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Industrial News Report WEEKLY LATEST NEWS IN MEXICO

OCTOBER 21, 2026

NEWS BY STATE NEW INVESTMENTS US MEXICO RELATIONSHIP LEGISLATIVE UPDATES PRODENSA INSIGHTS

US - MEXICO NEWS

US-MEXICO NEWS

USITC HEARING HIGHLIGHTS INDUSTRY CONCERNS OVER TIGHTER AUTOMOTIVE RULES The U.S. International Trade Commission held its October 14 hearing on the economic impact and operation of the USMCA automotive rules of origin as part of its 2027 review. Industry representatives from both the United States and Mexico cautioned against significantly tightening the existing framework, arguing that the current rules already require substantial North American content and that further increases could raise costs and disrupt regional supply chains. MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, said 72% of surveyed suppliers consider USMCA duty-free treatment extremely important to their North American operations, while nearly 46% of regional revenue depends on goods or inputs crossing at least one North American border. The association also reported significant compliance costs and supported preserving the current rules while limiting future adjustments to targeted, evidence-based changes. On the Mexican side, the Mexican Automotive Industry Association (AMIA) Director General Odracir Barquera warned that increasing regional-content requirements beyond the current 75% threshold could increase production costs, reduce investment and weaken North America’s competitiveness. AMIA also noted that some materials, parts and components required for advanced automotive technologies are still not produced within the region in sufficient volumes or at competitive costs. SOURCE: MEMA, USITC, LA JORNADA

US-MEXICO NEWS

ENERGY EMERGES AS A POTENTIAL LEVER IN U.S.– MEXICO TRADE TALKS President Donald Trump has pushed Mexico to deepen energy ties with the United States as both governments continue broader trade negotiations. According to Reuters, Trump raised the possibility of greater cooperation between U.S. and Mexican energy companies during talks with President Claudia Sheinbaum, including arrangements that could increase Mexican purchases of U.S. energy products. The Financial Times reports that energy is already the sector where the United States runs its largest trade surplus with Mexico, totaling about US$25 billion last year. Mexico’s manufacturing sector relies heavily on natural gas imported by pipeline from Texas, while U.S. gasoline and diesel also supply a significant share of Mexican demand. The two presidents have discussed a potential arrangement similar to a 2025 U.S.–South Korea deal, which combined investment commitments with US$100 billion in U.S. energy purchases. At the same time, greater U.S. energy purchases would sit uneasily alongside Mexico’s policy of “energy sovereignty.” Pemex continues to face declining domestic gas and oil production, while the FT notes that replacing competitively priced U.S. pipeline gas would require major investment over time. These conditions make energy an increasingly relevant component of the bilateral economic relationship as Mexico looks for areas where additional U.S. purchases could help address Washington’s concerns over the bilateral trade deficit. SOURCE: REUTERS, FINANCIAL TIMES

EBRARD BRIEFS LAWMAKERS ON U.S. TRADE NEGOTIATIONS Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard met with members of the Chamber of Deputies’ Economy, Commerce and Competitiveness Committee and the Social Economy and Cooperative Development Committee to brief lawmakers on the progress of Mexico’s trade negotiations with the United States. Ebrard said Mexico currently maintains favorable conditions for access to the U.S. market and reviewed the status of discussions with the country’s largest trading partner. The meeting also covered coordination between the Economy Ministry and Congress around Plan México, particularly the development of the Polos del Bienestar. Ebrard and lawmakers agreed to maintain dialogue on the economic and social development agenda, while the secretary is scheduled to appear before the same committees on Friday to continue discussions on Mexico’s trade and economic policy. SOURCE: SECRETARÍA DE ECONOMÍA

LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AND INITIATIVES PUBLIC FINANCE • FEDERAL REVENUE LAW FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027 — Presented by: Federal Executive (President Claudia Sheinbaum). Finance and Public Credit Committee, Chamber of Deputies. — Purpose: Establish federal revenue estimates of MXN 10.63 trillion for 2027 and authorize net domestic borrowing of up to MXN 1.7 trillion. During the legislative discussion, an amendment introduced by Deputy Ricardo Monreal (Morena) eliminated the MXN 300 million income ceiling for eligibility under the SAT Tax Regularization Program. The measure allows individuals and companies with qualifying tax liabilities from 2025 and previous years to receive reductions of up to 100 percent on fines, surcharges, and enforcement expenses, subject to legal requirements and full payment of the principal tax liability by December 31, 2027. — Status: 2026-10-15 – Approved by the Chamber of Deputies with 340 votes in favor and 109 against in the final vote. Sent to the Senate for further consideration.

LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AND INITIATIVES

TAXATION

FOREIGN TRADE

• DRAFT DECREE AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX LAW (ISR)

• DRAFT DECREE AMENDING AND ADDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE CUSTOMS LAW

— Presented by: Federal Executive (President Claudia

Sheinbaum). Finance and Public Credit Committee, Chamber of Deputies. — Purpose: Modify corporate tax deductions and expand eligibility for the Simplified Trust Regime (RESICO). The reform introduces restrictions on authorized deductions for companies with annual revenues exceeding MXN 50 million, limits the offset of previous fiscal losses to 50 percent of annual taxable profits, and reduces the net interest deduction ceiling from 30 to 20 percent of adjusted taxable income. It also extends the period for applying fiscal losses from 10 to 20 years and raises RESICO annual revenue thresholds from MXN 3.5 million to MXN 5 million for individuals and from MXN 35 million to MXN 50 million for legal entities. — Status: 2026-10-14 – Approved by the Chamber of Deputies with 322 votes in favor and 115 against in the final vote. Sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Sheinbaum). Finance and Public Credit Committee, Chamber of Deputies. — Purpose: Strengthen customs oversight, combat the undervaluation of imported goods, and improve compliance with customs regulations. The reform expands verification powers, allowing customs authorities to initiate procedures when declared import values are lower than those of identical or similar goods, while eliminating the previous 50 percent undervaluation threshold for precautionary seizures. It also introduces stricter penalties for customs violations, including fines ranging from 50 to 100 percent of the commercial value of hydrocarbons and petroleum products involved in documentation-related infractions. — Status: 2026-10-13 – Approved by the Senate in general and in particular, completing its passage through both chambers of Congress. Sent to the Federal Executive for enactment and publication in the Official Gazette (DOF). The reform is scheduled to enter into force on January 1, 2027.

NEWS BY STATE

BAJA CALIFORNIA The partial opening of the Otay II border crossing in Tijuana gives cargo transport a new route that should ease traffic in the city’s industrial zone and help maquiladoras. Federico Serrano Bañuelos, president of Index Zona Costa BC, said the first phase will carry about 1,500 trucks, starting with empty units and later adding loaded ones. Bringing them in gradually will let authorities assess traffic conditions while other border infrastructure projects move forward. He stressed that the goal is to make supply chains and export logistics faster by clearing bottlenecks on local roads, but it won’t immediately cut wait times at the border crossings. Mirna Ulrich Labastida, Index’s Director of Foreign Trade, noted that the new routes are especially useful from August to December, when manufacturing activity rises to meet yearend sales demand. That helps companies importing machinery and inputs, and those exporting finished goods on international delivery deadlines, particularly Tijuana’s large electronics manufacturing sector. SOURCE: INDUSTRIAL NEWS BC

NEWS BY STATE

SONORA Hermosillo will host the EXPO Industrial y de Negocios Sonora 2026 (Sonora Industrial and Business Expo) on November 4–5 at the ExpoGan Sonora venue. The event will gather the region’s productive sector for two days of activities: a commercial corridor and industrial exhibition, B2B business meetings, a business forum with talks and panels, a Sonora–Arizona Connections segment, and a networking barbecue. Companies and other attendees must register in advance through the official site, www.expocanacintrasonora.com, which also carries the event details. SOURCE: EXPRESO

NEWS BY STATE

CHIHUAHUA Chihuahua’s State Banking Center (CBE) and the state economic development organization DESEC met to review planned investment projects for the state capital and look at ways the financial sector and economic development bodies can work together. The meeting was led by CBE President Sergio Becerra Rodríguez and DESEC Director Luis Oliver Torres García, with representatives of the member banks taking part. Torres García presented initiatives meant to drive Chihuahua’s growth, so banks could spot where financing programs and partnership schemes might help. The two sides agreed on a work program to keep the dialogue going and move projects of interest forward. Becerra Rodríguez said banks need to understand the capital’s development plans to see where they can contribute, and that cooperation across sectors is key to sustainable growth. Torres García pointed to DESEC’s 53 years of promoting the state’s economic development through cross-sector collaboration. Bank representatives also offered options to back new projects, with particular interest in programs that develop local talent. SOURCE: PRO CHIHUAHUA

NEWS BY STATE

NUEVO LEON The ninth Energy Summit, held to mark the Nuevo León Energy Cluster’s 10th anniversary, closed with three collaboration agreements to strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure. Over two days, industry and academic experts discussed energy supply, industrial decarbonization beyond conventional electrification, self-supply and cogeneration options for manufacturers, efficient cooling for data centers, the legal framework for trading electricity, natural gas and fuels, and logistics infrastructure’s role in North American integration. The cluster signed an agreement with the Nuevo León Chamber of Real Es-

tate Owners (CAPROBI) to meet energy needs from vertical development and industrial hubs, and a second with the Northeast Electrical Contractors Association to strengthen technical cooperation. It also renewed its agreement with the ASHRAE Monterrey Chapter to promote climate-control solutions in buildings. Eleazar Rivera, the cluster’s general director, said the sector’s growth depends on more than physical infrastructure or installed megawatts: it depends on close cooperation among industry, academia and government. He added that energy security and decarbonization now set the pace of international competitiveness. SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY

NEWS BY STATE

COAHUILA Coahuila’s Ministry of Economy, together with Pro Coahuila and the state Ministry of Education, took part in SEMICON West 2026 in San Francisco, California, one of the leading international events for the semiconductor and advanced technology industry. The state delegation, led by Coahuila’s Secretary of Economy Luis Eduardo Olivares Martínez, aimed to strengthen ties with leading companies in the sector and promote the state’s industrial capabilities and skilled talent. Coordination between the economic and education agencies is meant to align workforce training with industry needs, a key factor in meeting demand for specialized personnel in high-tech sectors. The effort is part of Coahuila’s push to raise its profile in international business forums and position itself with companies developing semiconductors and other advanced technologies. SOURCE: VANGUARDIA

NEWS BY STATE

GUANAJUATO Guanajuato Puerto Interior Strengthens Business Ties with 20th Anniversary Golf Tournament Guanajuato Puerto Interior (GPI) held its 20th Anniversary Golf Tournament on October 15–16 at the Club Campestre de León, bringing together executives and companies from the Bajío’s industrial, logistics and automotive ecosystem. GPI Director General Héctor López Santillana said the main purpose was camaraderie rather than competition, and described Puerto Interior as an open, diverse community. He stressed the need for ongoing communication among companies whose focus on corporate targets can limit interaction, even when they sha-

re the same industrial park. Alberto Soto Ontiveros, president of GPI’s Council of Organizations (OGPI), also took part, and Carlos Talamantes, president of the Guanajuato Automotive Cluster (CLAUGTO), was recognized among the regional industry players present. Monex Grupo Financiero was the title sponsor, joined by companies such as Martinrea, Pirelli, Orbis, Cepsa, Tesla and Arca. About half of the sponsors are companies based inside GPI, which López Santillana called a sign of their commitment to the business community. The event closed with awards for the top three teams and for the closest-tothe-pin contests. SOURCE: CLUSTER INDUSTRIAL

NEWS BY STATE

QUERETARO Querétaro’s 2026 Industrial Summit generated 6,800 business matches between 80 buying companies and 580 suppliers, with an estimated economic impact of 6 billion pesos. It drew more than 9,600 visitors, twice as many as the previous edition, according to the state Ministry of Sustainable Development (SEDESU). Its head, Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, explained that after more than 20 years as the Industrial Expo, the event was redesigned to focus on business meetings, supplier development and stronger production chains. More than 7,000 people registered to do business over the three days, and 50 local companies exhibited their products through the

Quality Querétaro (Calidad Querétaro) initiative. Del Prete said follow-up B2B sessions and webinars will turn the event into a permanent business-matching platform. Raúl Lizarriturri Martínez, president of the Querétaro Automotive Cluster, highlighted the record number of meetings and attendees, and said future editions will help suppliers grow into strategic supply-chain partners. The event’s Job Fair offered more than 500 openings and placed 338 people in jobs. The next edition will run September 1–3, 2027, around five themes: smart plants, resilient supply chains, energy and circularity, high-value products, and a startup zone. SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY

INVESTMENT NEWS

NORTH OF MEXICO ARCOSA MEYER UTILITY STRUCTURES Arcosa Meyer Utility Structures inaugurated on October 14 a new galvanizing plant, Galva 61, in Castaños, Coahuila, with an investment of 2.1 billion pesos. The facility, described as the company’s largest in North America, increases galvanizing capacity and is expected to create more than 200 jobs. The project took more than two and a half years and involved 16 companies and teams from nine countries.

PILGRIM’S Pilgrim’s, the food producer, announced on October 15 an investment of 720 million pesos in a new prepared foods plant in Gómez Palacio, Durango, with its inauguration scheduled for November 5. The plant is expected to create 320 direct jobs, of which 200 are already filled, and will expand the company’s distribution coverage to other regions of Mexico. Durango Governor Esteban Villegas Villarreal announced the investment and toured the facilities.

SA AUTOMOTIVE SA Automotive announced on October 19 a new plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, with a total area of 23,226 square meters, developed jointly with its sister division SACO AEI. Operations in the first 11,613 square meter area are planned to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The first phase covers compression and injection molding for automotive interior and acoustic parts, with presses of 660 to 3,500 tons, and the plant will have direct rail access.

MÜLLER TEXTIL Müller Textil, the German technical textiles manufacturer, started construction on October 19 of a new building to expand its plant in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, located in the Amistad Industrial Park. The company has operated in Mexico since 2004 and makes three dimensional technical textiles and spacer fabrics for automotive, medical, industrial, and filtration applications. Amistad Industrial Parks is the infrastructure developer of the project.

INVESTMENT NEWS

CENTRAL MEXICO GRUPO RIFEL Grupo Rifel, a bakery company of Venezuelan origin, inaugurated on October 16 its second plant in Querétaro, located in the Kaizen II Industrial Park in Colón, with an investment of more than 100 million dollars. The plant aims to triple the company’s productive capacity and is expected to raise direct employment from 800 to more than 1,500 jobs. Governor Mauricio Kuri González led the inauguration.

CHESISA Chesisa, a real estate developer, announced on October 19 an investment of more than 1.1 billion pesos in three industrial parks in Tultepec, Estado de México, with approximately 5,000 jobs projected. The announcement was made during the inauguration of one of the complexes, which already hosts the operations of KUBOR, a Mexican company that assembles and distributes bicycles for the domestic market.

DAIDO METAL Daido Metal México, the bearing manufacturer, broke ground on October 19 on a new plant in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco, with an investment of 1 billion pesos, split between 500 million for infrastructure and 500 million for equipment. The project is the group’s second plant in Mexico, with construction scheduled to finish in December 2027 and operations expected in 2028. The plant will serve the automotive, marine, and industrial sectors. SOURCES: MARKET ANALYSIS, SIGLO DE TORREON, CLUSTER INDUSTRIAL, AL MINUTO NOTICIAS, MEXICO INDUSTRY

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C-TPAT and OEA: What to Check Before Leasing an Industrial Building in Mexico An industrial building may meet a manufacturer’s space and cost requirements but still present security and compliance challenges. For companies operating under C-TPAT or OEA standards, facility conditions can directly affect certification readiness, investment costs, and operational timelines. This article explores why supply chain security should be evaluated before signing a lease and how early assessments can help manufacturers identify potential gaps, avoid unexpected modifications, and protect long-term operations. • Why C-TPAT and OEA requirements matter in site selection • What security and infrastructure conditions to evaluate • How early assessments can prevent costly compliance issues

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