Industrial and business organizations called for promoting the country’s social and economic stability, while also reporting that they remain on alert for new acts that could generate chaos, following the operation carried out on February 22 by federal forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and the subsequent acts of violence in several states of the country, such as Baja California, Guanajuato and Nayarit, among others, due to the arrest of Rubén “N”, known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, who later died while being transferred to Mexico City.

In a statement, the National Council of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry (Index) indicated that so far there are no reports of human or material damage in companies or facilities involving the 19 Index associations established in Mexican territory, as well as their membership.

Index Nacional stated that it maintains communication with federal authorities to monitor the security situation and receive alerts for any potential emergencies . The organization also condemned any acts of violence against the population, as well as against businesses and transportation routes, that seek to destabilize public order.

For its part, the Business Coordinating Council (CCE)  pointed out that the violent events resulting from said operation have impacted mobility, the transport of goods and the functioning of businesses , and therefore rejected any type of violence that puts the integrity of the population at risk, as well as the burning of establishments, transport units and strategic roads.

“Protecting individuals and families, and ensuring the continuity of economic activity, are inseparable priorities. Mexico needs security and the rule of law to preserve employment, production chains, and confidence in the country,” the umbrella organization stated.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) stated that it remains attentive to official reports on recent events in various regions of the country, which have affected mobility, logistics operations, and the peace of mind of the people .

“The protection of people must always be the absolute priority and the foundation on which economic activity and social cohesion are based,” he added in a statement.

He emphasized that the chambers and associations affiliated with this organization will evaluate their operating conditions according to the particular situation of each region, prioritizing the safety of the staff and the orderly continuity of their activities.

Index, the CCE, and Concamin reaffirmed their willingness to collaborate with federal authorities to strengthen security, certainty, and the rule of law, in order to boost investment, production, and employment.

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Just days before the end of the tariff pause granted by the United States government, the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) confirmed that it, along with a delegation of business leaders, will be in Washington, DC, starting this Sunday, October 19, to address the issues of tariffs and the renegotiation of the USMCA.

Francisco Cervantes, president of the organization, mentioned that the Secretariats of Economy, Labor, and Foreign Affairs, as well as Altagracia Gómez, head of the Advisory Council on Regional Economic Development and Relocation (CADERR), the government’s liaison office with industry in Mexico, will be present at the so-called “Mexico Day.”

During his participation in the Business Organizations panel at the 50th National Index Convention , taking place from October 15 to 17, he confirmed that nearly 20 CCE organizations will be present at these meetings.

“We have meetings in Congress, at the State Department, and at the Department of Commerce. It’s important to send the message that Mexico doesn’t compete, that we complement each other, and that in Mexico, we are fully integrated,” he stated.

He reiterated that the message will be, “We’re on the same side. We really do have a dividing line, but we’re a region. That’s why the treaty, in terms of trade, doesn’t have that line. We’re a necessary country, and so is Canada.”

On the labor front, he noted that the country has implemented various actions and changes, progress that “had never been made before, but we didn’t communicate it.” These changes, such as those related to national content and for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), among others, are essential to halting the application of tariffs.

“It’s true, those were issues that were neglected, and as a good trading partner, we should have paid more attention to this. We let it go, and today we’re suffering, but we’re already on the path to fixing everything. Therefore, these days there will be a lot of pressure in Washington to let them know everything that’s being done in Mexico, especially since the 90-day period is about to expire and tensions are starting to rise again,” he added.

Cervantes mentioned that as a region, it contributes 30% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and action is needed under that scenario.

Humberto Martínez Cantú, president of the  Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry Council (Index) , said they will work with the government to increase the national content beyond 25 percent.

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Marcelo Ebrard , head of the Ministry of Economy (SE) , announced the measures that the federal government will implement in Mexico to protect and benefit the national industry in various sectors, such as steel, textiles, and footwear, and to prevent tax evasion.

At this Monday’s morning press conference, he announced that the registration of 1,062 mills in several countries around the world will be canceled, as “they have inconsistencies or irregularities, or they simply don’t exist, and so we will carry out a process of cancellation and deregistration of those registrations,” as irregularities were detected.

He explained that in order to import steel products, registration is required. “You have to present to the Ministry of Economy where the products are produced, we call them mills; that is, steel plants anywhere in the world.”

In this regard, a thorough review of these records will be conducted, which will help curb unfair practices such as the use of false records, steel triangulation, and trade in counterfeit documentation, the federal official stated during the presentation of the progress of Plan Mexico .

“We will prevent marketing companies from using fake mills to bring steel into the country,” he asserted.

At the conference, he also outlined the lawsuits the federal government has filed against companies within the Manufacturing, Maquiladora, and Export Services Industry (IMMEX) program for failing to properly use temporary exports.

“The Ministry of Economy proceeded to review a program called IMMEX, which was created to allow companies that produce in Mexico but export to other countries to carry out that activity temporarily, because they are not going to stay in Mexico. A review was conducted, and we found that eight companies were illegally using Mexico. We saw they were lying, saying they were importing textiles or footwear to later export them. We verified, we checked, and we saw that they were not exporting them,” he explained.

He said that the accounts of those eight companies, which had imported 24 billion pesos (mdp) , were frozen, “and with the support of the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), we are investigating.”

Ebrard recalled that on December 19, 2024, a decree was published imposing a 35% tariff on 138 tariff items corresponding to manufactured textiles, including footwear products.

Another measure announced was to adjust reference prices , since importers often declare a lower value than the actual cost of imported products in order to pay a lower tax.

Along these lines, he announced several dates on which the reference price will be adjusted: for furniture and lighting, it will be May 12; for toys, games, and guitars, it will be May 26; for sporting goods, it will be June 16; and for paper and cardboard, it will be July 16.

Made in Mexico Campaign

At his morning press conference, Ebrard also announced the Made in Mexico campaign , which will begin next June “to support the Mexican government’s initiative to rescue, establish, and promote the pride of Made in Mexico.”

He assured that this initiative will be carried out in conjunction with the private sector of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) .

“The main objective is to protect domestic industry, and therefore jobs in Mexico. This should translate into more jobs,” Ebrard emphasized, adding that this strategy seeks to reduce economic dependence on foreign countries, increase sales of domestic products, and foster productive self-sufficiency.

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In order to strengthen ties with other countries, the Mexican government announced on Wednesday the project to internationalize Plan Mexico . This project aims to raise awareness about the opportunities it offers and deepen the strategies for its implementation.

Marcelo Ebrard , head of the Ministry of Economy (SE) , indicated that Plan Mexico is a navigation chart that improves according to circumstances.

In his participation in the Internationalization of Plan Mexico event , he pointed out that the country has a Portfolio for Shared Prosperity , which includes 1,937 projects in the 32 federal entities with an investment of  298 billion dollars (mdd)  to guarantee the success of private projects and that involves several productive sectors.

Ebrard asserted that foreign investment is important for Mexico and emphasized that there will be nearshoring of companies in the country , despite the uncertainty surrounding international economic policies. “Supply chains will be shifted,” he explained.

He said the essence of Plan Mexico is based on various actions, such as reducing imports and increasing the domestic content of the economy , increasing domestic consumption, and expanding innovation capacity through technological development. This also includes increasing food self-sufficiency and energy sovereignty.

Regarding the internationalization of Plan Mexico, the federal official emphasized the need to maintain a good relationship with the United States, as it is the country’s main market. “There is no country here that exports more to the United States than we do proportionally, so for us, what the United States does accounts for 83% of what will happen to our exports,” he added.

He noted that this year Mexico will begin producing semiconductors for the domestic market. “Like that, there are other projects like the electric vehicle. There’s a huge infrastructure deployment,” he said.

He emphasized that seven major mixed-investment projects, involving both the public and private sectors, have been announced so far, and he specified that the housing sector is being strengthened and domestic procurement by the federal government is increasing.

Meanwhile, Francisco Cervantes Díaz , president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) , noted that for years this organization has supported dialogue to support the Mexican government, as is the case with Plan Mexico, which is part of an industrial policy aimed at the country’s growth.

At the event, Cervantes highlighted that Mexico is the world’s 12th-largest economy and ranks seventh in manufacturing internationally.

“In Mexico, we have the most important border in the world, with a daily trade of 1.2 billion dollars; a Mexico that has doors to the Pacific, doors to the Atlantic, doors to America, not only North America, but also South America. In international terms, Plan Mexico involves generating global conviction,” he emphasized.

He highlighted that Mexico has 12 free trade agreements with 47 countries, in addition to reciprocal investment promotion agreements with 33 others, in addition to similar treaties with Latin American nations, as well as those included in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Francisco Cervantes considered Mexico’s openness to the world a sign of confidence that seeks to promote trade diversification and strengthen investment in the country. Therefore, he emphasized, the project addresses three substantive aspects.

“First, infrastructure development with mixed investments, including opportunities for investment in energy with a new reform currently underway. Second, promoting investment through development or well-being hubs, as well as a more transparent regulatory framework for public procurement. Likewise, Plan Mexico takes a very important step toward the development and industrial transformation of our country by seeking to increase domestic supply,” he stated.

Cervantes emphasized that the joint work of the public and private sectors promotes the internationalization of Plan Mexico as a sign of openness, transparency, and confidence in the country.

In turn, Juan Ramón de la Fuente , head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) , said that a process of internationalization of the Mexico Plan will be initiated, which has several goals, including generating 1.5 million additional jobs and increasing investment, in order to strengthen the dissemination of this project throughout the world.

The foreign minister indicated that this is a great opportunity for Mexico’s international partners to participate, and announced that focused, regional meetings will be held to delve into specific strategies for implementing the program and strengthening ties with other countries.

In that sense, he invited the Mexican diplomatic corps to promote Plan Mexico, which was announced last January by President Claudia Sheinbaum .

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Sergio Contreras , executive president of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (Comce) , who was recently appointed vice president of Infrastructure Investment within the Special Committee for Investment and Relocation of Companies of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) , highlighted that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in semiconductors, data centers, the circular economy and clean energy continues to gain relevance in the world.

Within the framework of this new responsibility at the CCE, from which Contreras will collaborate in defining strategies to attract productive capital and develop infrastructure projects, he specified that these sectors should be targeted , since they are where companies are investing globally.

“The sustained growth of foreign investment in Mexico confirms that our country remains an attractive destination for business in terms of innovation,” he stated.

Contreras said that 2024 was marked by strong momentum in investment in semiconductors and data centers globally , reflecting a global trend in which nine of the 10 largest FDI investments worldwide were concentrated in these two technologies.

The two largest investments last year were in semiconductors: TSMC in Phoenix, Arizona, for $65 billion ; and Samsung in Taylor, Texas, for $24 billion .

He also emphasized that attracting FDI will be very important in high-value-added projects, highlighting that the manufacturing industry was the main destination for FDI in Mexico in 2024, accounting for 54% of the total.

Along these lines, transportation equipment manufacturing stood out, accounting for 50% of FDI; followed by the beverage and tobacco industries, with 20%; computer and electronic equipment, with 9%; the chemical industry, with 6%; and basic metals, with 4%.

In particular, FDI in the automotive industry increased by 36% annually, reaching $6.925 billion , representing 19% of the national total, consolidating its position as the sector with the greatest attraction of foreign capital.

“This growth in strategic industries opens up opportunities to attract new technologies,” Contreras Pérez emphasized.

The Comce pointed out that in 2024 Mexico attracted 36.872 billion dollars in FDI, consolidating its position as a key investment destination, with reinvestment of profits accounting for the majority of these flows, amounting to 28.710 billion dollars , reflecting the confidence of foreign companies established in the country.

Intercompany accounts totaled $4.994 billion , while new investments reached $3.168 billion .

“The 7.7% increase in reinvested earnings and the 8.3% increase in intercompany accounts, compared to 2023, confirms that Mexico is a country in which to establish and do business, as well as companies’ confidence in Mexico’s macroeconomic and political stability, its integration into global supply chains, and the specialization of its workforce. These factors have been decisive in helping companies already operating in the country strengthen their investments and consolidate their presence in the Mexican market,” Contreras stated.

By 2025, Comce’s CEO anticipates several key trends that could benefit Mexico. The restructuring of the global value chain is generating the formation of industrial clusters and subregional value chains, which could translate into new investments in manufacturing in the country.

At the same time, the technology-driven transformation of industries will continue to accelerate digitalization and smart manufacturing, with artificial intelligence as a key driver of new investments in industrial and service activities.

By 2025, Comce forecasts that renewable energy, telecommunications, data centers, and semiconductors will be the main sectors receiving FDI globally , so the organization is promoting a strategy aimed at supporting Plan Mexico from the private sector, so that the country can promote its competitive advantages in these industries.

“The country’s integration into strategic supply chains and its strength in advanced manufacturing will continue to be competitive advantages for attracting foreign investment. Our commitment at the Comce is to continue promoting foreign trade, innovation, and foreign investment in Mexico. We work closely with the public sector to ensure that the country remains a reliable and competitive destination for international investment,” concluded Contreras Pérez.

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In the framework of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Fundemex , the social arm of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) , the  panel Challenges and alliances to promote employment and shared prosperity was held . Business leaders and representatives of key sectors discussed the challenges and opportunities that Mexico faces to promote innovation, labor inclusion and sustainable economic development.

In this space,  Teresa Gutiérrez, CEO of Tesla Mexico , began her participation by highlighting the importance of innovation as a central axis for economic growth ; however, she noted that Mexico’s potential in this area is far from being fully exploited.

“We are the 12th largest economy in the world, but we are ranked 58th in terms of innovation. This speaks to an urgent need to invest more in this area,” he said.

Gutiérrez also stressed that personalization and the use of data are essential in interacting with consumers.

“Data is the new gold, and companies must learn to take advantage of it. To do this, we need skilled talent. Today, the best is barely good enough,” he said.

Monica Flores, president of ManpowerGroup , described as shameful the fact that more than 50% of jobs in Mexico belong to the informal sector.

In his view, tackling this problem requires a multi-factor approach that includes education, certifications and regional strategies.

“Reducing informality is not a technical problem, but rather a problem of will. We have little time to act, but with continuous training, certifications and a focus on digital skills, we can achieve significant change,” he said.

Flores pointed out that the future of employment depends not only on technical knowledge, but also on soft skills and the ability to adapt to a globalized market.

For her part, Altagracia Gómez, coordinator of the Advisory Council for Regional Development and Business Relocation, addressed the importance of inclusion in financing and the need to attract foreign investment, without neglecting national investment.

“If we want a more inclusive capital market, we must break down traditional barriers, especially for women and small businesses. This requires not only will, but also clear and sustainable metrics,” she explained.

Gómez also stressed the importance of promoting energy efficiency measures and dual education programs that link academia, government and business.

Finally, Julio Carranza, president of the Mexican Banking Association (ABM) , stressed that financial inclusion is essential for economic development. However, he pointed out that 50% of transactions under 500 pesos in Mexico are still made in cash, which limits the digitalization and formalization of the economy.

“We are concerned about attracting foreign investment, but we forget that national investment is 11 times greater. That is where we must focus our efforts to foster growth,” said Carranza.

The banking leader also highlighted the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Mexican economy, noting that their strengthening is key to combating informality and promoting more equitable prosperity.

Two decades of promoting a more just and equitable Mexico

On November 20, Fundemex , the social arm of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) , commemorated two decades of tireless work to build a more just and equitable Mexico.

“Today we are not only celebrating the achievements of these 20 years, but we are also renewing our commitment to continue transforming lives and communities with the power of the business sector,” said Jorge López, President of the Board of Directors of Fundemex.

Since its founding, Fundemex has worked to connect the country’s social needs with the dynamism of the business sector , channeling resources towards high-impact projects.

In 2022, the organization adopted new approaches that strengthened its mission, such as flagship initiatives such as Transformative Employment , Emplea Diversidad , among others.

The event also highlighted the importance of great results when companies commit to social causes.

An important pillar of Fundemex has been its ability to articulate strategic alliances between companies, communities, civil society and government .

These alliances have made it possible to address local problems with effective solutions , including training programs for vulnerable groups, employment initiatives and regional development projects.

During the celebration, Luis Miguel Pando, Rolando Vega, Alberto Núñez and Martha Smith were recognized for their outstanding work throughout Fundemex’s 20 years.

“The unequal and disproportionate generation of wealth has been a call to find a way to reverse this trend; there are many challenges and opportunities to do so. Mexico has an economy open to the world and an active community, and industry has an important role in the change,” said Martha Smith, founder and advisor of Fundemex.

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CANCÚN, Q. ROO. – Cargo transportation has a specific weight in the national economy, beyond concentrating more than half of the total cargo movements in the country and 84.5% of land operations; in addition, it contributes 3.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Precisely because of this relevance, the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar) is now celebrating the various actions that are considered for this activity within the “100 steps for transformation” of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, and is also considering adding other elements.

“We celebrate key actions such as not increasing the cost of gasoline, new highways, accelerating mobility, strengthening the National Guard by expanding its capacity, the initiative to raise extortion to a federal crime, as well as strengthening border crossings with the United States,” said Miguel Ángel Martinez Millán, president of Canacar at the opening of the National Convention.

In addition to celebrating the above, Martínez Millán highlighted that this association will seek to highlight the agenda of this sector, with the support of tools that address the new circumstances and realities of the industry.

These factors include the development and strengthening of an intelligent and homogeneous road infrastructure, the professionalization of operators, financing for the modernization of the vehicle fleet, harmonizing the General Law on Mobility and Road Safety (LGMSV), creating safe stops, the availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and the negotiation of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (TMEC).

“We ask that the import of used Class 8 vehicles not be allowed ,” said Miguel Ángel Martínez, to which he received a round of applause from those attending the Canacar Convention.

Based on data from the National Association of Truck, Bus and Tractor Truck Producers (ANPACT), in the January – July 2024 cycle, 16 thousand used tractor trucks have been imported, which could translate as 32 thousand vehicles in the year, with the impact that it has on the market of not being able to move new units, hence Canacar’s request.

Participating in the opening ceremony, Alejandro Malagón, president of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (Concamin) , explained that delays in road transport have an impact of 170 billion pesos (mdp) per year , mainly caused by the obstruction and stopping of vehicles on the 15 highway axes of the country, so this will be a point that must also be addressed by the new government.

Francisco Cervantes, president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), joined the call to increase security on Canacar and Concamin roads and said that a crusade is needed to increase security on national roads.

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