September 26 – October 3rd, 2025
Hot Topics
MEXICO-US SECURITY COOPERATION RECENTDEVELOPMENTS
Mexico and the United States are entering a complex phase in security cooperation marked by both collaboration and tension. The Mexican Senate approved the entry of US Special Forces to conduct joint training exercises with Mexico’s Navy in Estado de México and Veracruz This program, requested by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to strengthen intelligence, infiltration, and reconnaissance skills while enhancing bilateral coordination At the same time, US. President Donald Trump formally declared the country at war with major drug cartels across the Western Hemisphere, including in Mexico. By designating cartels as “terrorist organizations,” Washington has expanded military powers to act globally, raising concerns about sovereignty, legality, and the risk of civilian harm
Source: CNN
MINISTRY OFECONOMY BEGINS CONSULTATIONSOF THE USMCA
Mexico has begun a consultation process to prepare for the 2026 review of the USMCA The Ministry of Economy, with support from the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), is engaging 30 strategic sectors through national forums and state-level meetings This effort seeks to incorporate perspectives from businesses, workers, and regional governments, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that reflects Mexico’s priorities in trade and competitiveness. Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard emphasized the unprecedented inclusivity of this process, while CCE president Francisco Cervantes stressed that the review represents an opportunity to strengthen North American integration, attract investment, and boost employment Parallel to these consultations, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer signaled that Washington may favor bilateral negotiations over trilateral ones, hinting at a possible shift in dynamics. He also pointed to concerns about Mexico’s compliance with existing commitments. Together, these developments highlight the challenges and opportunities Mexico faces as it positions itself for a decisive phase in North American trade relations
Sources: GOBIERNO DE MÉXICO
TENSIONS RISE AMID SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY CHAINS
Tensions between China, the United States, and Mexico have sharpened over semiconductor supply chains At the U S -Mexico Semiconductor Forum, U S Chargé d’Affaires Mark Johnson warned that Washington would not tolerate dependence on Chinese technology and urged Mexico to align with U.S. industrial strategy. In response, the Chinese Embassy in Mexico expressed “strong dissatisfaction,” accusing Washington of imposing geopolitical competition and seeking to use Mexico as a tool. Beijing argued that such rhetoric undermines the Global South and exposes U.S. monopolistic intentions. China reaffirmed its commitment to multipolar globalization and urged Washington to abandon coercive, zero-sum approaches to cooperation.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
Hot Topics
NEW WATERLAW INITIATIVE INTRODUCED
At the VIII Congress of the Network of Social Researchers on Water, over 240 experts, students, and activists issued a “Declaration for Water Justice,” demanding the repeal of Mexico’s 1992 National Water Law and the creation of a new framework centered on equity and sustainability They argue that the water crisis stems from extractivist economic policies and called for limits on concessions, bans on harmful practices, protection of ecosystems, and democratized water management. Their demands coincide with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s proposal to reform existing legislation, sparking debate in Congress over reforming or fully replacing the current legal framework
Source: El Financiero
THE AMMENDEMENTS TO THE AMPARO LAW
The Senate approved reforms to the Amparo Law, promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aiming to curb abuses by powerful actors, such as tax debtors, while making processes more efficient and digital. The reform allows amparos for individual or collective harm, extends deadlines for rulings, and limits suspensions in cases like money laundering, terrorism financing, or public debt. However, Sheinbaum criticized Morena senators for adding a transitional article that would apply the reform retroactively, which she said violates the Constitution Human rights groups warned the changes could weaken protections and reduce the law’s effectiveness in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Source: EL FINANCIERO
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH DISCUSSES LABOR ISSUES
In September, Mexico’s Congress introduced more than 40 labor initiatives, bringing the legislature’s total to nearly 250. Proposals addressed diverse issues such as equal pay, reduced working hours, vacation time donation, and transparency in recruitment Among the most notable was a push to establish a 40-hour workweek and seven-hour daily shifts, aligning labor laws with international standards. Other measures included allowing workers to donate unused vacation days, requiring companies to disclose salaries in job postings, and obligating recruiters to update candidates on hiring outcomes. Equal pay reforms were also proposed in both employment and professional sports Additionally, pending initiatives include bereavement leave, protections against workplace violence, preventive medical leave, and wage protection, underscoring labor reform as a central legislative priority.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
Legislativeand RegulatoryIssues:
LABOR
Article 123 Of The Constitution, On Medical Leave For Incapacitating Dysmenorrhea
• Presented by: Sen. Lilia Margarita Valdez Martínez (Dgo - MORENA)
• Objective: Provide women employees diagnosed with primary or secondary incapacitating dysmenorrhea one to three days of paid menstrual leave per month, without affecting salary, seniority, bonuses, vacation, or other labor rights.
Employees must present a medical certificate valid for one year. Employers cannot dismiss or coerce workers due to this condition or childcare responsibilities.
• Status: 2025-10-01 –Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
Article 123 Of The Constitution, On Bereavement Leave
• Presented by: Rep. Eduardo Gaona Domínguez ( - MC)
• Objective: Employers would be required to grant five paid working days of bereavement leave to employees upon the death of a parent, sibling, child (biological or adopted), or spouse/partner.
Employees have 20 calendar days to submit official documentation proving the death.
• Status: 2025-10-01 –Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
FINANCIAL
Initiative To Amend Articles 96 And 152 Of The Income Tax Law
• Presented by: Parliamentary Group of the National Action Party (PAN)
• Objective: The initiative establishes that employers making payments for income from personal subordinate services must withhold and remit monthly amounts as provisional payments toward annual income tax. No withholding will apply to workers earning up to two general monthly minimum wages. Employers must report these amounts monthly to the tax authority. Additionally, the measure clarifies that it does not apply to income already exempt or subject to definitive tax, and individuals with taxable income not exceeding the equivalent of twelve months of two minimum wages must declare the total amount in their annual tax return.
• Status: 2025-09-30 –Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
PATENT REGISTRATION
• Initiative With Draft Decree To Amend Articles 1 And 25 Of The Political Constitution Of The United Mexican States
• Presented by: Sen. María Guadalupe Chavira De La Rosa (CDMX - MORENA) (View actor profile)
• Objective: Seeks to establish the obligation of companies to promote and respect human rights, prevent and repair damages from their activities, and implement due diligence processes. It also mandates federal and state plans to foster a culture of human rights in all productive sectors, with the creation of a National Program on Corporate Responsibility and Human Rights.
• Status: 2025-09-30 –Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
