Foreign Direct Investment in Construction Slows Down in Mexico: Energy, Water, and Telecommunications Hit the Hardest

The construction sector in Mexico is experiencing one of its worst droughts in foreign capital in nearly two decades, according to the Mexican Economy Secretary. In 2024, foreign direct investment (FDI) in this sector posted a $1.97 billion deficit, a net capital outflow unseen in at least nineteen years. The bulk of this loss came from water supply, oil, gas, electricity, and telecommunications projects, where the negative balance reached $2.47 billion—the worst loss in the sector's recent history.

But what does a foreign direct investment deficit really mean? Simply put, more money left Mexico than came in. Foreign companies operating in the country chose to withdraw capital instead of reinvesting it—whether by repatriating profits, selling assets, or abandoning projects. And this is not just a number in a balance sheet; it reflects an environment with complicated infrastructure investment. Regulatory uncertainty, shifting market rules, and a lack of clear incentives have temporarily eroded investor confidence.

The slowdown in new investments and reinvestments in Mexican infrastructure comes against the backdrop of several developments that have weakened certainty in key sectors. The reform of the Electricity Industry Law, which prioritizes the Federal Electricity Commission over private producers, illustrates how a rule change can impact companies operating in Mexico and major investment funds seeking long-term stability and predictability. The lack of clarity on future regulations has led many firms to reconsider their presence in the country.

But regulation is not the only issue. Mexico has undergone a shift in public investment priorities. Projects like the Maya Train and the Dos Bocas refinery have absorbed resources and contracts, diverting attention from critical areas such as water supply, electricity, and telecommunications. In an environment where government investment is key to driving private investment, the lack of complementary projects has reduced incentives for foreign capital to stay. Additionally, in 2024, Mexico faced a 5.9% fiscal deficit, partly due to the completion of mega-projects and increased social spending, further limiting the government's ability to invest in new infrastructure projects.

A global factor is also at play: restrictive monetary policy in the United States and other developed economies has driven up interest rates, making long-term investment financing more expensive. Mexico once competed with other destinations for cheap capital; today, it faces an environment where many investors seek safer, lower-risk markets.

However, this does not mean Mexico is no longer an attractive destination for foreign investment. Other sectors continue to receive foreign capital, and the country retains strategic advantages that position it as a key market in Latin America. Even within infrastructure and construction, the 2024 investment decline does not necessarily indicate a structural downturn but rather an adjustment that could reverse as market conditions and stability perceptions improve.