Thursday, November 12, 2026
ECONOMY

Jalisco's Economy Advances: Investment, Exports, and Strategic Sectors

Jalisco's Economy Advances: Investment, Exports, and Strategic Sectors

Jalisco reports economic growth, foreign investment, and strong export performance, particularly in electronics and semiconductors.

Jalisco reported advancements in economic growth, foreign investment, exports, and employment during the period covered in the Second Government Report by Pablo Lemus Navarro. According to Axis 1, “Jalisco, an Advancing Economy,” the state contributes 7.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and strengthens its participation in strategic sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and agribusiness.

One of the highlighted indicators is the 1.6% growth recorded by Jalisco in the Quarterly State Economic Activity Indicator (ITAEE). This figure, according to the report, is fourteen times the national average. This performance positions the state’s economy as a significant component of the country’s productive activity.

Foreign Investment and Exports Drive Economic Activity

In terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Jalisco attracted $1.2562 billion by the end of 2025 and registered $1.4065 billion during the first half of 2026, ranking fifth nationally. Furthermore, the report announces 35 investment projects valued at over $3.263 billion.

The dynamism was also reflected in foreign trade. During the first six months of 2026, the state’s exports totaled $40.963 billion, an annual growth of 120%, equivalent to 11.6% of the national total. With this result, Jalisco ranked second among the federative entities and first among non-border states.

The computer and electronic components sector accounted for 81.5% of the exported value, a proportion that underscores the industry’s significance in integrating Jalisco into global supply chains.

Semiconductors and Technology, Strategic Sectors

Technological development constitutes another cornerstone of the state’s economic strategy. Jalisco concentrates nearly 70% of semiconductor design companies in Mexico, according to the report.

Among the initiatives mentioned are the launch of the Jalisco Semiconductor Park (JASP), the Circuit 14 program focused on specialized suppliers, and the federal Kutsari project. These actions aim to strengthen design and supply chain capabilities linked to a strategic industry for electronics and technology.

Employment, SMEs, and Agriculture Expand the Productive Base

In the labor market, Jalisco reported 2,046,862 formal jobs as of September 2026, equivalent to 9% of the national total and sufficient to place it second in the country. The report also indicates an unemployment rate of 2.4% and a labor informality rate of 46.5%.

To expand access to financing, the state government highlighted the Arriba Jalisco strategy, PROJAL schemes, and the Impulso NAFIN + Jalisco and collaboration with FIRA programs. These mechanisms are designed to facilitate loans and support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as agricultural production units.

In the agricultural sector, the entity contributed 13.06% of the national GDP for this activity, maintaining a significant position in the country’s primary production.

2026 World Cup: An Opportunity for the Tourism Economy

The report also incorporates the economic impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jalisco received over 2.5 million visitors and recorded direct economic revenue exceeding 11.5 billion pesos. Air traffic operations also increased by 8% during June.

Collectively, the indicators presented show a state economy with strong participation from technology and export industries, complemented by agricultural, tourism, and service activities. The challenge will be to translate investment inflows, trade dynamism, and financing programs into greater productivity, formal employment, and opportunities for local businesses.

appears first on Líder Empresarial.