July 11-18, 2025
Hot Topics
TRUMP'S NEWTARIFFSON MEXICOANNOUNCED
In July 12, 2025, President Trump threatened to impose a 30% tariff on Mexican imports starting August 1st, citing Mexico’s alleged failure to dismantle drug cartels and stop fentanyl trafficking. Also, Trump has already imposed a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes, claiming unfair pricing practices. However, the letter sent to Mexico it did not clarify whether the 30% tariff would apply only to non-USMCA products or to all imports. Nevertheless, a White House official suggested that USMCA-covered goods might remain exempt, according to the NYT
In response, a Mexican delegation composed of the Ministry of Economy (SE), Ministry of Foreign Relations (SRE) , and Ministry of Finance (SHCP) traveled to Washington to negotiate and attempt to reach a deal that might prevent the new tariffs. In light of, this President Sheinbaum expressed confidence that both governments could agree on a new security arrangement before the deadline. Lastly, analysts suggest Trump may be using trade threats to pressure Mexico into targeting political figures linked to organized crime
Source: NYT
RONALDJOHNSONCOMMENTSONMEXICOUSRELATION
During a gala in Mexico hosted by the American Society, US Ambassador Ronald Johnson emphasized unity, praising US-Mexico cooperation on many fronts. He stressed that “America First” does not mean “America alone.” However, his comments about China attempting to impose financial control in the Western Hemisphere triggered strong backlash from China’s Embassy in Mexico The Chinese Embassy also stated that the comments alude to Cold-Warlike statements This could show global tensions and China's influence in Latin America, raising concerns about geopolitical competition that could complicate Mexico’s relationship in North America.
Source: LA JORNADA
RISING TENSIONS AMID US-MEXICO WATER AGREEMENT
The worsening water shortage at the US-Mexico border has reignited tensions over the 1944 water treaty, as Mexico fails to meet its obligations amid severe drought. While President Sheinbaum acknowledges the shortfall, the frustrated Texas farmers and the Trump administration are pressuring Mexico, with possible trade sanctions. This could the US leverage in future negotiations, as it controls a larger volume of water from the Colorado River. With Mexico heavily reliant on this supply for cities like Tijuana and Mexicali, Washington could use the treaty's imbalance as a bargaining tool to extract concessions in trade, migration, or security matters
Source: ANIMAL POLÍTICO
Hot Topics
MEXICAN BANKS FINED AFTER MONEY LAUNDERING ACUSATIONS
Mexico’s banking regulator (CNBV) sanctioned CIBanco, Intercam, and Vector with fines totaling $185 million pesos following US accusations of money laundering and organized crime links. Now, the firms are facing operational risks, liquidity loss, and reputational damage, making Mexican authorities to intervene and separate fiduciary businesses. Nevertheless, a US Treasury delay in restrictions, secured through bilateral dialogue, bought time for corrective actions On this note, the episode exposes vulnerabilities in Mexico’s financial oversight and shows US influence over Mexico’s financial system. Lastly, the case could strain bilateral trust but also deepen regulatory cooperation, as both nations seek to prevent systemic risks and criminal financial flows.
Source: EL FINANCIERO
GOVERNMENTANNOUNCESSTRATEGYTO STRENGTHENTHENATIONALELECTRIC SYSTEM
Mexico’s new strategy to strengthen the National Electric System focuses on coordination, infrastructure upgrades, and expanding generation capacity to meet rising demand. While the government highlights these efforts as essential to ensure stable electricity, there critics argue the plan lacks depth. For example, opposition deputy Daniel Chimal García criticized the strategy as a distraction from more pressing national issues like insecurity and diplomatic tensions with the US
The deputy claims the plan does not address the root causes of blackouts and calls for greater private sector involvement to ensure reliable supply. Also. according to Chimal, without firm security measures or real collaboration, natural disasters and vandalism will continue to trigger outages, harming the economy and leaving Mexico vulnerable during high demand periods.
Source: FORBES MÉXICO
CUSTOMS VACATION PERIOD ANNOUNCED
The National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) announced its first official vacation period for 2025, running from July 21 to August 1. Meaning that during this time, legal deadlines and procedures before the agency will be suspended. Moreover, any filing deadlines, response periods, or procedural terms do not run during this time Also, egal entities involved in procedures before ANAM gain additional time since the clock on legal terms pauses.
Source: OFFICIAL FEDERAL GAZETTE
Legislativeand RegulatoryIssues:
ENVIRONMENTAL
Point of Agreement on the Reduction of Plastic Use
Presented by: Sen. Alberto Anaya Gutiérrez (National ListPT)
Objective: Urges various agencies to strengthen public policies to reduce plastic use, especially single-use plastics, through regulation, environmental education, innovation incentives, and recycling.
Status: 2025-07-16 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
LABOR
Initiative With Draft Decree to Amend and Add Various Provisions to the Food Aid Law for Workers
Presented by: Dip. Carlos Alberto Guevara Garza (NLPVEM)
Objective: Requires employers with more than 50 workers to provide food aid programs. Micro and small businesses may participate voluntarily through public-private co-financing. .
Status: 2025-07-16 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Initiative with Draft Decree to Add a Section to Article 73 of the Constitution
Presented by: Dip. Irais Virginia Reyes De La Torre (Plurinominal - MC)
Objective: Empowers the Congress of the Union to enact laws on artificial intelligence, establishing the foundations for its development, use, and regulation, aiming to guarantee human rights, legal certainty, equity, and social welfare.
Status: 2025-07-16 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Initiative with Draft Decree to Amend Section A) of Fraction XXI of Article 73 of the Constitution Regarding Extorsion
Presented by: Federal Executive
Objective: Empowers the Congress of the Union to issue general laws that establish minimum criminal types and sanctions related to extortion.
Status: 2025-07-10 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
NOTE:
These initiatives were presented during the Extraordinary Period by the Permanent Commissions. Meaning that they would have to be referred to Congress on the next Legislative Period if they were to be approved.
