May 9-16, 2025
HOT TOPICS:
USMCAReviewto Begin in20255
SHEINBAUM CONDEMS US REMESA TAX AND BEEF IMPORT BAN
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected a proposal by U.S. lawmakers to impose a 5% tax on remesas sent by migrants to Mexico, calling it discriminatory and unjust She emphasized that Mexican workers in the U S already pay taxes, and such a measure would amount to double taxation
The Mexican Senate unanimously condemned the initiative, warning it could drive remesas into informal, unregulated channels. Lawmakers stressed that most of the revenue generated by migrant labor remains within the U.S. economy. Additionally, Sheinbaum criticized the U S suspension of Mexican beef imports due to a screwworm outbreak, calling it unfair Both cases highlight rising trade tensions and underscore the need for respectful bilateral cooperation.
Source: AP NEWS
Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced that the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will begin in the second half of 2025, anticipating Donald Trump's push for renegotiation in 2026 Trump, who recently reaffirmed his intent to revise or terminate the agreement, criticized lack of compliance among member nations. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that the USMCA remains vital and stable, asserting there is no official signal of its termination and reiterating Mexico’s commitment to its preservation. Mexico is preparing a strategic review plan, including sector-specific rules of origin to prevent the circumvention of tariffs by nonmember countries like China. This move aims to reinforce Mexico's industrial advantage, particularly in the automotive sector The Sheinbaum administration will advocate for minimal changes, maintaining integration while safeguarding national interests.
The review comes amid rising trade tensions and protectionist policies from the U S , including 25% tariffs on steel and other Mexican exports Nonetheless, Mexico now the U.S.’s top trading partner seeks to leverage its economic integration and manufacturing strength, particularly in key sectors such as automotive, semiconductors, and energy Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have reaffirmed bilateral cooperation to defend North American competitiveness, labor rights, and environmental standards. For Mexico, the review represents both a diplomatic challenge and an opportunity to consolidate its role as a reliable and indispensable partner in North America’s evolving trade landscape
Source: EL FINANCIERO
CARTEL MEMBERS CROSS INTO THE US IN APPARENT DEAL
Mexico’s Security Secretary confirmed that 17 relatives of Sinaloa Cartel leaders, including kin of Ovidio Guzmán López El Chapo’s son crossed into the U.S., likely as part of a plea deal U S authorities believe Guzmán López is cooperating, possibly naming cartel members President Sheinbaum urged U S transparency Simultaneously, the U S issued its first terrorism charges against Mexican drug traffickers, targeting Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son for fentanyl trafficking. Also, the US Embassy revoked Marina del Pilar's visa Governor of Baja California without further clarification These actions reflect President Trump’s aggressive stance against cartels, recently designated as terrorist groups The developments mark a new phase of cross-border security cooperation and legal strategy in the U.S.-Mexico drug war.
Source: EL PAÍS
HOT TOPICS:
"Made inMexico" productspromoted in agreement with majorbusinesses
The Mexican government has signed a voluntary agreement with 22 major business groups to boost the presence of “Hecho en México” products in the domestic market. Led by the Council of Business Coordination (CCE), this initiative is part of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s “Plan México” and aims to increase national content in self-service, department, and retail stores, as well as e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Mercado Libre. The goal is to raise the share of Mexican-made products in commercial networks to over 90% This includes a significant push in the pharmaceutical sector, with plans to increase national health-related production from 40% to 55%
Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard emphasized that this strategy will create more jobs and integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into national supply chains Simultaneously, Finance Secretary Edgar Amador Zamora highlighted the importance of increasing domestic supply and financing for SMEs to enhance GDP growth and reduce dependence on imports. With support from the banking sector, the government plans to expand credit access for SMEs by 3 5% annually and lower interest rates
If successful, these combined efforts could raise Mexico’s GDP by up to 0.8 percentage points, strengthen internal markets, and reduce economic vulnerability to external shocks according to the Mexican Government The strategy reinforces the Sheinbaum administration’s goal of a more inclusive and self-reliant economy through domestic production, increased formal employment, and financial digitalization. The “Hecho en México” push thus becomes a key pillar of Mexico’s industrial policy and long-term development agenda
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
INE ASKS FOR MORE FUNDING FACING THE JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
Two weeks before Mexico's judicial elections, the National Electoral Institute (INE) is facing a critical funding shortfall of over 94 million pesos, which threatens its ability to pay electoral supervisors and install polling stations States like Zacatecas and Nayarit have failed to contribute their agreed funds, causing major operational delays INE President Guadalupe Taddei urged governors to urgently fulfill their financial obligations. Meanwhile, the INE rejected over 36,000 observer applications many linked to political parties or government programs raising concerns about potential interference Despite these challenges, the INE confirms that election materials and systems are ready for the June 1 vote
Source: EXCÉLSIOR
CONTROVERSIAL ARTICLE REMOVED FROM TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAW
The Mexican government has removed the controversial Article 109 from the proposed Federal Telecommunications Law to avoid concerns about censorship and ensure broader internet access Nonetheless, José Antonio Peña Merino, head of the Digital Transformation Agency, announced that telecom regulation will remain with the IFT, while antitrust functions will move to a new commission under the Economy Ministry, promoting competition and lowering data prices.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
BANXICO LOWERS THE RATE TO 8.50%
Banco de México (Banxico) reduced its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 8 50%, marking the third consecutive cut The unanimous decision reflects expectations of continued monetary easing amid weak economic activity and global trade uncertainties. Analysts anticipate another 50point cut in June Despite recent reductions, the current rate remains highly restrictive, exceeding levels seen in past cycles Banxico raised its inflation forecast for mid-2025 but maintains its target of 3% by late 2026 Key inflation risks include currency depreciation, geopolitical tensions, and climate impacts
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
LABOR
INITIATIVE WITH DRAFT DECREE TO AMEND ARTICLE 123 OF THE POLITICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES.
Presented by: Deputy Ciria Yamile Salomón Durán (Hgo - PVEM)
Purpose: Establishes that for every six days of work, the worker must enjoy at least two days of rest.
Status: 2025-05-14 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
HEALTH
INITIATIVE WITH DRAFT DECREE TO AMEND AND ADD VARIOUS ARTICLES TO THE GENERAL HEALTH LAW
Presented by: Deputy Margarita García García (Oax - PT)
Purpose: Recognizes the right to health services via information and communication technologies, ensuring privacy, security, and inclusion. Adds a chapter on remote medical care, integrating telesalud to improve health service efficiency and access, with consent, authorization, and data protection requirements
Status: 2025-05-14 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
NOTE:
These initiatives were presented by the Permanent Committee, meaning that when the Ordinary Period begins in September, they can be reffered to Congress and then presented and analyzed
