Coparmex flags security and investment challenges facing Sheinbaum government

Mexico’s largest business organization says insecurity and uncertainty are holding back investment during the first two years of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government.

The Confederation of Industrial Chambers, known as Coparmex, identified extortion, disappearances, stagnant investment and pressure on public spending among the problems requiring immediate action. “The pending issues persist and cannot be postponed,” the organization said in a statement led by its president, Juan José Sierra Álvarez.

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Extortion, disappearances, stagnant investment and the challenges in public spending continue to limit growth.

Coparmex cited its latest #DataCoparmex figures, which showed that one in every two companies became a victim of crime between October 2025 and March 2026. Extortion ranked first among the reported offenses. The organization also said more than 132,800 people are registered as missing and called for concrete measures to contain such crimes.

The group said gross fixed investment had yet to take off, reaching 21.2% in the first quarter of 2026, below the level a year earlier. Although foreign direct investment had reached record levels, Coparmex said that money did not represent new projects. It warned that industrial parks and relocation projects need sufficient, reliable and competitive supplies of energy and water.

Coparmex also said Mexico needs clear rules, reliable institutions and conditions that allow companies to make long-term decisions. Formal employment, which it called the country’s best social program, fell short of the required pace, with fewer than half the jobs needed created from January through July.

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We need sufficient, reliable and competitive energy and water for industrial parks and relocation projects.

The organization urged stronger support for micro, small and medium-sized businesses, which face barriers involving market entry, formalization, financing, productivity, digitalization and competitiveness. It said 34% of the population lacks access to health services and 18.6% faces educational disadvantage.

Coparmex listed continued dialogue with Mexico’s partners in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement as an achievement of the government’s first two years. It also viewed the restoration of diplomatic relations with Peru and closer ties with Spain positively, while saying the Mexico Plan should translate into investment.

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Without security there is no confidence, investment or conditions for growth.