November 21st, 2025
HotTopics
MASS PROTESTS SIGNAL RISING SOCIAL DISCONTENTINMEXICO
On November 15th, a protest against President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, initially framed as a “Generation Z” mobilization, took place
As public frustration had been escalating due to rising violence, insecurity, and limited opportunities for young people; the movement gained traction through social media, with influencers and political actors amplifying the mobilization. The recent assassination of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo further intensified discontent, catalyzing the call for action. though many participants asserted they acted independently
It is important to note that the government characterized the protest as coordinated and artificially boosted through bots and right-wing networks
The protest underscores mounting pressure on the Sheinbaum administration and, despite the government’s claims of manipulation, the scale and spontaneity of participation indicate deeper public dissatisfaction that may shape Mexico’s political climate in the months ahead
Source: EL PAÍS
40-HOUR WORKWEEK BILL DELAYED
Mexico’s long-anticipated initiative to reduce the weekly workweek from 48 to 40 hours, which was initially expected to be presented on November 20th, is now likely to reach the Chamber of Deputies by December 15th, according to Ricardo Monreal. The reform has been under preparation by the Secretary of Labor following the President’s direct request for a finalized draft. Despite the delay, this initiative is still expected to pass soon, especially considering the current tense socio-political environment, as it may serve as a strategy to leverage the situation.
TRUMP SIGNALS POSSIBLE NEW ACTIONS AGAINST MEXICAN CARTELS
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump is weighing “additional measures” against drug cartels in Mexico, even as it praised President Claudia Sheinbaum’s “historic advances” in security cooperation. The remarks follow Trump’s comments earlier in the week, when he said he was “not happy” with Mexico’s performance against cartels and suggested he would not rule out authorizing strikes within Mexican territory Although he clarified that such action is not planned, he emphasized he would be “proud” to take that step if necessary.
President Sheinbaum rejected any possibility of foreign military intervention, reiterating that Mexico collaborates on intelligence-sharing but conducts all operations within its own jurisdiction The debate over potential U.S. action inside Mexico adds tension to a moment of intense scrutiny over bilateral security cooperation in North America, especially in the context of the protest happening in Mexico.
Source: ARISTEGUI NOTICIAS
Soruce: EL ECONOMISTA
HotTopics
MEXICO SETS NEW RECORD IN FDI
Mexico is on track to close 2025 with nearly USD 41 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), marking the highest figure ever recorded for a comparable period, according to the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard.
The total represents a 15% increase over 2024, surpassing expectations.
Ebrard emphasized that this increase reflects fresh capital rather than reinvestments, underscoring Mexico’s strengthening position as an attractive destination for global companies seeking long-term opportunities
The announcement adds to a broader narrative of economic resilience, as a strong FDI inflow affirms Mexico’s competitiveness in global supply chains and its ability to capitalize on nearshoring momentum.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
CUSTOMSLAWISPUBLISHEDINTHEDOF
The decree enacting reforms to the Customs Law, approved by Congress in October, has been published in the Official Gazette (DOF) Most provisions will take effect on January 1st, 2026, while rules on guarantee deposits, temporary imports, and the creation of an Advisory Council will take effect within one to three months The government now has 120 days to update the law’s regulations, and the Finance Ministry has 90 days to issue guidelines for the new Customs Council, which will manage licensing, suspensions, and sanctions for customs brokers and agencies.
Source: MILENIO
MEXICO BECOMES THE LARGEST EXPORT MARKETFORTHEU.S.FORTHEFIRSTTIME
Mexico became the United States’ top export market for the first time in 2025, surpassing Canada and marking a historic shift in North American trade dynamics, according to new data from the U S Department of Commerce. Between January and August 2025, U.S. goods exports to Mexico reached USD 226 billion (15 81% of all U S external sales) The figures underscore the deepening production integration between both countries.
This shift is largely driven by USMCA-linked production integration and resilient regional demand. Mexico’s new position reflects the structural realignment of North American supply chains, accelerated by nearshoring and geopolitical diversification. The milestone also reinforces Mexico’s leverage in bilateral economic discussions at a time of heightened political sensitivity in the trade relationship.
Source: MEXICO INDUSTRY
MINIMUM WAGE NEGOTIATIONS TO BEGIN ON NOVEMBER 27
Mexico will begin negotiations on the 2026 minimum wage increase on November 27th, allowing it to be implemented on January 1st, 2026.
The National Minimum Wage Commission’s (Conasami) Council of Representatives will meet to review proposals from employers, unions, and the federal government. President Sheinbaum signaled that the increase will be substantial and consensus-based, reiterating her long-term goal for the minimum wage to cover 2 5 basic baskets by 2030 Early estimates suggest increases of around 12% for the general minimum wage and 6% for the border region
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
Legislativeand RegulatoryIssues:
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Initiative to Amend, Add, and Repeal Various Provisions of the Public-Private Partnerships Law
• Presented by: Dip Felipe Miguel Delgado (PVEM)
• Objective: The initiative modernizes Mexico’s publicprivate partnership framework by defining mixed-investment projects, strengthening legal certainty, and promoting transparency and sustainability.
• Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on November 20th , 2025.
Minute that Issues the General Law to Prevent, Investigate, and Sanction Extortion Crimes and Amending Multiple Federal Statutes
• Presented by: Joint Committees on Justice and Legislative Studies
• Objectives: The opinion establishes a unified federal framework to define and prosecute extortion, mandating investigations, clear coordination rules, and stricter penalties It incorporates measures for combating extortion in prisons, ensures victimcentered reparations, and directs seized assets toward restitution, strengthening institutional capacity and national prevention efforts.
• Status: Approved on November 19th , 2025; sent to the Chamber of Deputies with modifications
ENVIRONMENTAL
Initiative Amending Provisions on Circular Economy and the Management of Waste
• Presented by: Parliamentary Group of the National Action Party
• Objective: Incorporate a legal definition of circular economy Prioritize fiscal incentives for circular processes, empowers SEMARNAT to promote certification schemes, and authorizes municipalities to regulate single-use plastics, enforce sanctions, and design incentives for recycling and substitution programs
• Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on November 20th , 2025
Initiative on the Protection of Aquifers, Wetlands and Receiving Bodies
• Presented by: Dip Jesús Martín Cuanalo (PVEM)
• Objective: Strengthens protections for aquifers, wetlands and receiving bodies by defining these sites in law, mandating adequate treatment infrastructure, restricting concessions in overexploited aquifers, and prohibiting discharges or waste deposits that contaminate national waters It establishes immediate remediation duties and aggravated sanctions for violations.
• Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on November 20th , 2025.
TRADE
Decree Amending, Adding and Repealing Various Provisions of the Customs Law
• Presented by: Federal Executive
• Objective: The decree modernizes Mexico’s Customs Law to strengthen revenue collection, combat tax evasion and undervaluation, and align the framework with new government entities. It enhances oversight of goods from non-FTA countries, enables restrictions on sensitive sectors, recognizes ANAM and SAT as customs authorities, and promotes digitalization through the new Digital Transformation Agency
• Status: Published in the Official Gazette on November 19th , 2025.
TRANSPORT
Modification to the Notice to Companies and Individuals on the Semi-annual Emissions Verification for Vehicles
• Presented by: Secretary of Infrastructure and Communication
• Objective: The modification extends the scheduled emissions-verification periods to allow orderly compliance and prevent inspection-unit saturation.
• Status: AIR exemption issued on November 19, 2025
