution market, following a complaint filed by Chedraui, one of its largest competitors. Although the decision was appealed, the fine underscored the company’s ongoing regulatory challenges in the country.
However, Walmart’s commitment to Mexico remains unwavering. “Walmart arrived in Mexico more than 65 years ago, and we will be here for the next 30, 60, or 90 years to continue strengthening the best shopping experience,” Caride expressed confidently. The multinational’s long-standing relationship with Mexico underscores its commitment to the country’s economy and retail sector.
The Larger Investment Landscape in Mexico
Walmart’s announcement follows another significant investment by Banco Santander’s chairwoman, Ana Patricia Botín, who recently committed over $2 billion to investments in Mexico. Additionally, Santander is launching Openbank, its fully digital bank, in the country. “Mexico has the most significant growth potential. It is one of the countries where we have invested the most in recent years and will continue to invest in the future,” Botín stated, further emphasizing Mexico’s appeal as a key investment destination.
The country’s economic growth prospects are strong, as evidenced by the Ministry of Economy’s recent report, which shows that Mexico reached a historic high in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024. The total FDI reached $36.872 billion, a 1.1% increase from the previous year. This high level of investment reflects foreign companies’ confidence in Mexico’s economic future despite the challenges posed by external factors such as tariff threats from the U.S. government.
The Impact of Walmart’s Investment on the Mexican Economy
The Walmart investment in Mexico significantly boosts the country’s economy, both in terms of job creation and the growth of the retail and logistics sectors. Adding two new distribution centers and expanding its retail network will create thousands of jobs, supporting the continued growth of Mexico’s supply chain and retail infrastructure. Walmart’s commitment to sourcing products locally also strengthens the Mexican economy by fostering relationships with small and medium-sized businesses, which are critical to economic growth.
The investment also supports President Sheinbaum’s “Mexico Plan,” a strategy designed to attract foreign investment and boost the country’s economy amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade policies and tariffs, particularly those stemming from the U.S. government’s trade stance. This plan ensures that Mexico remains an attractive destination for foreign companies despite potential trade disruptions.
Conclusion: Walmart’s Long-Term Vision for Mexico
In conclusion, Walmart’s recent announcement of a $6 billion investment in Mexico underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the country. Expanding its retail stores and opening new distribution centers in the Bajío region and Tlaxcala will further enhance Walmart’s presence in Mexico while contributing to the country’s economic growth. As one of the largest employers and contributors to Mexico’s supply chain, Walmart’s ongoing investment reflects its confidence in the Mexican market’s future. The Walmart investment in Mexico clearly signals that the company intends to strengthen its operations in the country for the foreseeable future, providing jobs and opportunities for the local economy.