April 18-25, 2025
HOT TOPICS:
Trump'sPossibleTariff Exemptionsfor CarmakersAmidRisingTradeTensions
ANTIMIGRATION CAMPAIGN CONDEMNED BY SHEINBAUM
The U.S. government launched an anti-immigration media campaign in Mexico, featuring DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warning migrants against illegal entry. The 30- and 60-second ads were aired on Mexican TV and during soccer games, prompting backlash. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the ads as discriminatory and announced plans to restore a constitutional article banning foreign propaganda in Mexican media The Mexican government formally requested their removal, citing threats to human dignity and increased discrimination Furthermore, a telecommunications initiative was formally presented in the Mexican Congress that includes the prohibition of political propaganda The DHS claims the campaign aims to deter illegal migration and encourage self-deportation Critics argue it violates Mexican laws and sovereignty. The campaign is part of Trump’s broader hardline immigration stance
Source: BBC
U S President Donald Trump commented that he could exempt carmakers from certain tariffs, following industry pressure, according to the Financial Times. The exemptions would apply to car parts, shielding them from new tariffs related to Chinese imports and from existing steel and aluminum duties However, the 25% tariff on fully imported foreign vehicles would remain, and the same rate will apply to some car parts starting May 3 This partial relief comes amid growing concern within the automotive sector about the impact of Trump’s fluctuating tariff policies According to the Center for Automotive Research, Trump’s tariffs could increase automaker expenses by $108 billion in 2025 Companies like Tesla have already adjusted their logistics, suspending shipments of components from China Ford also paused some exports to China in response to retaliatory tariffs, which have pushed total duties on vehicles as high as 150% Meanwhile, Trump signaled the 25% tariff on Canadian vehicle imports could be raised further, emphasizing a preference for domestic manufacturing.
In a related development, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum disclosed an ongoing dialogue with Trump over steel, aluminum, and auto part tariffs She argued for zero tariffs under the USMCA, citing that Mexico imports more U.S. steel and aluminum than it exports. While no agreement has been reached, discussions continue at both presidential and ministerial levels These event could highlight rising trade tensions and their potential impact on North American manufacturing, with broader implications for regional economic cooperation under USMCA.
Source: NEW YORK TIMES
TRUMP ACCUSES MAIN TRADING PARTNERS OF CONTINUOUS FENTLYL TRAFFICKING
U.S. President Donald Trump accused China, Mexico, and Canada of continuing to allow fentanyl to enter the U S , killing thousands He posted on Truth Social demanding an immediate stop to the trafficking of the synthetic drug, which is made using Chinese precursors In response, Trump imposed punitive tariffs: 25% on certain Mexican and Canadian goods and 145% on some Chinese imports. While he acknowledged Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s efforts, he deemed them insufficient Fentanyl seizures at the U S -Mexico border rose 40% in March 2025, along with increased attempts to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine.
Source: REFORMA
HOT TOPICS:
JudicialcandidatesposeconcernsbeforeElection
On June 1, 2025, nearly 99 8 million Mexicans will be eligible to vote in Mexico’s first-ever judicial election, marking a historic moment with unprecedented public participation in selecting 881 judges, magistrates, and Supreme Court ministers Of these voters, 52% are women, 47% men, and 282 are non-binary However, the final validation of the voter roll is pending confirmation by the National Electoral Institute (INE) The INE’s "Conóceles" platform, designed to provide transparency about judicial candidates, has reached a 93% completion rate Yet, the process is marred by controversy, as multiple candidates allegedly have ties to organized crime Among them are Silvia Delgado, once part of El Chapo Guzmán’s legal team, and Fernando Escamilla, former lawyer for Los Zetas leader Z-40 Defensorxs, a civil society organization, identified 13 high-risk candidacies, including individuals linked to criminal networks, convicted religious figures, and accused human rights violators. Most troubling, the selection process reportedly failed to screen out such profiles, especially within the legislative committee dominated by the ruling party, Morena. While President Claudia Sheinbaum and Senator Fernández Noroña agree on the need to exclude unfit candidates, they differ from INE’s stance of waiting until after the election Noroña insists on immediate action to prevent further infiltration of the judiciary. This polarizing election has sparked national concern over the integrity of judicial reform and the influence of criminal elements in Mexico’s justice system
Source: EL FINANCIERO
INITIATIVE FOR A NEW ECONOMIC COMPETITION LAW
On February 18, 2025, a new bill was introduced in Mexico to replace the Federal Economic Competition Law with a more robust antitrust framework. The initiative creates the National Commission for Antitrust, replacing COFECE and centralizing competition oversight under the Ministry of Economy Key reforms include lower thresholds for merger notifications, expanded definitions of monopolistic practices, and significantly higher penalties up to 20% of annual income. The bill strengthens state control over economic competition and aligns with international obligations President Sheinbaum submitted the proposal to the Senate, aiming to modernize regulatory institutions and protect consumers from corporate abuse
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND TELECOMUNICATIONS AGENCY
The new Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum grants full authority to the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (ATDT), replacing the IFT The ATDT will now handle concessions, spectrum management, internet provision, and regulatory oversight. Existing concession holders retain their rights The agency may suspend services, block digital platforms, and require prior approval for foreign-funded media content The reform maintains key centralizes decision-making in the ATDT, reducing oversight from other institutions It also adds gender equality requirements for concessions and sets guidelines for infrastructure sharing and national spectrum planning
Source: EXCÉLSIOR
INFLATION RISES TO 3.96%
Inflation in Mexico rose slightly to 3 96% annually during the first half of April, remaining within the central bank’s target range The increase surprised markets, which had expected a slowdown. While a sustained upward trend is not anticipated, inflation risks remain due to external and internal factors.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
LABOR
INITIATIVE TO AMEND ARTICLE 123 OF THE POLITICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES
Presented by: Sen. Miguel Márquez Márquez (Guanajuato - PAN)
Objective: Mandates that all job offers, whether published through traditional or digital media, must be truthful, verifiable, and non-discriminatory. Authorities must oversee compliance and apply sanctions as established by law.
Status: 2025-04-24 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
INITIATIVE TO AMEND ARTICLE 132 AND ADD A PARAGRAPH TO ARTICLE 170 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW
Presented by: Sen. Miguel Ángel Yunes Márquez (Veracruz - MORENA)
Objective: Mandates 12 weeks of paid paternity leave and grants new mothers the right to work remotely for up to 12 weeks post-maternity leave, preserving full salary and benefits if agreed with the employer.
Status: 2025-04-22 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
INITIATIVE TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS ON WORKPLACE HARASSMENT
Presented by: Sen Cynthia Iliana López Castro (Mexico City - MORENA)
Objective: Criminalizes workplace harassment involving repeated hostile, humiliating, or intimidating behavior aimed at destabilizing or forcing an employee to resign Penalties include 1–3 years in prison, fines, and mandatory human rights training. Harassment with clinically diagnosed psychological harm may result in increased penalties.
Status: 2025-04-22 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
FINANCIAL
INITIATIVE WITH DRAFT DECREE TO AMEND ARTICLE 160 OF THE INCOME TAX LAW
Presented by: Deputy Fátima Almendra Cruz Peláez (Puebla - PVEM)
Objective: Establishes a flat 20% tax rate on total income earned, with no deductions If the buyer is a Mexican resident or a foreign resident with a permanent establishment in Mexico, they must withhold the tax; otherwise, the taxpayer must declare it within 15 days
Status: 2025-04-23 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
INITIATIVE WITH DRAFT DECREE TO ENACT THE NATIONAL LAW TO ELIMINATE BUREAUCRATIC PROCEDURES
Presented by: Federal Executive
Objective: Enacts a national law for administrative simplification and digitalization of procedures, establishing mandatory tools and models for all levels of government to reduce bureaucracy, standardize services, and promote transparency through digital platforms and technological autonomy
Status: 2025-04-22 – Initiative referred to Committee for review and opinion
TECHNOLOGY
BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 73 OF THE POLITICAL CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Presented by: Deputy Martha Amalia Moya Bastón (State of Mexico - PAN)
Objective: Grants Congress the authority to legislate on artificial intelligence A 180-day period is established to analyze current laws and issue necessary secondary legislation
Status: 2025-04-22 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
ENVIRONMENTAL
BILL TO ADD ARTICLE 28 BIS AND SECTION VI BIS TO ARTICLE 31 OF THE GENERAL LAW FOR THE PREVENTION AND INTEGRAL MANAGEMENT OF WASTE
Presented by: Sen Alberto Anaya Gutiérrez (National List - PT)
Objective: Classifies lithium-ion batteries as special or hazardous waste based on their physical and chemical properties, condition, and volume, in accordance with official Mexican standards
Status: 2025-04-22 – Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
