Upon assuming the presidency of the National Chamber of the Textile Industry (Canaintex) , Rafael Torre Lamuño set a clear path for the sector: legality and the recovery of competitiveness will be the priorities, always under the “Made in Mexico” seal .
During the IX National Meeting of the fiber-textile-clothing-footwear chain, Torre Lamuño made it clear that his administration will not be one of continuity, but of transformation.
“We are not here to manage inertia, we are here to recover competitiveness, to demand a level playing field and to place the national textile industry back in the strategic place it deserves within the Mexican economy,” emphasized the director of the Providencia Textile Group.
In his speech, he indicated that the goal is not protectionism, but rather a market where the rule of law is respected so that businesses can generate more employment.
Ahead of the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , scheduled for July 1, he stressed that this process should be an opportunity to curb unfair practices from other regions , especially Asia, and consolidate Mexico as the most reliable supplier in North America.
Torre Lamuño’s work plan is structured around four pillars: combating smuggling and illegal trade practices, reactivating the domestic market through the Mexico Plan , strengthening regional integration – by assisting in the review of the USMCA – and promoting innovation, sustainability and formal employment.
For his part, Alejandro Malagón, president of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) , stressed the importance of the textile industry in job creation and the country’s economic growth.
“Few industries are as closely linked to employment as the textile industry; its value chain is a sector that strongly impacts the regional economy and national content . Its work generates opportunities for progress because it means income for thousands of families and provides them with stability and, above all, prosperity. Therefore, the challenges of the sector are the challenges of the industry, its priorities are our priorities,” he emphasized.
Amendment to Annex 29, a respite for the sector
During his speech, Rafael Marín Mollinedo, head of the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) , announced that authorities will meet to discuss the modification of Annex 29 of the General Rules of Foreign Trade , so that the handling of textiles and footwear is not allowed in the Strategic Fiscal Premises (RFE).
According to the textile and footwear industry, under this regime textile imports are made, but they are not exported again, so they remain in the country without paying taxes. It’s worth noting that the federal government issued a decree in December 2024 to curb temporary imports of textiles, clothing, and footwear.
In an interview with T21, Torre Lamuño explained that, after the decree, the entry of illegal merchandise into the country skyrocketed “ more than 850% from 2024 to 2025” .
“ When the decree was issued, which ended temporary imports of finished products, we were very happy and a large part of the imports migrated to Strategic Fiscalized Areas or through these areas ,” he said.
He also indicated that smuggling and the entry of illegal products have put pressure on the market , placing merchandise below a fair price and limiting the ability of domestic producers to compete.
Torre Lamuño called for unity within the production chain and for the support of the authorities to restore the sector’s importance in the Mexican economy.
“We are here to restore the competitiveness of the industry and take it to its rightful place with Mexican hands, a Mexican heart and ‘Made in Mexico’,” he concluded.
According to Canaintex, from January to September 2025, total exports amounted to five billion 561 million dollars; 92% of textile and garment products were destined for the United States, reflecting the importance of this sector for foreign trade.
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