The article is structured around study of participation of international oil companies and independent national oil companies in the hydrocarbon industry of Brazil and Mexico. Results of tenders for exploration and production blocks are reviewed, results of liquid hydrocarbon production are presented for country as whole, as well as in onshore/offshore/pre-salt layer (Brazil case) context, and national oil company/international companies/independent companies context. The results of the analysis showed that the share of international and independent companies in oil and condensate production in Brazil and Mexico increased from 2016 to 2024, and the participation of these companies in the country's hydrocarbon industry had a positive impact both on the industry as a whole and on the national oil company. However, it was noted that the national oil company's low level of involvement in the development of the deep-water shelf in Mexico could have a negative impact on the company's development. Based on an research of the main factors driving the interest of international and independent companies in entering hydrocarbon production in the country, conclusion was made that increase in participation of these companies in production in Brazil is highly likely to continue, while the inconsistency of the actions of the political leadership of Mexico raises the question of the continued growth of such participation.