January 30th, 2026
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SHEINBAUM AND TRUMP HOLD CALL ON TRADE ANDSECURITY
President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call described by both leaders as “very productive,” focusing on bilateral cooperation on trade, security, and the border. Sheinbaum said discussions confirmed progress in the overall Mexico–U S relationship and stressed that work related to the upcoming review of the USMCA continues, though no concrete agreements have been reached
On security, President Sheinbaum emphasized that both governments agree cooperation is advancing, while reiterating Mexico’s firm stance against joint security operations on its territory, limiting collaboration to information sharing. Trump, for his part, highlighted border security, anti-drug efforts, and trade, and announced plans to schedule future bilateral meetings in both countries.
Source: ANIMAL POLÍTICO
MEXICO–U.S. TRADE TALKS GAIN MOMENTUM AHEAD OF USMCA REVIEW
Trade negotiations between Mexico and the United States advanced this week following Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard’s meetings in Washington with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Both sides agreed to maintain close and intensive dialogue ahead of the 2026 review of the USMCA, focusing on issues such as the automotive sector, Section 232 tariffs, nontariff barriers, critical minerals, and supply chain resilience.
U S officials and Mexican counterparts acknowledged substantial progress in recent months and agreed to begin formal talks on potential structural reforms to the agreement These may include stricter rules of origin for certain industrial products, deeper cooperation on critical minerals, and greater alignment of trade policies to address dumping and strengthen regional production These talks take place as Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada has concluded its internal USMCA consultations and is prepared to sit down with Mexico and the United States, while acknowledging that significant work remains With all three partners aligning their positions, the USMCA review is moving from preparatory stages toward a more formal negotiation phase
Source: GOBIERNO DE MÉXICO, FORBES
SHIENBAUM ANNOUNCES PLAN WITH AUTO INDUSTRY
President Claudia Sheinbaum met with chief executives from Mexico’s automotive industry on January 28th, highlighting the sector’s strategic importance as it accounts for roughly 4 5% of national GDP The meeting, focused on advancing an effort to design a comprehensive plan to strengthen the industry, with Sheinbaum emphasizing sustained dialogue between government and manufacturers to ensure long-term competitiveness The discussions come at a sensitive moment for the automotive sector, which faces both domestic fiscal adjustments and external trade uncertainty. Sheinbaum’s outreach signals an effort to align industrial policy, fiscal stability, and trade strategy as Mexico prepares for a demanding phase in regional trade negotiations, especially considering that the automotive industry is central to Mexico’s position in the upcoming USMCA review.
Sources: EL UNIVERSAL
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MEXICAN EXPORTS REMAIN A KEY GROWTH ENGINE IN 2025
Mexico’s exports grew 7.6% year-on-year in 2025, reaching a record USD 664 8 billion, consolidating their role as a main driver of economic activity for a second consecutive year Export growth outpaced global goods trade, which expanded an estimated 6%, underscoring Mexico’s strong integration into international supply chains despite a challenging external environment marked by U S tariff pressures and the ongoing U S –China trade dispute
Imports also increased, rising 4 4%, allowing Mexico to post a trade surplus of USD 770 9 million the first after four years of deficits. Both exports and imports hit historical highs, reflecting resilient demand and production capacity.
A notable driver was non-automotive manufacturing exports, which surged 17 3% and accounted for nearly two-thirds of total shipments, highlighting diversification beyond autos and reinforcing Mexico’s strategic position ahead of the USMCA review.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
SAT UNVEILS 2026 MASTER PLAN TO BOOSTREVENUE ANDCOMPLIANCE
Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) released its 2026 Master Plan, outlining a strategy to reach a record MXN 5.8 trillion in tax collection while strengthening enforcement against evasion and improving taxpayer services. The plan rests on three pillars: enhanced taxpayer assistance, clearer and risk-based audits, and an intensified crackdown on invoice fraud schemes
Expanded physical and digital service coverage aims to reduce compliance frictions and encourage voluntary tax payments. At the same time, SAT will apply data-driven audit criteria to focus inspections on high-risk taxpayers, signaling a shift toward more targeted and transparent enforcement. The plan supports broader government efforts to strengthen public finances, increase predictability for compliant businesses, and align fiscal oversight with Mexico’s expanding trade activity and investment agenda in 2026.
Source: SAT
MEXICO STRENGTHENS CUSTOMS INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT TRADE GROWTH
The inauguration of the new National Customs Agency (ANAM) headquarters in Nuevo Laredo underscores Mexico’s push to modernize trade facilitation and strengthen revenue collection amid rising export volumes and the upcoming USMCA review. Nuevo Laredo handles roughly one-third of total customs revenue nationwide, positioning the facility as a strategic node for North American trade
The government aims to raise customs revenue to MXN 1.5 trillion in 2026, building on a 25% increase between 2024 and 2025
Beyond fiscal gains, the project emphasizes efficiency, digitalization, and anti-corruption measures, aligning customs operations with higher trade flows and stricter enforcement of rules of origin and non-tariff measures under the USMCA
Overall, the project signals Mexico’s intent to pair export-led growth with institutional strengthening, reinforcing credibility as a trade partner ahead of complex negotiations on industrial policy and automotive trade, within the USMCA framework
Source: GOBIERNO DE MÉXICO
