Across Latin America, a powerful shift is underway. Insights from the 2026 TOEIC Global English Skills Report highlight how nearshoring, the expansion of global services, and increased foreign investment are creating new pathways for economic growth. But as companies scale across borders, one capability is emerging as a critical differentiator: English proficiency.

English proficiency is now foundational to participating in global value chains. It enables organizations to collaborate internationally, attract investment, and compete for higher-value opportunities. Employers across key Latin American markets overwhelmingly recognize this shift.

In Mexico, 92% of HR leaders say that lacking English proficiency creates a competitive disadvantage. In Brazil, that figure is similarly high at 88%.

These insights reflect a broader regional reality: as global collaboration increases, so does the demand for English. In Brazil, 77% of HR decision makers say that increased global collaboration heightens the need for English proficiency. In Mexico, 81% report the same.

Nearshoring is accelerating this trend. As companies relocate operations closer to North American markets, countries like Mexico are seeing increased demand for bilingual talent that can operate seamlessly across borders. Similarly, Brazil’s growing role in global services and digital industries is raising expectations for workforce readiness.

The rapid adoption of AI is not reducing the need for English; it is intensifying it. Across both Brazil and Mexico, HR leaders agree that AI cannot compensate for gaps in English proficiency.

AI is actually raising the bar. Employees are increasingly expected to interact with tools that operate in English, evaluate AI-generated outputs, and generate effective prompts. In Brazil, 73% of HR leaders say AI integration increases the need for English proficiency, compared to 71% in Mexico. 

This shift is transforming English from a functional skill into a strategic capability; one that enables organizations to fully leverage new technologies and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Despite strong demand, many organizations across Latin America continue to face challenges in building English proficiency at scale. HR leaders cite barriers such as time constraints, lack of prioritization, and limitations in existing solutions.

These gaps have real consequences. Without strong English capabilities, organizations risk misaligned hiring, slower growth, and missed opportunities to participate in global markets.

This highlights the growing importance of scalable, high-quality English assessment and  learning solutions that enable organizations to build workforce readiness and measure progress effectively.

At the same time, companies that invest in standardized, high-quality English assessments report stronger outcomes — including improved collaboration, higher employee satisfaction, and better competitive positioning.

As competition for talent intensifies, English proficiency is expected to become a standard requirement across more roles. Employers across Latin America anticipate a rapid shift toward requiring English assessment for new hires within the next five years.

For the region, this represents a significant opportunity. By investing in English proficiency, Latin American organizations can unlock access to global markets, attract international investment, and position their workforce for long-term growth.

English is not just a skill. It is a gateway that connects talent to opportunity, organizations to global networks, and Latin America to the future of work.

To explore more insights, download the full TOEIC Global English Skills Report and discover how English is powering workforce growth across Latin America.