MEXICO CITY – Walmart de Mexico SAB (Walmex), the Mexican subsidiary of the U.S. retail giant, has announced a $6 billion investment in its Mexico operations for 2025. The company plans to expand its store network and implement advanced robotics in its logistics centers, reinforcing its commitment to the market despite economic uncertainties and looming trade tensions with the United States.
The announcement, made during Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily news conference, comes ahead of the company’s annual meeting with investors. The move is seen as a strategic boost for Sheinbaum’s administration amid potential U.S. tariff challenges and government budget constraints. According to Walmex CEO Ignacio Caride, the expansion will create around 5,500 jobs.
Walmex executives, including Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay, were among the first business leaders to meet with President Sheinbaum following her election. As the company strengthens its presence in Mexico through significant investments in retail and technology, it remains a key player in the country’s economic landscape.
Walmex did not disclose detailed spending plans, but the $6 billion investment marks a substantial increase from previous years. In 2024, Walmex recorded a capital expenditure of $1.9 billion across its territories, including Central America. Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart owns approximately 70% of Walmex, contributing around 7.6% of Walmart Inc.'s global sales.
The investment will fund new store openings under the Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenter, and Walmart Express brands. Currently, Walmex operates over 3,200 stores in Mexico, a market where competitors such as Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB and Coppel SA are also expanding to meet the demand for in-person shopping.
Following the announcement, Walmex shares rose 2.3%, reaching 57.68 pesos in early trading in Mexico City. The company’s stock has gained 5% this year.
Caride emphasized that 83% of the products sold in Walmex stores are made in Mexico, which could help mitigate potential impacts from tariffs on U.S. imports. President Sheinbaum is expected to announce Mexico’s response to U.S. trade levies after April 2, when President Donald Trump is set to reveal his full tariff policy.
Walmex will establish two new distribution centers in the Bajío region and Tlaxcala state to enhance operational efficiency. These centers will incorporate robotics and artificial intelligence and join Walmex’s existing network of 21 distribution facilities across Mexico.
Details of Walmex’s capital expenditure plans for its Central American operations are expected to be disclosed later this week.
With a market value of $49 billion, Walmex ranks among Mexico’s largest companies and employers, boasting a workforce exceeding 200,000. In 2024, the company reported an 8.1% increase in sales and a 4.3% rise in net income compared to 2023.
Despite its expansion, Walmex continues to face regulatory scrutiny. In December, Mexico’s antitrust commission, Cofece, imposed a symbolic fine of under $5 million following a four-year investigation that found Walmex had violated competition laws. The company is contesting the ruling.
