May 16-23, 2025
HOT TOPICS:
Possible Taxeson Remittancesareproposedby Republicans
MARCO RUBIO SET TO VISIT MEXICO
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his upcoming first official visit to Mexico to strengthen bilateral cooperation on security and trade. Speaking before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rubio emphasized joint efforts to stop the flow of firearms from the U.S. to Mexican cartels and acknowledged growing cartel influence in parts of Mexico He also condemned the recent assassination of two aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada, citing it as evidence of political violence. Rubio praised the Mexican government's increased cooperation on criminal extraditions and intelligence sharing. Migration may also be discussed, though trade and security remain top priorities He plans to travel with other Trump administration officials to solidify agreements Rubio described collaboration with President Sheinbaum’s government as “quite positive ”
Source: INFOBAE
TRUMP THREATENS WITH 50% TARIFFS ON THE EU
Today, Friday 23rd, Trump posted on Truth Social that he is recommending to set a 50% tariff based on the current trade deficit with the EU, starting on June 1st. Furthermore, he stated that the EU's Trade Barriers and lack of agreement with the US has contributed to his decision.
Source: CNBC
On May 17, 2025, Mexican Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente announced that, following President Claudia Sheinbaum’s instructions, a formal letter was delivered to U.S. lawmakers opposing a Republican proposal to impose a 5% tax on remittances sent by noncitizens Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma has met with U S representatives to advocate for the rights of Mexican migrants The proposed tax could drastically affect the $64 7 billion Mexico received in remittances in 2024 its second-largest source of foreign income benefiting over 4 5 million households, particularly in poor rural areas The proposal, framed as a measure to deter undocumented immigration, includes identity checks to restrict remittances from those without legal status Experts warn this could fuel informal or cryptobased transfers and increase poverty among recipients. Politically, the initiative could alienate Latino voters, many of whom supported Trump in 2024, as these measures are seen as discriminatory Sheinbaum urged U S -based Mexicans to lobby local officials, and early pressure has already slowed legislative momentum.
Separately, Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard stated in a morning conference this week, that tariffs on vehicles exported to the US will average 15% instead of 25% based on the USMCA tariff exemptions. Nevertheless, this does not mean that there was a tax cut, instead, Ebrard was trying to explain Mexico's comparative advantage to other countries that manufacture cars; Mexico still has an edge to produce vehicle manufacturing because of the USMCA exemptions, according to Ebrard.
Source: GOBIERNO DE MÉXICO
FURTHER MEXICO – US TALKS ON TRADE
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum delayed her morning press conference after a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump their seventh focused on tariffs affecting the automotive, steel, and aluminum sectors Sheinbaum emphasized continued negotiations and good relations between the two countries She announced that Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard will travel to Washington on Friday to advance trade talks. Although specific outcomes weren’t disclosed, Sheinbaum highlighted recent tariff reductions on Mexican vehicles with high U S auto part content. She reaffirmed Mexico's preferential status in automotive trade under the North American agreement and stressed the importance of open dialogue.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
HOT TOPICS:
Polos deBienestararesetto begin
On May 16, 2025, the Mexican federal government began the bidding process for its "Polos de Bienestar" (Wellbeing Poles), a key component of the Plan México aimed at stimulating regional economic development through the creation of large industrial parks President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the launch during her daily morning briefing, emphasizing that these projects will include not only manufacturing infrastructure but also services for workers such as housing, schools, and hospitals, thereby fostering comprehensive and inclusive development The initiative includes 15 industrial poles across 12 geographic zones, such as Nuevo Laredo, Hermosillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Puebla, and Mérida Some parks will occupy up to 740 hectares Strategic sectors targeted include energy, automotive and electromobility, chemicals, aerospace, and semiconductors.
To encourage private sector participation, the government will offer significant fiscal incentives. These include a 100% immediate deduction of fixed assets and an additional 25% deduction on expenses related to training and innovation. In industrial zones, deductions will be applied immediately, while in service-oriented zones, the income tax (ISR) will be temporarily waived This initiative presents substantial opportunities for national and international investors, particularly in strategic and high-tech sectors. Companies can benefit from robust tax incentives, reduced operating costs, and access to integrated infrastructure The government’s focus on worker well-being also enhances long-term sustainability and labor retention Businesses seeking to expand or nearshore operations should closely monitor the bidding process and evaluate potential involvement in these emerging industrial hubs
Source: LA JORNADA
NATIONAL ENERGY COMMISSION BEGINS OPERATIONS
The newly established National Energy Commission (CNE) began operations to streamline regulation and reduce bureaucratic overlap in Mexico’s energy sector. Operating under the Ministry of Energy, the CNE will regulate the full production chain of natural gas, LP gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals, and electricity It will be managed by Juan Carlos Solís Ávila and guided by a Technical Committee comprising government officials and energy experts. For the private sector, the CNE’s centralized, technically independent structure may enhance regulatory clarity and efficiency, potentially accelerating project approvals, reducing compliance costs, and fostering greater investment in clean energy and infrastructure development
Source: MILENIO
RECORD FOR FDI IN MEXICO
Mexico set a new record for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by attracting $21.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard This marks a 5 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and reflects the second consecutive year of quarterly growth Ebrard noted that this figure more than doubles the highest FDI recorded in a similar period during Mexico’s neoliberal era In 2024, total FDI reached $36.9 billion 2.3% higher than preliminary 2023 data
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
PRESIDENT SHEINBAUM PROPOSES CUSTOMS LAW
President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to reform Mexico’s Customs Law to combat VAT and IEPS tax evasion, particularly within the IMMEX maquiladora program She noted that many products meant for export stay in Mexico without paying the required taxes The reform aims to hold customs agents accountable for irregularities, similar to notaries in their responsibilities Customs revenue has grown significantly, yet Sheinbaum believes more can be recovered. Her administration is also enhancing customs oversight through audits, digital traceability, and new Xray machines.
Source: EL FINANCIERO
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
LABOR
INITIATIVE WITH DRAFT DECREE AMENDING SECTION III OF ARTICLE 180; AND ADDING A SECOND PARAGRAPH TO ARTICLE 179 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW
Presented by: Deputy Marcelo De Jesús Torres Cofiño (Plur - PAN) (See actor’s profile)
Purpose: Allows workers aged 15 to 17 who are studying and whose studies are deemed compatible with work by the labor authority to distribute their annual vacation period as needed Employers are also obligated to allow these workers to take their annual vacation period
Status: 2025-05-21 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
CYBERSECURITY
AGREEMENT ON AWARENESS, LITERACY, AND DIGITAL EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS
Presented by: Senator Susana del Carmen Zartarain García (BCS - PAN) (See actor’s profile)
Purpose: It Urges the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection, the National System for the Comprehensive Protection of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents, and the National Institute for Older Adults to strengthen and expand digital awareness, literacy, and education campaigns aimed at children, adolescents, and older adults to prevent cyber risks such as electronic fraud, identity theft, phishing, grooming, cyberbullying, sextortion, and other digital threats.
Status: 2025-05-21 – 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 referred to Congress and then presented and analyzed
