February 8-14, 2025
HOT TOPICS:
Trump imposes tariffson steeland aluminum
"MADE IN USMCA"
The Hecho en TMEC initiative, presented by Senator Waldo Fernández González, aims to enhance the identification and logistics of supply chains within the Mexico-United States-Canada trade region Under this initiative, the Mexican Ministry of Economy will issue the Hecho en TMEC label to products that meet the origin rules of the trade agreement The General Directorate of Standards will have 60 working days to define the specifications for the label's design and the authorization process. The initiative is intended to streamline cross-border commerce, ensuring that products originating within the region are properly recognized, fostering regional integration, and enhancing the efficiency of value chains in North America.
Source: REFORMA
NEW HEAD OF THE DEA
Donald Trump has nominated Terry Dale as the new director of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), following Anne Milgram's tenure Dale, a veteran with 21 years of experience at the DEA, has participated in missions in Colombia, Afghanistan, and Mexico. Dale’s nomination comes amidst ongoing issues with fentanyl consumption in the U S , often linked to Mexican cartels. Trump expressed confidence in Dale's ability to improve safety in the country
Source: EL UNIVERSAL
Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports to the U S , effective March 4, with no exemptions This decision aims to strengthen domestic production, despite concerns from U.S. businesses and international partners. Canada and Mexico, major U.S. exporters, are particularly vulnerable, with industries such as automotive and construction at risk Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the tariffs “unacceptable,” signaling potential retaliation Mexico, which exports over 80% of its steel and aluminum to the U.S., plans to negotiate, arguing that its exports do not harm the U.S. economy This measure follows previous tariffs on Chinese goods, which prompted reciprocal tariffs from China Trump imposed similar tariffs in 2018 but later negotiated exceptions for countries like Canada, Mexico, and Brazil These new tariffs may raise production costs for U.S. industries relying on these materials. Trump also announced the Reciprocal Tariffs, which means tariffs on other countries that match the duties they impose on American products
Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, pointed out that Mexico exports more steel and aluminum to the U S than it imports, which has remained stable since 2015 He emphasized that the U.S. has a favorable trade balance with Mexico, selling $6.9 billion more than Mexico exports to the U.S., unlike other countries like Canada or China. Mexico aims to engage in dialogue with the U.S. to address the issue.
Source: BBC
CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS DESIGNATED AS TERRORIST GROUPS
The U.S. plans to designate eight Latin American criminal organizations as foreign terrorist groups. These include Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel, Cartel del Noreste, Familia Michoacana, and Cárteles Unidos, as well as Colombia's Clan del Golfo, Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, and the MS-13 gang This move follows an executive order by Trump to target groups seen as national security threats The designation allows for economic sanctions Mexico has negotiated to prevent these labels, as the cartels are involved in fentanyl trafficking and migrant smuggling. U.S. officials aim to dismantle these groups and limit their influence.
Source: THE NEW YORK TIMES
HOT TOPICS:
PEMEXunveilstheirplanfor2025-2030
Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has announced its 2025-2030 work plan, focusing on increasing crude oil reserves to ensure at least 10 years of supply, boosting production, and improving financial stability without acquiring new debt or reducing staff. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that the plan includes an investment of 220 billion pesos in 2025 for exploration, extraction, refining, and fuel distribution Pemex aims to produce 1 8 million barrels of oil per day and 5 billion cubic feet of gas, securing fuel supply while keeping gasoline prices below 24 pesos per liter.
To strengthen its financial position, Pemex will restructure its debt and prioritize payments to suppliers A special financial scheme established by the Ministry of Finance will provide fresh resources, allowing the company to focus on investment. The plan also includes revitalizing petrochemical production, improving fuel transportation logistics, and advancing clean energy projects
Additionally, Sheinbaum stated that contracts from the 2013 energy reform will be reviewed to ensure Pemex maintains control over hydrocarbon exploitation Part of the company’s existing debt remains in litigation and cannot yet be settled However, a 136 billion peso fund will be allocated to reduce long-term liabilities, reinforcing Pemex’s long-term sustainability.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
POLITICAL TRIAL AGAINST GOVERNOR OF NUEVO LEÓN
The Nuevo León Congress' Anti-Corruption Commission approved the initiation of a political trial against Governor Samuel García, following rulings by the Electoral Tribunal The tribunal determined that García violated constitutional principles of impartiality and misused public resources during elections However, President Claudia Sheinbaum opposed the trial, arguing it stems from a political dispute between García and the opposition party PRIAN She criticized resolving political conflicts through legal actions and pointed out that Nuevo León has yet to appoint a state attorney general. She emphasized that elections, rather than legal proceedings, should determine political outcomes.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
SCJN BLOCKS TEPJF FROM OVERRULING JUDICIAL ELECTION INJUNCTIONS
The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) ruled that the Electoral Tribunal (TEPJF) cannot invalidate injunctions against judicial elections, asserting that its decisions are merely opinions. In a debate lasting over four hours, the SCJN ordered all judges who have suspended the judicial election process to review and revoke their rulings within 24 hours, arguing that suspensions are only valid for human rights violations, not electoral matters The ruling directly challenges TEPJF magistrates aligned with the MORENA government
However, the Court failed to secure a majority vote to compel the Senate, INE, and other institutions to comply with these suspensions The vote was repeated three times, revealing divisions among the justices. The decision underscores tensions within Mexico’s judiciary and ongoing legal battles over the country’s judicial reform process
Source: EL UNIVERSAL
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
LABOR
BILL TO AMEND AND ADD PROVISIONS TO THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW, THE FEDERAL LAW OF PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS, and ARTICLE 123 OF THE CONSTITUTION
Presented by: Sen J Félix Salgado Macedonio (MORENA)
Objective: Grants six weeks of paid paternity leave for birth or adoption, extendable to eight weeks if the child has a disability or requires hospitalization. Establishes one month of prenatal leave for mothers and two months of postnatal leave for both parents
Status: Presented to the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies
Bill to amend Article 123 of the Constitution
Presented by: Parliamentary Group of Movimiento Ciudadano
Objective: Establishes that for every five days of work, employees are entitled to at least two full-paid rest days
Status: Referred to the Commission of Constitutional Points for drafting
BILL ON THE NATIONAL WORKERS' HOUSING FUND INSTITUTE LAW AND THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW
Presented by: Housing and Social Welfare Labor Committees
Objective: Establishes the framework for INFONAVIT to act as a housing developer, regulates the social leasing model introduced after the constitutional reform, strengthens housing supply to benefit workers and boost the economy, and allows INFONAVIT to collaborate with public and private entities in housing construction
Status: Approved in Commissions
TRADE
BILL TO ADD ARTICLE 11 BIS TO THE FOREIGN TRADE LAW
Presented by: Sen Waldo Fernández González (NL - PVEM)
Objective: Creates the “Made in USMCA” seal to enhance identification and logistics within the regional supply chain The Ministry of Economy, through the Foreign Trade Commission, will grant the seal to products meeting USMCA Rules of Origin. The General Directorate of Standards has 60 days to establish specifications and authorization processes
Status: Presented to the Plenary of the Senate
HEALTH
BILL TO AMEND AND ADD VARIOUS PROVISIONS TO THE GENERAL HEALTH LAW REGARDING ACCESS TO CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES
Presented by: Sen. Francisco Ricardo Sheffield Padilla (MORENA-Gto)
Objective: Recognizes access to quality clinical laboratory services as a basic health service, ensuring public availability, particularly in marginalized areas Establishes a National Laboratory Network, regulatory requirements, and public-private collaboration for expanded coverage The Ministry of Health must update regulations within 90 days and implement a modernization program for clinical laboratories.
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
FINANCIAL
BILL TO ADD CHAPTER II BIS TO TITLE VII OF THE INCOME TAX LAW, REGARDING TAX INCENTIVES FOR HIRING WOMEN
Presented by: Parliamentary Group of the National Action Party
Objective: Grants a tax incentive to individuals and legal entities paying income tax who hire women aged 18 and over Employers may deduct 25% of the wages paid to female employees. This deduction increases to 35% if they provide certified training programs Employers must comply with social security obligations
Status: Presented to the Plenary of the Senate
BILL TO ADD SECTION XI BIS TO ARTICLE 171 OF THE SECURITIES MARKET LAW
Presented by: Sen Juanita Guerra Mena (Mor - PVEM)
Objective: Allows brokerage firms to execute fund transfers and payment obligations based on client instructions through payment systems, in accordance with applicable law.
Status: Presented to the Plenary of the Senate
