August 22-29, 2025
Hot Topics
EXPORT NUMBERS REFLECT GROWTH ACCORDING TO INEGI
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexico’s exports showed solid growth in July 2025 compared to the previous year The main driver was the manufacturing sector, which makes up majority of the country’s foreign sales and expanded at a healthy pace. This increase was strong enough to compensate for falling oil exports and a slowdown in the automotive industry. Within manufacturing, several categories stood out, particularly machinery and equipment for specialized industries. Exports of household metal goods and mining products also contributed positively to the overall performance
Source: El Economista
LAURAITZELCASTILLOWILLBETHENEW HEADOFTHESENATE
The Morena parliamentary group in the Senate announced that Senator Laura Itzel Castillo will preside over the Senate’s Board of Directors starting September 1st, replacing Gerardo Fernández Noroña, as the new ordinary session period begins. Senator Castillo is favored by President Sheinbaum, and thus will have closer ties to the Executive Branch
Source: El Universal
LEGISLATIVEPERIOD INSEPTEMBERWILL HAVENEWPRIORITIES
Beginning in September, Congress will open a new ordinary session with an agenda focused on consumer protection, environmental reforms, labor rights, and key economic issues. Priorities include stricter rules on food labeling and GMOs, regulation of digital advertising and greenwashing, limits on ultraprocessed foods and additives, and a new law on coffee production. Environmental debates will cover circular economy, plastics, water management, and indigenous consultation Labor initiatives feature a reduction of the workweek to 40 hours, expanded parental and special leave, higher year bonuses, and inclusion of vulnerable groups On the political side, the Green Party emerges as the third force, crucial for negotiations. Meanwhile, the President’s allies consolidate influence, with the Economic Package 2026 and customs reform set as early tests.
Source: El Economista
HUAMANTLA, TLAXCALA DEVELOPMENT POLE
President Claudia Sheinbaum, alongside Tlaxcala Governor Lorena Cuéllar, announced the Huamantla Development Pole in Huamantla, Tlaxcala, with a private investment of $540 million pesos from companies including Comercializadora Rabón and Germany’s Knipping Automotive. Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard stated that the Pole began construction and is set to be completed by February 28, 2026, with 80% of its space already committed to private investment
Source: El Sol de México
Hot Topics
"MAYO" ZAMBADA TRIALED INTHE US
The guilty plea of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in a New York court, including his acceptance of a giving up $15 billion USD, marks an important blow against one of Mexico’s most relevant cartel members Apart from his admissions of trafficking and corruption, Zambada revealed that he paid police, military commanders, and politicians to protect the Sinaloa Cartel, reinforcing suspicions of a deep state complicity While the US authorities present the case as a victory, experts doubt that such sums will ever be recovered, making the announcement as more punitive than practical. For Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s demand that seized assets benefit Mexican victims underscores the government’s attempt to project sovereignty, but Zambada’s claim that he was lured into US custody without due process could also risk portraying her administration as weak in defending national interests Furthermore, domestically, Morena could face legitimacy challenges if revelations of official collusion remain unaddressed. Lastly, internationally, the case could complicate USMCA dynamics: Washington may leverage cartel instability to press Mexico on security and trade enforcement, tying organized crime more closely to regional economic negotiations.
Source: El País
"CUARTODEJUNTO"TOTAKE PARTIN USMCANEGOTIATIONS
Mexico’s government and private sector, led by Marcelo Ebrard and the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE), are redefining the approach to the upcoming USMCA review. Unlike past renegotiations, consultations will focus on sectors rather than chapters, reflecting shifts in global trade and new priorities like semiconductors, which were absent in the 2017–2018 process The Cuarto de Junto, a business advisory group, will align with government negotiators to address sensitive areas such as automotive, steel, aluminum, agriculture, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. This sectoral focus responds to recent tariff pressures from the US and aims to strengthen Mexico’s position in North American supply chains.
Source: El Economista
HIGHER TARIFFS FROM MEXICO TO CHINESE PRODUCTS
Mexico's government is set to raise tariffs on Chinese imports, including cars, textiles, and plastics, as part of its 2026 budget proposal next month. Other Asian countries, like Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia, are also likely to be targeted to address transshipment to the US. This measure is part of Mexico's broader strategy to avoid higher U.S. tariffs and address the U.S. concerns over transshipment.
Source: El Financiero
Legislativeand RegulatoryIssues:
LABOR
Initiative With Draft Decree Amending Articles 263 And 994, And Adding 264 Bis Of The Federal Labor Law
• Presented by: Dip. Amancay González Franco (Plurinominal - MC)
• Objective: Regulates working conditions in road transport by imposing special obligations on employers such as ensure drivers have 8 hours of sleep before routes, limit driving shifts to 14 hours within a 24-hour period, require a second driver for trips exceeding 9 continuous hours, guaranteeing the first driver an 8-hour rest period.
• Status: 2025-08-27 –Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
CIBERSECURITY
Initiative With Draft Decree Adding Provisions To The Federal Criminal Code And The National Code Of Criminal Procedures
• Presented by: Dip. Rubén Ignacio Moreira Valdéz (PlurPRI)
• Objective: Creates a legal framework against cyberterrorism, cyberespionage, identity theft, and data kidnapping, establishing penalties from 2 to 30 years in prison and monetary fines. Grants federal jurisdiction when territoriality cannot be determined.
• Status: 2025-08-27 –Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
ENVIRONMENTAL
Initiative With Draft Decree Amending Articles 19, 28, 98, And 102 Of The General Law For The Prevention And Integral Management Of Waste
• Presented by: Dip. Claudia Sánchez Juárez (Mex - PVEM)
• Objective: Classifies unused textiles and clothing as special management waste. Obligates major producers, distributors, and traders to implement management plans, and mandates federal–state coordination for oversight. SEMARNAT must update regulations and NOM-083-SEMARNAT within 45 days.
• Status: 2025-08-27 –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.
