Why Latin America Is Becoming a Key FDI Destination Amid Global Supply-Chain Shifts

04 December 2025

Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Latin America’s Role in De-risking Semiconductor Supply Chains

Global supply chains are undergoing one of the largest structural realignments in decades — and the Americas are at the center of this transformation. As firms rethink exposure to geopolitical risk and long, fragile production networks, Latin America is emerging as a high-value investment destination, particularly for advanced manufacturing and technology-linked industries.

According to the CSIS analysis, Latin America is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative for semiconductor and electronics supply chains as companies diversify away from concentrated production hubs in East Asia. The region offers cost-competitive manufacturing, skilled labor pockets, improving logistics networks, and something no technology investor can ignore: proximity to the United States, the world’s largest innovation ecosystem and consumer market.

This geographic advantage is now translating into real investment momentum. As global manufacturers look to “nearshore,” Latin America provides a lower-risk environment for companies seeking operational stability, reduced transport costs, and integration with North American value chains. CSIS highlights that this shift is already influencing decisions in industries spanning semiconductors, automotive components, digital hardware, and industrial machinery.

For foreign investors, three dynamics stand out:

1. Structural Supply-Chain Rebalancing
Multinationals no longer want to rely solely on single-region sourcing. Latin America’s role in semiconductor de-risking — as detailed by CSIS — is only the beginning. The same logic extends to batteries, electronics, medical devices, and high-value manufacturing.

2. Expanding Industrial and Digital Capacity
Countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica are strengthening their industrial infrastructure and digital-technology ecosystems. CSIS notes that these improvements make the region increasingly viable for complex, tech-intensive operations.

3. Rising Competitiveness Across the Americas
The Americas as a whole are gaining strategic importance:
• The United States continues to attract massive global capital flows due to innovation strength.
• Latin America is aligning itself with U.S. and global companies looking to diversify production.
This combination creates a powerful investment corridor spanning North, Central, and South America.

The shift is clear: Latin America is no longer seen only as a commodity exporter — it is positioning itself as a key node in the next generation of global manufacturing. Supported by improving competitiveness, strategic location, and rising nearshoring activity, the region is emerging as a strong FDI contender for the decade ahead.

Why Latin America Is Becoming a Key FDI Destination Amid Global Supply-Chain Shifts