In January 2026, an important Italian diplomatic mission, led by the Ambassador of Italy to Mexico, Alessandro Modiano, took place in the Northeast of Mexico, and in particular in the states of Coahuila and Nuevo León. The objective of the mission, was to promote, to the local authorities, the strategic role of Italian companies present in the region for the strengthening and development of the "economic districts" or "clusters" of this area of Mexico.
Coahuila: a pillar for investments in Automotive and Energy
In Saltillo, the Ambassador met with the Governor of Coahuila, Manolo Jiménez, highlighting the excellence of Italian companies in key sectors such as energy and automotive. The Stellantis plant is a clear example of Coahuila's manufacturing and export capacity.
Modiano stressed the need to strengthen key sectors such as automotive, energy and logistics to foster Mexico's economic development. Afterwards, he met with representatives of important Italian companies located in the state of Coahuila (including Enel, Stellantis, Ariston and the Gentiloni Group) and visited Stellantis plants, where he was able to witness the use of advanced technologies.
Nuevo León: boosting industrial development and business dialogue
In Monterrey, the dialogue continued with the Governor of the State of Nuevo León, Samuel García. The Italian representative highlighted the contribution of Italian companies to local industrial development and represented to García the needs of these companies for the purpose of optimizing their operations.
In addition, a panel discussion was held in which several Italian companies that have made manufacturing investments in Nuevo León (such as Brembo, Danieli, E80 Group, Modula, Ompi Stevanato Group, Polo Industriale, Sacmi, Sit Manufacturing, Siti B&T Group, and System Ceramics North America) participated. The Ambassador offered the Diplomatic Authority's support to the Italian companies and listened to proposals presented to him, which were then addressed to the state government.
The mission to Nuevo León concluded with visits to the production facilities of Ompi Stevanato Group, Sit Manufacturing (celebrating 25 years in Mexico), and Brembo, world leaders recognized for their technological capacity and commitment to invest in the country.
Looking to the Future: the Modernization of the EU-Mexico Agreement
The reactivation of Italian capital to the Northeast is closely linked to legal certainty, with the T-MEC (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement) as an essential guarantee for business in North America and for large Italian companies aiming to "export northward."
Despite the caution in the private sector about the renewal of T-MEC, which could generate a "down year" in major investment announcements, the Italian Ambassador said this does not stop ongoing activities. He assured that the more than 2,000 Italian companies operating in Mexico, such as Stellantis in Coahuila, are "very satisfied" and continue to operate and export successfully.
A key boost for future investment will come from the long-awaited modernization of the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico and the European Union, scheduled for ratification in the first quarter of 2026. This agreement will eliminate tariffs on 99 percent of products and include mechanisms to promote mutual investment, heralding a new phase of growth for Mexico's Northeastern industrial clusters.
The Ambassador concluded his visit by emphasizing that Italy's strong industrial presence in the northern states of Mexico, with strategic investments in sectors crucial to the country, is vital for the consolidation of industrial clusters, which drive Mexico's economic development, and for the strengthening of the bilateral alliance with Italy. These sectors will certainly benefit significantly from the upcoming signing of the EU-Mexico Modernized Global Agreement.
Sources:
La Nación: "Politics: Italian diplomatic mission to northern Mexico" - January 23, 2026.
Vanguardia: "Stellantis success promotes Italian plan to create industrial clusters in Coahuila " - Jan. 22, 2026.
