February 15-21, 2025
HOT TOPICS:
Executive OrderforTerroristGroups
HIGH LEVEL OFFICIALS FROM MEXICO AND THE US MEET IN WASHINGTON
Mexican Secretary of Economy
Marcelo Ebrard met with U S officials in Washington D.C., including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to discuss Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican imports. These tariffs, set to take effect on April 2, target automobiles, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and lumber, aiming to incentivize companies to relocate to the U S Ebrard described the talks as “constructive” and stressed the need for continued negotiations before the March 4 deadline when the tariff pause expires
The fentanyl crisis was also a key issue, though no concrete measures were announced While no immediate agreements emerged, Mexico seeks to prevent severe trade impacts The negotiations highlight growing tensions in North American economic relations, as Mexico pushes for collaboration rather than unilateral measures that could harm trade stability.
Source: INFOBAE
On February 20th, 2025, the U S Government officially designated several Mexican cartels including the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and the Gulf Cartel as terrorist organizations under Executive Order 13224. This classification allows the U.S. to impose financial sanctions, freeze assets, and restrict transactions with these groups, reinforcing a broader North American strategy against organized crime However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Mexico This move also aligns with Canada’s recent decision to classify Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, reinforcing a coordinated North American approach to combating organized crime
President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected any foreign intervention, stating, “They can call them whatever they want, but with Mexico, it is collaboration, not subordination or intervention ” She emphasized that the designation must not be used as a pretext for U S military actions, reaffirming Mexico’s sovereignty In response, Sheinbaum announced a constitutional reform to explicitly prohibit unauthorized foreign operations and curb the influence of U.S. agencies like the DEA and CIA. Additionally, Mexico will expand its lawsuit against the American arms industry, arguing that U S weapons fuel cartel violence Sheinbaum pointed to a recent U.S. admission that 74% of confiscated weapons in Mexico originate from the U.S., reinforcing Mexico’s legal claims.
Source: US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
MEXICO CAPTURES SINALOA CARTEL MEMBER "EL GÜERITO"
Mexican authorities arrested José Ángel Canobbio, alias “El Güerito,” a key financial operator for Los Chapitos, in a military operation in Culiacán. His detention, confirmed by Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch, followed a large-scale deployment involving helicopters and ground units Canobbio, 44, led the criminal cell “Los Güeritos” alongside his brother Jorge and played a crucial role in fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine distribution.Considered the strategic mind behind Los Chapitos, he managed security operations and international drug routes U S authorities formally accused him in 2024, though he was not a priority target Following the arrest, U S officials praised Mexico’s efforts, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
HOT TOPICS:
"Hecho enMéxico" planis launched
The relaunch of the “Hecho en México” label is part of the government’s Plan México, aiming to boost national consumption and enhance the country's global image. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard emphasized that the initiative is not only about protecting domestic products but also about demonstrating Mexico’s competitive capabilities The certification label will ensure that products manufactured, assembled, or sourced from Mexican materials meet high-quality standards.
The preference for local products is strongest among Baby Boomers and Generation X, likely due to their stronger ties to the national economy In specific categories, 40% of consumers prefer Mexican-made non-alcoholic beverages, and 46% choose local alcoholic drinks However, price sensitivity remains a challenge, impacting the market for national brands
To further promote the label, Ebrard will travel to Washington to discuss trade relations and showcase Mexico’s manufacturing strengths The initiative also seeks private sector collaboration to increase the national content in exports By reinforcing the “Hecho en México” brand, the government aims to strengthen consumer trust and position Mexico as a global manufacturing leader
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
40 HOUR WORKWEEK INITIATIVE REMAINS STAGNANT
The Mexican Congress is actively pushing for the implementation of a 40-hour workweek through various legislative initiatives. Lawmaker José Luis Sánchez González (PT), speaking at the "Vamos por las 40 horas" forum, emphasized the importance of Mexico aligning with other countries, such as Chile, that have already adopted this policy He highlighted that workers should have the right to rest, recreation, and personal freedom. Additionally, Congress is advocating for a wealth tax, arguing that extreme fortunes, in contrast to the poverty faced by millions, should contribute more to fiscal revenue
Source: CONGRESO DE MÉXICO
INE PREPARES FOR JUDICIAL ELECTION
The Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) has started printing 600 million ballots for the upcoming judicial election Corrections were made to the list of candidates, particularly for minister positions, with four adjustments and the inclusion of three ministers previously omitted by the Senate The election will feature 64 candidates, including six women The ballots will contain various categories, such as names, districts, and specialized instructions. The process has been impacted by errors attributed to the involvement of other powers, with concerns about the absence of electoral authority
Source: EL FINANCIERO NETFLIX INVESTS IN MEXICO
Netflix has announced a $1 billion investment in Mexico, including $2 million for the modernization of Estudios Churubusco. This investment, part of a four-year plan aims to support local production companies and talent development Ted Sarandos, Netflix's co-CEO, highlighted Mexico's importance to the company, referencing successful collaborations such as Roma and Pinocho. Additionally, Netflix will continue its support for initiatives like the AMACC fund, the Morelia Film Festival, and Filma Jalisco, reinforcing its commitment to fostering the Mexican audiovisual industry
Source: INFOBAE
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
LABOR
BILL TO ADD CHAPTER II BIS TO TITLE VII OF TAX INCENTIVES IN THE INCOME TAX LAW, REGARDING TAX INCENTIVES FOR HIRING WOMEN
Presented by: Parliamentary Group of the National Action Party (PAN)
Objective: Grants a tax incentive to individuals or legal entities subject to income tax who employ women aged 18 and over Employers may deduct up to 25% of the wages paid, increasing to 35% if they provide certified training programs Compliance with social security obligations is required
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
BILL TO ADD SECTION VIII TO ARTICLE 170 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW
Presented by: Sen. Beatriz Mojica Morga (Gro - MORENA)
Objective: Grants working mothers the right to receive a maternity bonus equivalent to one week’s salary before their child's birth
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
ARTICLE 123 OF THE CONSTITUTION
Presented by: Karen Michel González Márquez (LNal - PAN)
Objective: This initiative establishes that everyone has the right to dignified and socially useful work, promoting job creation and the social organization of work, in accordance with the law and gender perspective principles.
Status: Presented to the plenary of the Senate
CYBERSECURITY
AGREEMENT FOR THE PREVENTION OF CYBER FRAUD
Presented by: Sen Miguel Márquez Márquez (Gto - PAN)
Objective: Urges the Federal Consumer Protection Agency and the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users to strengthen awareness campaigns for the prevention of cyber fraud, within their respective areas of competence
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette (2025-02-13)
BILL
TO AMEND ARTICLE 73 OF THE POLITICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES
Presented by: Sen Rafael Alejandro Moreno Cárdenas (LNal - PRI)
Objective: To grant the Congress of the Union the authority to enact a general law that allocates responsibilities among different levels of government regarding cybersecurity.
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette (2025-02-13)
BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 73 OF CONSTITUTION
Presented by: Sen María Martina Kantun Can (Camp - MORENA)
Objective: To grant the Congress of the Union the authority to enact general laws on Artificial Intelligence. The Congress of the Union must amend the relevant secondary legislation regulating artificial intelligence within 180 days from the enactment of this decree
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette (2025-02-13)
FINANCIAL
BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 23 OF THE LAW REGULATING CREDIT INFORMATION COMPANIES
Presented by: Dip Gloria Elizabeth Núñez Sánchez (Plur - MC)
Objective: Reduces the retention period for credit histories held by credit information companies to 60 months Also mandates the deletion of compliance records after 60 months and requires the removal of noncompliance records after the same period from the first recorded instance
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette (2025-02-18)
INITIATIVE FOR THE FEDERAL ANTITRUST AND ECONOMIC COMPETITION LAW
Presented by: Deputy Alfonso Ramírez Cuéllar (Plur - MORENA)
Objective: This law aims to promote, protect, and guarantee free competition and economic fairness by preventing, investigating, and eliminating monopolies, anticompetitive practices, illicit concentrations, and other barriers to effective market functioning
Status: 2025-02-18 - Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
BILL TO AMMENDARTICLE 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: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette (2025-02-13)
