Prodensa Weekly Manufacturing Report Mexico November 19 2025
GENERAL SITUATION IN MEXICO
Weekly Review I November 19, 2025
US - MEXICO PRESIDENTIAL NEWS
Security Cooperation
• Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), together with the U.S. Treasury Department’s OFAC and FinCEN, carried out coordinated operations to freeze accounts and halt the activities of companies allegedly linked to the Pacific Cartel, reinforcing bilateral efforts to counter money laundering networks.
• Authorities found that 24 companies and seven individuals operated cross-border financial structures moving more than one billion pesos through networks spanning Mexico, the United States, Canada, Belize, Panama, Romania, Poland, and Albania.
• Mexico’s Finance Ministry emphasized that these joint actions underscore the strengthening of bilateral financial intelligence cooperation and compliance, highlighting both countries’ commitment to protecting the integrity of the financial system and combating organized crime.
SOURCES: MILENIO
US - MEXICO PRESIDENTIAL NEWS
USMCA Negotiation Processes
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) urged the Trump administration to strengthen investment protections in the USMCA as part of the ongoing joint review, arguing that recent judicial reforms in Mexico have increased legal uncertainty for U.S. investors.
• In a letter submitted to the USTR under the formal consultation process, the USCC highlighted cases of alleged discrimination and expropriation faced by U.S. companies in Mexico, calling for reinforced enforcement of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) and State-State Dispute Settlement (SSDS) mechanisms.
• The chamber argued that enhanced protections are essential to ensure that foreign investors can rely on Mexico’s legal system and safeguard against potential abuses of executive or legislative power.
• The USCC also stressed that allowing USMCA partners to weaken investment protections would set a precedent of accepting discriminatory treatment against U.S. firms, undermining their global competitiveness.
SOURCES: EL ECONOMISTA
Foreign Trade and Tariffs
• Mexico reached a new all-time high in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first half of 2025, marking its fifth consecutive year of record inflows. According to preliminary government data aligned, FDI surpassed 34 billion dollars between January and June, consolidating Mexico as the world’s fifth-largest destination for international capital. The trend reflects confidence in Mexico’s manufacturing base, geographic position, and integration with the U.S. market under the USMCA framework.
• The United States remained Mexico’s top investment partner, accounting for roughly 43 percent of total inflows.
• This latest record strengthens Mexico’s position ahead of the 2026 USMCA review, providing political leverage as all three partners assess trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation. It also signals that, despite macroeconomic uncertainties and ongoing security challenges, investor sentiment continues to favor Mexico’s role in North America’s competitiveness and its potential to attract longterm industrial investment.
SOURCE: SECRETARIA DE HACIENDA
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AND INITIATIVES
LABOR
• BILL WITH DRAFT DECREE ADDING SECTION XXXIV TO ARTICLE 132 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW TO GUARANTEE WORKPLACE ETHICS
Presented by: Deputy Carlos Eduardo Gutiérrez Mancilla (PRI)
Objective: To require employers to establish a Workplace Ethics and Conduct Code that includes minimum standards for respect, prevention, and sanction of harassment, violence, and discrimination, as well as confidential reporting mechanisms ensuring accessibility and protection for all workers.
Status: 2025-11-12 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
• BILL WITH DRAFT DECREE AMENDING, ADDING, AND REPEALING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW, AND THE FEDERAL LAW OF WORKERS IN THE SERVICE OF THE STATE
Presented by: Senator Geovanna del Carmen Bañuelos De la Torre (MORENA)
Objective: To ensure that pregnant workers who do not meet minimum contribution periods still receive maternity subsidies covered by the State. It prohibits conditioning maternity leave or subsidies on seniority or contribution time.
Status: 2025-11-11 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AND INITIATIVES
FISCAL
• INITIATIVE ADDING SECTION III BIS TO ARTICLE 93 OF THE INCOME TAX LAW
Objective: Proposes exempting income tax on payments granted for Labor Day, punctuality and attendance bonuses, and seniority premiums.
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on November 11, 2025
TRANSPORTATION
• BILL WITH DRAFT DECREE ON PREVENTING ACCIDENTS FROM TRANSPORTING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN URBAN AREAS
Presented by: Deputy Rosario del Carmen Moreno Villatoro (PVEM)
Objective: To mandate coordinated federal action to regulate routes, schedules, and safety protocols for transporting hazardous materials in urban areas, requiring risk-mitigation plans, certified personnel, real-time monitoring systems, and environmental risk mapping to prevent accidents and protect public health and the environment.
Status: 2025-11-11 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
NEWS BY STATE
BAJA CALIFORNIA
The ProBaja Trade and Investment Roadshow in CDMX continued to expand global collaboration and accelerate new investment opportunities for Baja California’s industrial growth. Through productive meetings with Becton Dickinson—who announced an expansion in Tijuana bringing 400–500 new jobs— Bosch, and Honeywell, the delegation highlighted the region’s advanced manufacturing strengths, supplier development potential, and “Best Cost Location” advantages. Engagements with Switzerland Global Enterprise, the Embassy of Canada, KOTRA México, the British Embassy, and the French delegation reinforced strong international interest, leading to new business seminars, follow-up agendas, and strategic alignment toward major events such as Mexico Business Network 2026 and the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. These activities strengthen Baja California’s position as a competitive, innovation-driven hub for global industry.
SOURCES: TIJUANA EDC, MEXICALI EDC
NEWS BY STATE
NUEVO LEON
Nuevo León is set to become Latin America’s leading hub for artificial intelligence and advanced computing thanks to a historic $1 billion investment announced by Governor Samuel García. Spearheaded by AI–GDC and CIPRE Holding with NVIDIA technology, the project will establish Mexico’s first green AI data center, operating under a 10-year development plan to strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem through clean energy, automation, and advanced computing. The initiative includes the creation of a new Subsecretariat for Investments, Innovation, and AI, and aims to drive high-tech job creation, talent development, and collaboration with universities and startups. Construction begins in 2026 and will position Nuevo León as a top destination for the digital economy and future-driven industries in the region.
SOURCE: REAL ESTATE MARKET & LIFESTYLE
NEWS BY STATE
GUANAJUATO
Guanajuato has surpassed 40% of its six-year investment goal with 41 industrial projects totaling $3.28 billion USD and generating more than 9,700 formal jobs, according to the state’s Ministry of Economy. The milestone was highlighted during the inauguration of Markdom’s new $25 million manufacturing plant in Irapuato, which will produce precision plastic components for automotive and consumer industries, creating 300 jobs and strengthening local supply chains that serve major OEMs in Mexico and abroad. With a target of attracting $8 billion USD this administration, the state continues to drive economic diversification, technological development, and strong ties with international investors — particularly from Canada, which maintains a significant presence through 15 active projects. This investment momentum reinforces Guanajuato’s competitiveness and commitment to a robust, innovation-focused industrial ecosystem.
SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY
SAN LUIS POTOSI
BMW reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Mexico by announcing that production of the fully electric BMW iX3 will begin in 2027 at the San Luis Potosí plant, supported by an €800 million investment to expand electromobility and the Neue Klasse platform. Highlighted during Automotive Connection Potosí 2025, BMW emphasized the facility’s sustainability — powered entirely by clean energy — and its flexible manufacturing capabilities for combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles. With more than 3,700 employees, a strong supplier network, and growing female representation in leadership, the plant has already produced over 500,000 vehicles since 2019. The new high-voltage battery assembly plant under construction will enable next-generation EV technology, strengthening Mexico’s role as a strategic hub in BMW’s global transformation toward innovation and electric mobility.
SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY
NEWS BY STATE
MEXICO CITY
The Industrial Hub Vallejo, one of Mexico City’s most important manufacturing zones, is undergoing a renewed push to modernize its operations and attract environmentally friendly, high-tech investment. After decades marked by company departures, deteriorating infrastructure, and the spread of mixed-use developments, local industry leaders and authorities are working to reposition the area as a competitive and sustainable industrial hub.
A key initiative is the creation of the Technology Development and Innovation Center, designed to provide data processing and storage capabilities that strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and the community. The project aims to accelerate innovation, improve operatio-
nal efficiency, and support the transition toward cleaner industrial practices. Additional efforts include the development of a new waste-transfer and recycling facility, as well as targeted improvements to public spaces and basic urban infrastructure such as lighting, drainage, and road maintenance.
Home to around 500 companies that generate 46,000 jobs and contribute 4.7% of Mexico’s national manufacturing GDP, Industrial Vallejo is positioning itself for a long-term revival. Local business representatives emphasize that the district remains a strategic asset for Mexico City and a prime location for sustainable and technology-driven industries.
SOURCE: LA JORNADA
NEWS BY STATE
STATE OF MEXICO
The State of Mexico announced the development of six new industrial parks in the municipalities of Tultitlán and Tultepec, supported by approximately MXN 3.5 billion in private investment and expected to generate more than 2,800 jobs. The projects, led by industrial real estate developer Chesisa, reinforce the region’s position as one of the country’s most dynamic manufacturing corridors.
During the inauguration of one of the parks in Tultitlán, Secretary of Economic Development, Laura González highlighted the state government’s strategy to attract new investment through streamlined procedures, institutional support, and legal certainty for companies seeking to establish operations. She emphasized that the State of Mexico’s strategic location continues to provide competitive advantages that enable the expansion of industrial infrastructure, which now includes 228 operational parks.
SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY
PRODENSA INSIGHTS
TOP CAUSES OF TRADE DELAYS FOR MEXICO EXPORTS TO THE U.S. (AND HOW TO FIX THEM)
Mexico–U.S. trade is booming thanks to nearshoring and friendshoring, but too many exporters still face avoidable delays. In our latest blog, we break down the most common compliance pitfalls—from customs documentation to infrastructure bottlenecks—and how companies can solve them before they derail cross-border operations.
THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE: RETHINKING YOUR SHELTER MAQUILADORA STRATEGY IN MEXICO
Many manufacturers start with a shared shelter model to reduce risk and accelerate setup in Mexico—but as operations grow, so do the limitations. In this blog, we explore how transitioning to an independent shelter maquiladora can unlock greater autonomy, tax flexibility, and long-term cost control. If your company is ready to scale, it may be time to rethink your shelter strategy.
