March 1-7, 2025
HOT TOPICS:
Tariffsto Mexicoaredelayed until April 2nd
US-CANADA RELATIONSHIP REMAINS TENSE
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged ongoing trade tensions with U S President Donald Trump, predicting the “trade war” will persist in the near future Following a tense 50minute phone call, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian products, temporarily exempting the auto sector While Trump postponed some tariffs for a month, Canada has maintained $21 billion in retaliatory tariffs and plans further measures Trump accused Trudeau of using tariffs for political gain, while Trudeau criticized Trump’s approach Ontario and British Columbia have introduced countermeasures, including higher electricity rates for U.S. states and restrictions on American alcohol sales The escalating tensions underscore the fragility of CanadaU.S. trade relations amid Trump’s aggressive economic policies
Source: AP NEWS
Donald Trump announced a one-month tariff exemption on imports from Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) This exemption, effective until April 2, applies to goods traded under the agreement, covering most North American commerce. The decision follows market concerns after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican imports earlier in the week Trump stated that the exemption was agreed upon after discussions with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum He emphasized cooperation in border security and drug trafficking prevention. Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, confirmed that most USMCA-traded products would be included in the exemption, though additional tariffs could be announced in April
The exemption particularly benefits the automotive sector. The White House announced that General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis secured a 30-day reprieve from tariffs on vehicles meeting USMCA rules Automakers have pledged to increase U S investments but seek policy stability Despite this temporary relief, Trump has hinted at future “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at matching U.S. trade barriers with those of other countries. Investors remain cautious, with markets fluctuating in response Industry leaders continue lobbying for broader exemptions and clarity on future trade policies.
Source: NEW YORK TIMES
THE US GOES AFTER FACILITATORS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
The Trump administration has implemented new visa restrictions targeting foreign government officials who facilitate illegal migration to the U.S. The policy applies to immigration, customs, port, and airport officials, as well as others enabling unauthorized entry The measure complements the existing C3 policy, which penalizes private entities aiding irregular migration Additionally, on February 18, the U.S. updated eligibility for non-immigrant visa interview waivers, allowing diplomatic and official visa applicants, among others, to bypass interviews if their previous visa expired within 12 months Despite these changes, consular officers retain discretion to require interviews
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
HOT TOPICS:
HydrocarbonsRevenue Lawapproved inCongress
The Mexican Senate approved the Hydrocarbons Revenue Law, reducing the fiscal burden on Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) imposed by the 2013 energy reform. The bill passed with 85 votes in favor and 29 against and was sent to the executive for promulgation The reform eliminates several taxes, including the Shared Utility Right, Hydrocarbon Extraction Right, and Hydrocarbon Exploration Right, which were criticized as mechanisms that weakened Pemex. Instead, a new “Petroleum Right for Well-being” is established, setting tax rates of 30% for oil and 11 63% for non-associated gas to fund national development Supporters, mainly from Morena, argue that this reform strengthens Pemex by allowing more investment in strategic projects and reversing previous policies that allegedly transferred resources to private interests. They highlight that during previous administrations, Pemex's debt doubled, but under President López Obrador, it was reduced by 24%, while oil production increased
Opposition senators from the PAN and PRI, however, criticized the reform, arguing that despite past tax reductions, Pemex remains financially unsustainable, with substantial losses and debt They contend that the reform does not address its structural inefficiencies and instead protects an unprofitable company. Despite opposition, all proposed amendments were rejected, and the bill was approved without changes Legislators argue that this new framework aims to ensure Pemex’s financial sustainability while securing predictable revenues for national development The reform is now awaiting presidential approval
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
NEW UNDERSECRETARY OF MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Carlos Lerma Cotera, former CEO of Altán Redes, has been appointed as Mexico’s new Undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance. He led Altán for 33 months, guiding the company out of bankruptcy and securing its first operating profit in seven years Under his leadership, Altán reached $450 million in revenue and 18 million users His tenure was marked by efforts to expand into 5G and strengthen ties with stateowned CFE. Now returning to public service, Lerma will oversee fiscal policy in a context of economic slowdown and a high fiscal deficit Industry experts recognize his achievements but debate Altán’s public-private nature and market impact
Source: MILENIO
TIMEFRAMES FOR DISTRICT COMPUTATIONS OF JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
The Temporary Commission for the Electoral Process of the Federal Judiciary at the INE approved a project establishing the timeline and procedures for the district vote counts in the judicial elections on June 1 The guidelines mandate that the six elections' counting process must be completed within ten days. To support this, additional auxiliary personnel will assist District Councils. Breaks are planned for staff due to the complexity of the process Electoral packages must be delivered within 12 to 24 hours after polling stations close Additionally, the INE General Council will determine the criteria for null votes.
Source: EL ECONOMISTA
WOMEN'S DAY
The Temporary Commission for The 8M march in Mexico City will take place on March 8, starting at the Diana the Huntress Fountain at 12:30 p m Its demands include the legalization of abortion nationwide, protection against vicario violence, and trans women’s rights. The SSC will implement safety measures with fire extinguishers and human rights supervision An Ipsos study reveals that 59% believe more women in leadership would improve society, though gender equality challenges persist.
Source: MVS
HOT TOPICS: Legislative and Regulatory Issues:
LABOR
BILL TO ADD A NEW SECTION IV BIS TO ARTICLE 784 OF THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW, REGARDING PROTECTION FOR WOMEN AGAINST UNJUSTIFIED DISMISSALS
Presented by: Sen Anabell Ávalos Zempoalteca (Tlax - PRI)
Objective: Establishes that the labor tribunal or judge will exempt the worker from proving their case when other means are available to uncover the facts. Upon the worker's request, or if deemed necessary, the employer will be required to present documents they are legally obliged to keep, with the understanding that failure to present them will result in the worker’s allegations being presumed true The employer will bear the burden of proof if a woman claims she signed her resignation under emotional or psychological coercion
Status: 2025-03-05 - Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
BILL TO REFORM AND ADD VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW AND THE FEDERAL LAW OF WORKERS IN THE SERVICE OF THE STATE, REGULATORY OF SECTION B) OF ARTICLE 123 OF THE CONSTITUTION
Presented by: Parliamentary Group of Movimiento Ciudadano
Objective: Establishes that menstruating workers who are unable to complete their workday will be entitled to up to 3 days of leave per menstrual cycle, without affecting their salary, seniority, bonuses, vacation, incentives, or any other acquired labor rights. Employers must grant this leave when menstrual symptoms prevent the worker from performing their duties.
Status: 2025-03-05 - Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
POLITICAL
BILL TO ADD ARTICLE 8 BIS TO THE FEDERAL LAW AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME
Presented by: Dip. Ricardo Sóstenes Mejía Berdeja (Plur - PT)
Objective: Allows public security institutions to use artificial intelligence (AI) for investigating and analyzing organized crime activities. AI applications include predictive crime pattern analysis, real-time monitoring, biometric recognition, financial risk assessment, and automated investigations, with oversight by the Security Ministry to prevent misuse and protect privacy
Status: 2025-03-04 - Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
ENERGY
DECREE TO REFORM, ADD, AND REPEAL PROVISIONS OF THE HYDROCARBON REVENUE LAW
Presented by: United Commissions of Energy; Legislative Studies; Finance and Public Credit
Objective: Simplifies PEMEX’s fiscal framework to strengthen its role as a State Public Company. Introduces a single-rate tax based on oil price and production, exempts PEMEX from income tax, and mandates quarterly investment reports Revenue will go to the Mexican Petroleum Fund, with audits by the Bank of Mexico
Status: 2025-03-05 - Approved, sent to the Federal Executive
CYBERSECURITY
BILL TO ISSUE THE GENERAL CYBERSECURITY LAW
Presented by: Sen Mauricio Vila Dosal (LNal - PAN)
Objective: Strengthens the State’s ability to prevent and respond to cyber threats affecting national security, infrastructure, and personal rights Establishes a National Cybersecurity System, promotes digital rights, privacy, and ethical data management, and fosters cybersecurity research and industry development, particularly for small businesses
Status: 2025-03-04 - Published in the Parliamentary Gazette
ELECTORAL
BILL ON NON-REELECTION AND ELECTORAL NEPOTISM IN THE MEXICAN CONSTITUTION
Presented by: Senate of the Republic
Objective: Prohibits individuals from running for certain public offices if they have or had, within the three years prior to an election, a marital, domestic partnership, or blood/civil relationship (up to the fourth collateral and second affinity degree) with the current officeholder Establishes a ban on immediate reelection for federal deputies and senators
Status: Presented to the Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies
