Summary: Jalisco is deepening economic ties with Argentina to attract investment, diversify exports, and expand bilateral trade, targeting sectors including agroindustry, technology, manufacturing, tourism, and energy. The initiative aligns with nearshoring trends and supply chain reconfiguration, as both regions leverage complementary industrial and agricultural capabilities to strengthen competitiveness. The collaboration occurs amid growing Argentine investment in Mexico and Jalisco’s rising FDI performance, positioning the state as a strategic destination for international capital and regional integration.
Jalisco is strengthening economic ties with Argentina following a strategic meeting between state authorities and Argentina’s ambassador to Mexico aimed at attracting investment and expanding bilateral trade.
The meeting, led by Mauro Garza, General Coordinator for Strategic Growth and Economic Development, and Leandro Fernandez, Argentina’s Ambassador to Mexico, focused on identifying new opportunities in key sectors and reinforcing economic collaboration between both regions.
Officials emphasized that the growing relationship reflects a shared interest in strengthening international partnerships as both economies seek to expand trade, attract productive investment and create new jobs.
Authorities also highlighted that strengthening ties with Argentina aligns with Jalisco’s broader internationalization strategy and its push to position the state as a leading destination for global investment.
Trade Ties Show Expansion Potential
As part of the dialogue, officials highlighted the existing commercial relationship between Jalisco and Argentina, which already demonstrates potential for expansion. Between 2020 and November 2025, trade between the two economies exceeded US$866 million, providing a solid foundation for new business opportunities in the short and medium term.
During the meeting, Garza noted that the state’s strategy focuses on consolidating international alliances to attract productive investment, open new markets and generate employment in strategic sectors. Authorities underscored that strengthening commercial ties with Argentina could help diversify Jalisco’s export markets while encouraging new investments across industries.
The growing collaboration also reflects broader economic shifts, including supply chain relocation and increased demand for regional production hubs. Jalisco’s industrial ecosystem, combined with Argentina’s agricultural and technological capabilities, presents opportunities for complementary growth.
Strategic Sectors Drive Bilateral Agenda
Building on this commercial foundation, officials identified priority sectors for collaboration. The meeting included Fanny Valdivia, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and Eduardo Ron, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with representatives from economic development agencies.
Participants discussed opportunities in agroindustry, technology, manufacturing, tourism and energy. These sectors represent key areas for economic development in Jalisco, combining productive capacity, innovation and access to international markets. Authorities noted that cooperation in these industries could accelerate investment flows and strengthen competitiveness.
Officials also emphasized that these sectors align with global trends driven by nearshoring and supply chain reconfiguration. By leveraging complementary strengths, both regions aim to develop joint projects and deepen economic integration.
Mexico and Argentina Maintain Longstanding Economic Ties
The growing collaboration between Jalisco and Argentina takes place within a broader bilateral relationship between Mexico and Argentina that continues to evolve. In 2025, both countries marked 137 years of diplomatic relations, highlighting a partnership shaped by economic, political and cultural cooperation since formal ties were established in 1888.
The commercial relationship is supported by several institutional frameworks, including Economic Complementation Agreement No. 6 (ACE 6), signed in 1986 and updated in 2006, which covers approximately 35% of traded goods, reported MBN.
The agreement is complemented by ACE 55, which regulates automotive trade and provides preferential tariff conditions. Additionally, the Strategic Association Agreement (AAE), in force since 2008, has strengthened cooperation through presidential summits, ministerial meetings and technical committees.
Despite these frameworks, bilateral trade has declined since 2014. In 2024, Argentina represented 0.13% of Mexico’s exports, totaling US$812 million, and 0.18% of imports, valued at US$1.14 billion, resulting in a US$330 million trade deficit for Mexico. Mexico’s main exports to Argentina included motor vehicles, particularly from the State of Mexico, Mexico City, and Nuevo Leon, while pharmaceutical products dominated imports from Argentina.
Investment ties, however, continue to strengthen. Argentina announced US$1.06 billion in foreign direct investment in Mexico in 2024, representing 12% of total foreign investment announcements. Between 1999 and 2024, Argentina’s cumulative investment in Mexico reached US$15.2 billion. In March 2025, Mercado Libre announced a US$3.4 billion investment to expand logistics, fintech and technological operations in Mexico.
Jalisco Strengthens Investment Appeal
The strengthening relationship with Argentina also comes as Jalisco continues to improve its investment performance. The state reported US$1.26 billion in FDI in 2025, marking a 14.2% annual increase and outperforming the national average of 10.8%.
New investments reached US$382 million in 2025, representing a 51% increase compared with the previous year and placing the state fourth nationwide. Manufacturing remained the primary driver of FDI, totaling US$719.6 million, up 15.8% year over year, reported MBN.
Reinvestment trends also point to sustained investor confidence. Reinvestment of profits totaled US$849.7 million, a 45% increase from 2024, indicating that companies already operating in the state are expanding operations. The main sources of foreign investment included the United States, Germany, and Japan.
