The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , and the midterm elections in the United States next November could pose risks to supply chains, primarily for the food, pharmaceutical, automotive, and electronics industries.

Jorge Luis Chávez Zárate, founding partner of the International Federation of Authorised Economic Operators (IFAEO) , explained that prevention is a crucial point to face the challenges that may arise during such events.

“The risks associated with the World Cup include impacts on critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, disruptions on highways, and issues at border crossings like Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juárez. We need to focus on ports and airports. What will happen on highways like the Mexico-Laredo highway, and what about the increase in visitors? There will be five million, and we need to take that into account so that our supply chains don’t get disrupted,” he explained.

In an interview, he specified that work must be done on how to improve the existing infrastructure and anticipate certain events such as a road blockade to avoid impacts, a strike, or food contamination.

Similarly, he considered that communication between companies and government “is crucial” and said, “We created the “Supply Chain Intelligence and Security Committee (CISCS)” in San Luis Potosí as a pilot program where we are linking various trade associations through their organizations, such as the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga ), the automotive industry clusters of SLP, the UUZI industrial zone users’ union, and we are inviting customs, military, Navy, and National Guard authorities so that, through risk analysis, we can anticipate situations.”

“There are already committees and links with the authorities, and these need to be strengthened in the face of events like the 2026 World Cup or elections. How are we going to strengthen them? With a strategy from a specific committee to mitigate supply chain risks. We are connecting with different chambers of commerce and associations so that, through these partnerships, we can share data and work together using the same language, which in this case is the Authorized Economic Operator and CTPAT,” he stated.

In that regard, he assured that IFAEO, together with the automotive industry cluster of San Luis Potosí, wants to carry out prevention initiatives and an emergency response channel for critical events with various organizations and agencies, including customs, economy, the Tax Administration Service (SAT) and the Ministry of Defense (Sedena) , National Guard and Navy (Semar).

“This is an initiative we are promoting because of the World Cup and all the dynamics that will come in the next 18 months, which is a cocktail for supply chains, but it is an initiative that will be open and permanent, where the Intelligence Committee will do the tests at the World Cup with some organizations like Amacarga, there will be five of us promoting it with the authorities,” said Chávez Zárate.

He explained that the Intelligence Committee should focus on training companies and authorities of the Authorized Economic Operator and CTPAT to understand their operations in ports and airports, as well as collaboration in preventing risk situations and establishing a channel for better communication to react to problems.

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El cargo The 2026 World Cup and the USMCA review would put pressure on supply chains. apareció primero en T21.

The lack of human capital training has become one of the main bottlenecks for the manufacturing industry in Mexico, particularly among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), warned Claudia Valdés, director of Expo Manufactura , who cautioned that inequality in access to technical training and maintenance is directly impacting the competitiveness, productivity and growth capacity of the sector.

He explained that there is a significant gap in training levels depending on company size. While around 81% of large companies train their staff, only 3.7% of micro-enterprises do so, and in the case of SMEs, the percentage is around 44% .

This disparity, he said, has contributed to a talent shortage that has been accumulating over the past 15 years and that today limits the performance of up to seven out of every 10 manufacturing companies in the country.

“The lack of training not only affects the staff, it also translates into poor management of machinery maintenance. It’s like not servicing a piece of equipment: the problem isn’t always immediately apparent, but when it appears, the impact can be in the millions,” he pointed out.

Underestimating training has direct consequences for operations. Line stoppages, bottlenecks, missed deliveries, overtime, and unexpected machinery failures are some of the most common costs faced by companies that don’t invest in technical training or predictive maintenance.

Valdés explained that many companies continue to rely on corrective maintenance schemes , which are much more expensive than prevention supported by digital tools and constant monitoring.

“It’s not about the failure existing today, but about detecting in time one that could occur in one or two years. Avoiding that problem is what makes the difference,” he pointed out.

These operational risks are compounded by strategic costs: the loss of business opportunities, the inability to take on new projects, and the breach of contracts, factors that directly affect the reputation and financial viability of companies.

While Mexican manufacturing showed strong growth at the beginning of 2025, exceeding 20%, the pace slowed toward the end of the year, not surpassing 3% or 4%, according to the event’s outlook. This slowdown, Valdés explained, is linked to trade uncertainty with the United States, tariff issues, and the lack of clear definitions surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which has led many companies to adopt a “wait and see” approach .

At the same time, the industry is facing a talent shortage . The rapid growth of previous years absorbed a large portion of the available skills, and today there is a need to attract more people interested in joining the manufacturing sector to meet existing demand.

The director of Expo Manufactura sent a message to industry leaders: “The cost of not training today is too high, and opportunities don’t always come around . ”

“Losing projects or being unable to deliver due to a lack of training would be a great shame for companies,” he warned.

Expo Manufactura will take place from February 3 to 5 at Cintermex , Monterrey, Nuevo León, with free registration and access, as part of its commitment to strengthening talent and competitiveness in manufacturing in Mexico.

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Improving road and port infrastructure , particularly those in Manzanillo, Ensenada, and Altamira, would allow for better handling of goods from the manufacturing industry.

Humberto Martínez Cantú, president of the Maquiladora and Export Manufacturing Industry Council (Index) , mentioned that they have also met with authorities from Guanajuato and Sonora to address the issue and learn about the work being done to improve roads and ports.

“We’re talking with the governors of Sonora and Guanajuato; they’re building more highways to speed up the transportation of products. At the ports, I’m working closely with Manzanillo, Ensenada for its certification, and Altamira. The governor told me they’ll start with Guaymas; this is extremely necessary to avoid bottlenecks,” he said.

In an interview at the 50th National Index Convention, he explained that given the saturation of the port of Manzanillo, they are looking for alternatives such as Altamira, Salina Cruz and Guaymas.

Likewise, Martínez Cantú responded to the Mexican government’s call for more investment and to participate in the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will take place in 2026.

“I made a commitment to more investment and jobs. I have many companies that want to expand into other products, and we need approval and certification from the Ministry of Economy, and they’re approving them quickly,” he said.

He noted that there are companies that, despite the uncertainty, “want to keep moving forward. This is the first time in the last six years that they’re welcoming us, working hand in hand with us, and certifying us to continue moving forward.”

He announced that this coming Monday, October 20, they will meet with Marcelo Ebrard , head of the Ministry of Economy, to address the needs of the industry

“The issue we most want is approval for the plants we want to expand and build new ones; second, for them to remove the tariffs and continue allowing us to import products that aren’t manufactured in the country or in the United States,” he said.

He confirmed the industry’s commitment to investing more, as requested the day before by Altagracia Gómez, head of the Advisory Council on Regional Economic Development and Relocation (CADERR).

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El cargo Improvements in road and port infrastructure would benefit the manufacturing industry. apareció primero en T21.

SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCÍA, NL – On the eve of the revision of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Mexico must prepare for complex scenarios, whether the agreement is renewed or radically modified, according to experts on the Mexico-U.S. panel at the crossroads: USMCA, cross-border trade, and regional competitiveness.

At the kickoff of ETYL Monterrey 2025, organized by Grupo T21, experts mentioned that the key will be strengthening competitiveness, infrastructure, and digitalization to sustain regional integration.

Manuel Farías, an academic at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) , opened the discussion by pointing out that the region is experiencing a critical juncture.

“We face two possible scenarios: maintaining the USMCA with adjustments or moving toward bilateral agreements. In either case, Mexico must strengthen its value proposition in cross-border trade,” he stated.

For his part, Humberto Treviño, an independent consultant for the Texas DOT , noted that ” the disappearance of the USMCA is not in sight, but rather a process of fragmentation . “

“The United States has turned trade into an instrument of foreign policy. We no longer talk about free trade, but rather about conditional trade. The challenge is for Mexico to prepare to compete under stricter and more selective rules,” he warned.

Treviño added that the security and migration agenda dominates the conversation in Washington, which could impact border operations and tariff policy.

“There will be pressure, especially on energy and environmental compliance issues, where the United States will demand greater traceability and corporate accountability,” he said.

For Emilio Cadena, CEO of Prodensa , the current context demands a rethinking of the regional development model, since “ nearshoring is not just about attracting factories; it’s about building an ecosystem .”

Cadena also highlighted the need for the country to have a proactive narrative toward the United States.

“We can’t keep waiting to see what Washington decides. Mexico must propose, it must lead. We have the talent, but we lack coordination,” he said.

From an operational perspective, Edward Habe, vice president of Sales and Service for Averitt Mexico , highlighted that the border has become a laboratory for logistics innovation.

“Today, the challenge is not just crossing quickly, but also crossing safely and with traceability. Digitalization and shared processes between customs are changing the way we do trade,” he explained.

Customs as a critical point

Augusto Canales, substitute customs broker and general manager of AR Canales , believes that Mexican customs is key to ensuring the continuity of trade in the face of any adjustments to the USMCA.

“We must view customs not as a barrier, but as a tool for competitiveness. If we can simplify processes and consolidate the role of the customs broker as a strategic ally, Mexico can maintain its regional leadership,” he asserted.

Canales emphasized that coordination with the United States is vital to avoid logistical disruptions, as the challenge is not only regulatory but also cultural and operational.

The panelists agreed that the USMCA—with or without modifications—will continue to be the fundamental framework for trade relations between Mexico and the United States. However, the country needs a comprehensive strategy that combines industrial policy, technological development, and a long-term vision.

“What’s at stake is not just a treaty, but the integration model that will define the future of North America. Mexico must demonstrate that it can be reliable, competitive, and resilient, even amid uncertainty,” said Manuel Farías.

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“We proudly share our intention to invest $2.75 billion in the country, from now until the end of 2028, with a vision focused on growth, innovation, and sustainability,” he emphasized during Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference this Wednesday.

Bonaclocha explained that the new facility will be its eighth plant in Mexico, which is expected to generate more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

With this plant, Heineken will seek to supply the Yucatán Peninsula more efficiently and sustainably , “as well as take advantage of the infrastructure and excellent connectivity currently available in the southeast of the country,” the executive added.

“This project is an important milestone for the company, as it marks the first time in Heineken’s history that an Indigenous consultation was conducted, positioning Heineken as the first company in the industry to initiate an open conversation within the community,” he explained.

He assured that they will continue investing in sustainability and innovation projects, based on three fundamental pillars that guide the company’s operations: environmental, social, and smart consumption.

The executive of Heineken, which includes brands such as Tecate, Indio, XX, Amstel Ultra, and Carta Blanca, noted that they will continue to focus on creating experiences that connect with people’s passions, such as sponsorship of Formula 1 and various music festivals.

Heineken Mexico is one of the most iconic companies in the sector and has seven plants, a malting plant, as well as a logistics network of more than 170 distribution centers and more than 17,000 Six stores.

Review of the USMCA

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Marcelo Ebrard , head of the Ministry of Economy , announced that the 25% tariff pause by the President of the United States, Donald Trump , on products under the framework of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) covers almost 90% of the goods that are exported to the United States, so negotiations with the northern neighbor will continue.

“The agreement that was announced yesterday, after the call that our president had with President Trump, essentially consists of the fact that Mexican exports that comply with the provisions of the Free Trade Agreement will not be subject to tariffs, at least until April 2,” he said.

At the morning press conference on Friday, the federal official explained that, although Trump’s measure halts the collection of tariffs from Mexico until April 2, work will continue with the U.S. government  and with companies that do not comply with the rule.

“We are going to work today, and even tomorrow morning, with companies that do not have the possibility of complying with these standards, which would be in that 10-12% and with whom we have to work, mainly in the automotive industry and other related industries,” he stressed.

He said that for the next three weeks they will work with the team at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) .

“For the next three weeks, from April onwards, we are already working with the USTR team. Next week we will have meetings to clarify what is proposed and where we are going,” he explained.

At the conference, Ebrard explained that Trump requested in an executive order that a country-by-country diagnosis of the United States’ foreign trade be made, that is, to see “if there is a deficit, if there is a surplus, to assess it, if there is a subsidy, if there is no subsidy, etc. All the questions about trade with different countries in the world and that will be presented, as well as the measures that are recommended on the aforementioned date, April 2,” he added.

What’s next, tariffs on steel and aluminum

Ebrard touched on the issue of the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the United States, which will affect Mexico and is scheduled to come into effect on March 12.

“We have to reach an agreement on steel and aluminum. In short, I would say that Mexico imports more than the United States imports from Mexico. So we are in this discussion because there is no justification for having a tariff on aluminum and steel,” he stressed.

He pointed out that the steel and aluminum issue is on March 12, “we are negotiating that, and on April 2 we will present the future of these tariffs and how the United States trade will work. And we will be negotiating and presenting Mexico’s arguments in these days,” said the Secretary of Economy.

It should be remembered that on March 6, Donald Trump announced that he reached an agreement with the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum , to exempt products included in the T-MEC from the 25% tariffs until April 2.

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Following the pause by Donald Trump , President of the United States, to exempt the 25% tariffs on products included in the  Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC)  until  April 2 , the National Council of the Export Manufacturing Industry (Index)  reiterated its commitment to the industrial and business sector, and recognized the negotiating work of the Government of Mexico , headed by President Claudia Sheinbaum .

In a statement, the organization called for unity to confront threats from abroad and reiterated its commitment to dialogue.

“This important economic sector will not lower its guard in defending the more than 1,500 companies in its membership, more than 3.3 million direct jobs and more than six million indirect jobs created, in alliance with the public and private sectors, including the national industry,” he stressed.

He recalled that since the beginning of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Index has contributed as a key driver of growth in export manufacturing and maquila operations.

He pointed out that the imposition of tariffs by the United States is a risk, “since it leaves thousands of jobs unprotected, unbalances supply chains and generates uncertainty in the current scenario of business relocation (nearshoring),” he stressed.

Good understanding is crucial for the future of bilateral and trilateral relations in the North American region, he added.

The organization extended its recognition to Marcelo Ebrard , head of the Ministry of Economy , as well as to the security and economic cabinet of the Government of Mexico.

This Thursday, Donald Trump announced that he reached an agreement with Sheinbaum to exempt the 25% tariffs on products included in the T-MEC until April 2, after having held a call with her.

Meanwhile, Sheinbaum confirmed this measure and thanked her counterpart from the northern neighbor, with whom she promised to continue working on security, fentanyl control and migration.

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U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reiterated that there will be tariffs on Mexico and Canada, although some exceptions are being considered by President Donald Trump , and that “sections of the market could perhaps get relief until we get to, of course, April 2.”

In an interview with Bloomberg , the US official said that Trump would make his decision on his tariff plans known with an announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

“There will be tariffs, let’s be clear, but what you’re looking at is what sections of the market might have relief until we get to, of course, April 2,” Lutnick said.

He said that Mexico and Canada are showing more ways to try to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States, “and if they can stop the flow of fentanyl, the president has an open mind,” he insisted.

“We hope to make an announcement this afternoon, and I think it will be somewhere in between, because Mexico and Canada are making a big effort. So I think a likely outcome is somewhere in between,” he said.

In the interview, he said that Trump has to make the decision, although the expectation is that it will be 25% although there will be some categories that are left out , “it could very well be cars, it could be others as well.”

He stressed that the tariff measures are not intended to start a trade war, but rather to stop the entry of fentanyl into the northern neighbor . He also indicated that  a broader review on this issue is planned for April,  in which the goods that are excluded after Wednesday’s announcement could be incorporated.

The official recalled that reciprocal tariffs , to equalize the tariffs, taxes and subsidies that other countries have, are still part of the US president’s agenda to be announced on April 2 .

He also noted that the current administration is analyzing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) in order to review whether the different sectors have complied with the provisions of the trilateral trade agreement.

Trump tells Congress that tariffs will continue

The day before, US President Donald Trump gave his first speech to Congress since being inaugurated on January 20.

With the phrase “America is back,” the president of our northern neighbor assured that during this period he has worked to fulfill the goal of making his second term as president “the greatest.”

“The American dream is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a resurgence like the world has never seen, and may never see again,” said Trump, who praised the achievements of his first weeks and vowed to press ahead with his bid to radically overhaul the U.S. government.

In this regard, he highlighted his immigration policy , through which, according to Trump, last month there was the lowest number of illegal crossings in years.

Regarding tariffs, he recalled that this word is “absolutely precious” and assured that the second stage will come into effect on April 2 .

Along those lines, he said that the United States charges lower tariffs than other countries, which his administration will correct. “We are not going to allow this to continue happening.”

He stressed that Mexico and Canada have allowed the entry of fentanyl, so he will cut subsidies to these countries, and recalled that his administration has already classified the MS13 (Mara Salvatrucha), the Tren de Aragua and several Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations . “It is time for the United States to declare war on the cartels,” Trump said in his speech to the nation in Congress.

“They are at the level of ISIS,” he said, recalling that last week Mexico transferred 29 drug traffickers considered highly dangerous to the United States, including Rafael Caro Quintero.

It should be remembered that the imposition of 25% tariffs on various Mexican products proposed by Trump, came into effect on March 4, after having been postponed for a month following an agreement with the president of Mexico,  Claudia Sheinbaum , to stop illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking to the United States, with the dispatch of  10 thousand elements of the National Guard to the northern border .

In response, Sheinbaum called for an informational meeting to be held next  Sunday, March 9 at 12:00 noon in the Zócalo of Mexico City , in which she will share the actions that her government will undertake.

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The arrival of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States for a second term has unleashed uncertainty in the world economy, which would affect the commercial relationship with Mexico and the revision of the treaty that both countries also have with Canada. In light of this, analysts have suggested that Mexico should take advantage of and strengthen the other treaties it has signed , but without neglecting the North American market .

According to the Ministry of Economy (SE) , Mexico has 14 free trade agreements with 50 countries , as well as 30 Agreements for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments (APPRI) with 31countries or administrative regions.

This makes Mexico one of the countries with the most trade relations in the world, which cover North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.

Among the most important trade agreements is the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , formerly known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) , which came into force on January 1, 1994 .

The USMCA, which replaced NAFTA, came into force on July 1, 2020, and represented an update of the trade rules between the three partner countries that make up the agreement. It includes chapters on digital trade, intellectual property, the environment, and labor standards.

According to the SE, the T-MEC is the best business that the region has had, since, to highlight some figures, it employs 17 million people at a regional level, generates approximately 3.1 million dollars (mdd) per minute and represents 30% of the world GDP .

In addition, it has strengthened the national economy, as well as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) linked to the relocation of production lines in Mexico ( nearshoring ), which grew more than 47% between 2022 and 2023.

These figures reflect the importance of this trilateral agreement for the North American region , so, given its review, scheduled for 2026, and the uncertainty caused by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, with the upcoming imposition of 25% tariffs on Mexico , it is essential that negotiators try to carry out the next review on good terms, in which, as various analysts have said, a tense environment will prevail.

In light of this, Mexico must take advantage of the other free trade agreements it has signed with other regions and countries.

Other trade agreements that Mexico has

According to the Government of Mexico , a trade treaty is an agreement established by two or more countries under the protection of international law in order to improve their economic and commercial relations.

In addition to the USMCA, Mexico has other treaties with which it has expanded its trade exchange, and among the most important are:

• Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (TLCUEM): This agreement has been in force since 2000, and is relevant since the exchange of goods between the European Union and Mexico reached  82 billion euros in 2023 and services for 22 billion euros in 2022.
• Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA): Includes Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland and was signed in 2002. In 2020 alone, Mexico exported more than US$500 million in automotive goods to EFTA, and in the same year exports of various products such as beer and tequila exceeded US$5 billion .
• Mexico-Peru Trade Agreement: This agreement has been in force since 2012 and has provided mutual benefits. According to the Ministry of Economy, in November 2024 the trade balance between the two countries was US$96 million , as Mexico’s exports to Peru were US$102 million , while international purchases were US $106 million .
• Mexico-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement: This is one of the most important agreements for Mexico, since according to figures from the DataMéxico portal , in November 2024 Mexico’s international sales to Japan were US$356 million , while international purchases reached US$1,672 million . The trade balance was US $1,315 million .
• Pacific Alliance: It is made up of Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru and was established in 2011. In January 2024 alone, Mexico conducted business worth 25 million dollars in exports with the Pacific Alliance, which represents 40% of Latin America’s GDP.
• Mexico-Uruguay Free Trade Agreement: It was signed in 2003 and is the only agreement of its kind with a country in the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) . According to the Government of Mexico, in 2021, Mexican exports to Uruguay were US$264 million , and imports reached US $330 million .
• Mexico-Panama Trade Agreement: It has been in force since 2015. According to DataMéxico, in November 2024, international sales from Mexico to Panama were US$4 million , while international purchases reached US $8.48 million , making it also a relevant agreement.
• Free Trade Agreement with Central America: In 1995, Mexico signed a trade agreement with Costa Rica and with Nicaragua in 1997, then signed another with El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, and in 2011 they were all unified. According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica , the total trade of this country in 2023 was 40.76 billion dollars .
• Mexico-Bolivia Free Trade Agreement: Trade relations with this country are carried out through an Economic Complementation Agreement , although the treaty was in force from 1995 to 2010. According to DataMéxico, in November 2024, Mexico’s international sales to that South American country were US$98 million , while international purchases reached US $5.27 million .
• Mexico-Israel Free Trade Agreement: It was signed and entered into force in 2000. According to the SE, since then Mexico’s trade with that country has grown 8 percent .
• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP): It is made up of Mexico, Canada, Australia, Brunei, Japan, Chile, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and New Zealand. In 2023 alone, the member countries of this agreement represented 8% of global trade .

In addition to these trade agreements, Mexico actively participates in multilateral and regional organizations and forums such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) , among others, according to the Ministry of Economy.

Among the favorable points of Mexico’s foreign trade is an increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) received by our country in 2024, which, according to the Global Investment Trends Monitor report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) , had an annual increase of 11% , “which shows resilience in the face of broader challenges.”

Furthermore, one of the most successful Mexican industries is the automotiveindustry , which, according to the report Estimates of trade trends in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2025 edition, from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) , was one of the sectors that boosted our country’s exports , which, according to this organization, expanded by 4% in 2024.

Meanwhile, in addition to the United States, the country that topped the list of Mexico’s main export destinations last November, Canada and China followed. In the penultimate month of 2024 alone, exports to Canada amounted to US$1,712 million and to China US $ 942 million , according to the DataMéxico portal with figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) .

Given the complicated outlook, the country must strengthen its trade relations to face the difficulties that may arise in the negotiation of the T-MEC, as well as the possible imposition of tariffs, since Mexico has somewhere to turn to strengthen its trade without neglecting the most important market, which is that of its northern neighbor.

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Steel exports from Mexico do not represent a threat to the United States, said the National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero) , and supported the position of President Claudia Sheinbaum in applying some measures to steel products exported from the northern neighbor sent to our country, in the face of possible trade reprisals.

“In light of the growth in U.S. steel exports to Mexico and the persistent threat of imposing tariffs that violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on Mexican steel, the industry supports what our president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has said, in the sense that the Mexican government, if necessary, should apply a proportional and immediate retaliation to the exported products, in this case for steel products from the United States sent to Mexico,” the organization indicated in a statement.

He also argued that it is unfounded that Mexico’s exports are causing plant closures or layoffs in the United States, as the steel industry in that country has mentioned on several occasions.

According to its own sources, the northern neighbor has a surplus with Mexico in bilateral trade of finished products, since the United States’ surplus has been 1.2 million tons per year on average from 2015 to 2023.

“With information up to October 2024, the US surplus will increase to 2.4 million tons, which will represent 4.1 billion dollars (mdd). This implies a 10% growth in the tons exported by the United States to Mexico compared to 2023 and 23% more than the 2015-2017 average. In contrast, Mexico’s exports to the United States have fallen 13% compared to 2023, with which we return to 2015 levels,” Canacero detailed.

In this regard, he explained that while in 2024 the United States accounted for 16.1% of the market in Mexico, our country represented only 2.2% of the market in the United States.

He clarified that data from the Center for Economic Research and Teaching (CIDE)  indicate that Mexico’s exports have 11.8% U.S. content and the exports that our northern neighbor makes to our country generate nearly 40 thousand direct jobs in that nation.

He also dismissed accusations of triangulation since, according to information from the United States Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis System (SIMA) , from January to October 2024, exports of that product of Chinese origin are only 578 tons , which represented 0.02% of total steel product exports in that period.

Among other provisions, he explained that Mexico has taken actions such as tariff measures against countries with which it does not have a trade agreement of up to 50% , along with automatic import notices that require a certification from the producing mill and various antidumping cases (a measure that seeks to protect the national industry from unfair competition).

In addition, the industry has joined the efforts of the US government by working on a traceability program implemented by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) .

Canacero considered that the best way to confront China is the T-MEC and regional integration ; “the real solution to combat unfair imports is to act as a block in the face of common challenges,” which is why it urged unity, since “it not only amplifies regional power, it also mitigates the national security vulnerabilities of our countries.”

In the next review of the USMCA, scheduled for 2026, the steel industry will be one of the topics that the negotiators of the trilateral trade agreement will put on the table. In light of this, and in agreement with Canacero, the Mexican Government is preparing similar measures that, if they affect this sector, would apply to some steel products from the United States.

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