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Walmart de México y Centroamérica (Walmex) has announced plans to invest over $6 billion in 2025. This announcement, made during a morning conference with Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, underscores Walmex's commitment to bolstering its presence in the region and enhancing its operational capabilities.

As one of Mexico's largest private employers, Walmex's investment will not only sustain but also expand its workforce, currently exceeding 200,000 direct and permanent jobs across the country.

The announcement, made by Ignacio Caride, Walmex’s president and CEO, comes at a crucial time as the company seeks to reinforce its market position amidst fluctuating trade policies. With over 5 million customers visiting its stores daily, Walmex not only contributes significantly to Walmart's overall sales – approximately 7.6% of the total – but also plays a vital role in the daily lives of Mexican consumers.

The retail giant plans to open additional stores under its various formats, including Bodega Aurrera, Sam's Club, Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Express. This expansion is expected to create approximately 5,500 new direct jobs, further solidifying Walmex's role as a key player in the Mexican labor market.

With over 3,200 existing locations in nearly 700 municipalities across all 32 states, this investment will enhance Walmex's footprint, ensuring that more consumers have access to its diverse range of products.

The investment will also facilitate the construction of two cutting-edge distribution centres in Bajío and Tlaxcala, incorporating robotics and artificial intelligence technologies. These state-of-the-art facilities will streamline operations, improve supply chain efficiency and ultimately enhance the shopping experience for millions of customers.

A spokesperson for Walmex stated: “This announcement strengthens Walmart de México y Centroamérica's solid purpose to help Mexican families save money and live better, reaffirming our long-term commitment to the country.” Such advancements not only reflect Walmex's dedication to innovation but also its strategic focus on meeting the evolving needs of consumers in a competitive market.

Walmex's investment aligns with its broader mission to support the Mexican economy. The company boasts a robust supply chain of over 33,000 suppliers, with 85% categorised as small and medium enterprises. Notably, 83% of the products sold in its stores are proudly 'Made in Mexico'.

This commitment to local sourcing not only boosts the domestic economy but also mitigates the potential impact of tariffs that may arise from ongoing trade discussions between the US and Mexico.

As American president Donald Trump continues to navigate the complexities of trade relations, Walmex's focus on promoting Mexican-made products positions it favourably against any potential tariff implications. The upcoming decisions regarding US tariffs, set to be revealed after April 2, will undoubtedly influence the broader market landscape, but Walmex's proactive approach aims to cushion any adverse effects.