Zacatecas formal jobs rose 0.8% in August

The state said it recovered 1,660 jobs from January through August and added 352 positions in the latest month. Manufacturing led the advance with annual job growth of 6.4%, making it the second-largest source of employment in the state and accounting for more than one-fifth of formal jobs.

Construction was the fastest-growing sector, rising 10.5% year on year and ranking Zacatecas ninth nationally in that activity. Transport and communications expanded 4.8%, also placing the state ninth nationwide, while commerce remained in positive territory.

For investors, the data points to a local economy that is still growing, but unevenly. Employment gains concentrated in manufacturing and construction tend to help suppliers, real estate and transport firms, while also reinforcing the pitch from state officials that Zacatecas is a viable destination for fresh capital.

Economy Secretary Jorge Miranda Castro said the figures reflect coordination between the state government, businesses and productive sectors, and said officials will keep pushing competitiveness and investment promotion.

The next test is whether the recent pace in payroll growth can hold as broader Mexican demand softens and companies remain cautious on hiring. A sustained pickup in formal jobs would strengthen the state’s investment story; any slowdown would quickly expose how narrow the current expansion remains.