Weekly Report March 13th, 2026
Hot Topics USTR LAUNCHES TRADE INVESTIGATION ON MEXICO
on the agreement’s importance for Mexico’s economy,
The United States government announced the launch of trade investigations into 16 economies—including Mexico—to determine whether their industrial policies and manufacturing output create “structural overcapacity” that harms U.S. industry. The investigation will be conducted under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974, which allows Washington to respond to foreign practices deemed unfair or discriminatory. The investigation includes economies such as China, the European Union, Japan, India, Vietnam, and Mexico, and could eventually lead to the imposition of new tariffs. It is important to note that Canada is not mentioned. Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard downplayed the
while identifying concerns from the private sector.
potential impact on Mexico, noting that approximately
Among the main issues raised were U.S. tariffs on steel
85% of Mexican trade conducted under the USMCA is
and automobiles, uncertainties surrounding rules of
not subject to Section 301 measures. He explained that
origin, and the perceived asymmetry in the agreement’s
the probe is partly intended to provide legal grounds for
Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.
potential
Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, stated that the
invalidated the IEEPA tariffs. Nonetheless, this will be an
formal discussions with the U.S. will begin on March
important topic of negotation for Mexico at the
16th. This process will be key for the government of
conversations ahead of the USMCA review.
Mexico to solve concearns ahead of the formal review,
The USTR will begin receiving public comments on
which will begin in July 1st.
March 17th, with hearings scheduled to start in May.
Source: EL PAÍS, GOBIERNO DE MÉXICO
Source: LA JORNADA
MINISTRY OF ECONOMY PRESENTS RESULTS OF USMCA CONSULTATIONS Mexico’s Ministry of Economy released the results of
public consultations ahead of the upcoming review of the USMCA. The consultations revealed broad consensus
tariffs after the
U.S.
Supreme
Court
SHEINBAUM PRESENTS ELECTORAL REFORM “PLAN B” AFTER SETBACK President Sheinbaum announced that her administration will submit a “Plan B” electoral reform proposal to Congress next week after lawmakers rejected her broader constitutional initiative in the Chamber of Deputies. The new proposal will focus on reforms that do not require constitutional changes and can therefore be approved with a simple majority. The initiative is expected to include measures aimed at reducing institutional and political “privileges,” including cost reductions of municipal councils. The proposal may also seek to strengthen mechanisms for citizen participation and adjustments to the rules governing presidential recall referendums, potentially allowing the executive branch to decide whether the process takes place in the third or fourth year of a presidential term. Although the revised proposal has less implication to other parties than the original one, it is still unlikely that it will be approved considering that President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that, if it doesn’t pass in Congress, there is no problem. Nonetheless, this constitutes a political setback for the mandatory as it is her first Constitutional initiative that without the full approval from the MORENA coalition. Sources: EL FINANCIERO
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Hot Topics TRUMP PROPOSES HEMISPHERIC MILITARY STRATEGY AGAINST CARTELS
NORDIC BUSINESS MISSION SIGNALS STRONG INVESTMENT INTEREST IN MEXICO President Claudia Sheinbaum met with a delegation of more than 100 chief executives from Nordic companies at the National Palace, marking the largest business mission from Northern Europe to visit Mexico. The mission brought together senior leaders from major global companies such as AstraZeneca, Ericsson, Lego, Nokia, Novo Nordisk, and Volvo, many of which already operate in Mexico and are exploring opportunities to expand their presence. During the meeting, Sheinbaum highlighted Mexico’s openness to foreign investment. The president emphasized the potential for deeper technological cooperation and innovation between Mexico and Nordic companies. The visit reflects growing interest from European companies in strengthening their economic presence in Mexico, particularly in strategic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, logistics, and technology. For the Mexican government, the mission also forms part of broader economic diplomacy efforts to attract foreign investment, diversify markets and position the country as a key destination for global supply chains and innovation partnerships.
Source: INFOBAE
President Trump announced a security initiative called “Shield of the Americas,” aimed at coordinating allied governments to confront drug cartels across the hemisphere. The gathering notably excluded Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, underscoring divisions in security approaches. Trump offered U.S. military support to partner governments and suggested that advanced weapons could be used against cartel leadership. He also reiterated criticism of Mexico, describing it as the “epicenter” of cartel-related violence in the region. In response, President Sheinbaum reaffirmed that Mexico will not allow foreign troops to operate on its territory and emphasized that operations against organized crime remain exclusively under Mexican authority and reiterated calls for Washington to curb the flow of illegal firearms into Mexico. This highlights growing tensions over security policy in the region, proving that anti-cartel strategies is a recurring point of friction in bilateral relations with Mexico. Source: LA JORNADA, EL FINANCIERO
PLAN MEXICO ADVANCES WITH NEW INDUSTRIAL PARKS Developers affiliated with the Mexican Association of Private Industrial Parks announced the launch of 20 industrial parks linked to the federal government’s Plan México strategy, marking an early milestone toward the goal of developing 100 such projects nationwide. The parks represent more than $700 million in investment. The projects are located across 10 key states including Nuevo León, Baja California, Chihuahua, Jalisco, and Mexico City. The sites are designed to support sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and logistics. This is yet another example of efforts made by the government and to expand industrial capacity and position Mexico as a key manufacturing platform. Source: EL FINANCIERO
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Legislative and Regulatory Issues: INDUSTRY
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
LABOR
Draft Decree Amending The Federal Law For The Protection Of Industrial Property On Technology Transfer And Patent Process Simplification • Presented by: Legislative Studies and Economy Commissions • Objective: It seeks to strengthen scientific development, technological innovation, and technology transfer. It promotes faster patent approval processes. The initiative aims to improve regulatory efficiency and enhance Mexico’s competitiveness by supporting innovation. • Status: Approved on March 10, 2026, and sent to the Chamber of Deputies
Constitutional Electoral Reform • Presented by: Constitutional Points and Electoral Reform Commissions • Objective: proposes reducing public financing for political parties, regulating artificial intelligence in electoral content, enabling digital participation in popular consultations, and strengthening controls against illicit campaign funding. It also modifies the composition of Congress, adjusts proportional representation rules. • Status: Rejected on March 11, 2026
Initiative to Amend the Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data Held By Private Parties • Presented by: Sen. Víctor Mercado (MORENA) • Objective: The initiative defines digital platforms as private intermediaries between providers and consumers of goods or services and establishes new obligations for personal data controllers. These include implementing cybersecurity measures, notifying authorities of data breaches, limiting data collection, informing users about retention periods, etc. • Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on March 10, 2026
Initiative to Amend the General Law for the Prevention and Management of Waste • Presented by: Dip. María Guadalupe Morales Rubio (MORENA) • Objective: The initiative empowers authorities to promote sustainable production and consumption of biodegradable plastics, regulate single-use plastics and products containing microplastics, and reduce environmental impacts associated with plastic manufacturing and use. It also authorizes state governments to regulate or prohibit certain plastic products. • Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on March 10, 2026
Minute With Draft Decree Amending the Federal Labor Law on Digital Disconnection • Presented by: Chamber of Deputies • Objective: Establishes digital disconnection as the right of workers to refrain from engaging in work-related communications outside working hours, including during rest periods, vacations, and leave. It requires employers to respect this right and adopt internal policies regulating communication practices, promoting work-life balance while considering the nature of each employment relationship. • Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on March 10, 2026
ENVIRONMENTAL
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