US - MEXICO
EL MENCHO CAPTURE
• The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a Mexican military operation marks one of the most significant joint security outcomes between Mexico and the United States in recent years. While the operation was planned and executed exclusively by Mexican federal forces, U.S. authorities provided critical intelligence support that contributed to locating and tracking the high-value target.
• Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense confirmed that the operation relied on military intelligence and complementary information shared through bilateral cooperation channels with the United States. This type of intelligence exchange has become a central pillar of cross-border security coordination, particularly against criminal organizations with transnational drug trafficking networks.
• U.S. officials publicly praised the operation, emphasizing its importance in disrupting fentanyl and synthetic drug flows affecting American communities.
US - MEXICO
MEXICO -CANADA ECONOMIC INTEGRATION PLAN
• Mexico and Canada have begun drafting a bilateral action plan to be unveiled in the second half of the year, aimed at deepening economic integration. According to Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, the initiative seeks to provide a long-term strategic vision and reduce regulatory uncertainty while protecting supply chains and facilitating investment.
• The action plan was presented in the context of the visit to Mexico by Canadian Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, accompanied by a delegation of 400 Canadian companies. The trip had the objective of accelerating business cooperation and reinforcing the security collaboration. Also, the Business Coordinator Council (CCE) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Business Council of Canada to strengthen investment and productive integration.
• Separately, President Claudia Sheinbaum met with LeBlanc and the Canadian delegation to discuss trade ties and expanded Canadian investment in Mexico. Sheinbaum said the visit follows up on commitments made with Prime Minister Mark Carney during his previous trip to Mexico.
• The initiative reflects a strategic reinforcement of the bilateral relation between Mexico and Canada, in a context of uncertainty regarding the USMCA’s review.
SOURCE: EL FINANCIERO, LA JOR
US TARIFFS
• The administration of Donald Trump signaled it is open to modifying how steel and aluminum tariffs are applied, though it will maintain the 50 percent duties imposed last year. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said adjustments could be made to ease compliance burdens on companies, following pressure from business groups and trading partners.
• President Sheinbaum confirmed that Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard was informed of possible changes, though no formal proposal has been issued. Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico has consistently requested a review, particularly given the impact on integrated supply chains and inflationary pressures.
SOURCE: EL UNIVERSAL
- MEXICO
MEXICO RANKS AS TOP U.S. TRADE PARTNER IN 2025
• The latest annual data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that in 2025 Mexico consolidated its position as the United States’ leading trade partner, top export destination and largest supplier.
• According to year-to-date figures, total trade between Mexico and the U.S. reached $872.8 billion, representing 15.6% of total U.S. global trade. Of that amount, U.S. exports to Mexico totaled $338.0 billion — 15.5% of all American exports — making Mexico the number one destination for U.S. goods.
• On the import side, the U.S. purchased $534.9 billion in Mexican products, accounting for 15.7% of total U.S. imports and positioning Mexico as its primary supplier.
• Behind these figures lies a deeply integrated economic relationship that sustains growth, manufacturing output and employment. Supply chains across key industries operate in a highly interconnected manner, reinforcing North America’s competitiveness.
• Mexico’s top ranking across all three major trade categories underscores its central role in the North American economy and highlights the strategic importance of maintaining stable bilateral trade ties amid global economic uncertainty.
SOURCE: US CENSUS BUREAU
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AND INITIATIVES
TRADE
• DECREE AMENDING, ADDING, AND REPEALING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATIONS OF THE CUSTOMS LAW
Presented by: Federal Executive
Objective: Amends the Customs Law Regulations to update terminology and institutional structures. Renames Chapter III of Title One to include electronic prevalidation services alongside electronic data processing services. Renames Title Seven to explicitly include customs agencies in addition to customs brokers and legal representatives. Establishes a new Customs Council under Title Six to strengthen institutional coordination and oversight of customs authorities. Creates a new chapter regulating customs agencies, formally recognizing their role, functions, and responsibilities within the customs clearance system, and restructures the regulatory framework governing legal representatives and customs service providers to improve operational clarity, oversight, and efficiency.
Status: Published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on February 23, 2026.
• INITIATIVE AMENDING ARTICLES OF THE LAW ON THE APPROVAL OF INTERNATIONAL TREATIES IN ECONOMIC MATTERS
Presented by: Parliamentary Group of the National Action Party (PAN)
Objective: Strengthens Senate oversight in negotiating and approving economic international treaties by requiring alignment with national development plans, authorizing public hearings and open parliament mechanisms.
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on February 17, 2026.
• INITIATIVE AMENDING THE CUSTOMS LAW AND THE FOREIGN TRADE LAW TO PREVENT IMPORTATION OF GOODS LINKED TO CHILD LABOR
Presented by: Dep. Ricardo Madrid PĂ©rez (PVEM)
Objective: Establishes customs measures to block imports linked to the worst forms of child labor, authorizing precautionary actions including retention, seizure, immobilization, evidence collection, and supply chain verification, while allowing importers to present evidence within ten business days to demonstrate compliance with human rights-based trade restrictions.
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on February 18, 2026.
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AND INITIATIVES
LABOR
• LABOR INITIATIVE WITH AMENDING THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW, REGARDING PROHIBITION OF UNJUSTIFIED REQUIREMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORD CERTIFICATES
Presented by: Sen. Juan Carlos Loera (MORENA)
Objective: Prohibits employers from requiring criminal record certificates as a condition for hiring, retention, or promotion, except where expressly justified by law.
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on February 18, 2026.
• INITIATIVE AMENDING THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW AND THE INCOME TAX LAW TO ESTABLISH INCENTIVES FOR COMPANIES IMPLEMENTING FLEXIBLE SCHEMES WITHOUT OVERTIME PAY
Presented by: Dep. José Guillermo Anaya (PAN)
Objective: Establishes certified labor flexibility schemes without generating overtime. Grants a tax incentive allowing a deduction equivalent to 20% of taxable income for companies adopting flexible schedules without overtime. Allows full deductibility of wages and related labor costs for Mipymes during fiscal years 2027–2030.
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on February 18, 2026.
ENVIRONMENT
• INITIATIVE WITH DRAFT DECREE AMENDING THE GENERAL CLIMATE CHANGE LAW, REGARDING MEASUREMENT AND REDUCTION OF CARBON FOOTPRINT
Presented by: Dep. Israel Betanzos Cortés (PRI)
Objective: Promotes adoption of clean technologies and sustainable processes to reduce carbon footprints, empowers the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change to manage a National Carbon Footprint Registry, and mandates coordinated fiscal and financial incentives to encourage voluntary emissions reduction projects and registry participation.
Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on February 18, 2026.
NEWS BY STATE BAJA CALIFORNIA
The National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra) Tijuana has launched an international agenda with Guatemala to strengthen regional nearshoring and position Baja California as a continental leader in advanced manufacturing. Through strategic meetings with the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT), Canacintra aims to integrate Guatemala into key value chains such as medical devices, aerospace, and electronics, offering certified, competitive, and secure supply alternatives. The strategy leverages Guatemala’s Free Trade Zones and international standards like ISO 9001 to reduce logistics times and optimize costs, while enabling intermediate manufacturing processes that allow Baja California plants to focus on higher value-added activities. This alliance also emphasizes the importance of economic stability and social cohesion, drawing insights from Guatemala’s multisector “Foro Guatemala” model, and reinforces Canacintra Tijuana’s role as a cross-border business integrator driving regional competitiveness.
SOURCE: INDUSTRIAL NEWS BC
NEWS BY STATE
CHIHUAHUA
The Government of Chihuahua and global manufacturing company Jabil held a strategic meeting to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, aiming to enhance specialized talent development across the state. The initiative focuses on aligning university and technical training programs with the evolving needs of high-value sectors such as advanced electronics, medical devices, and automotive technology. By reinforcing partnerships between companies and educational institutions, the strategy seeks to improve workforce readiness, increase job placement opportunities, and support innovation-driven industries. Jabil reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence and workforce development, promoting training models designed to meet current technological demands and future industrial trends, ultimately positioning Chihuahua as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing and specialized talent in Mexico.
SOURCE: MEXICO NOW
NEWS BY STATE DURANGO
Durango is entering a new phase of industrial investment following a strategic meeting between Governor Esteban Villegas Villarreal and the State’s Business Coordinating Council (CCE). Public and private sector leaders reviewed key infrastructure projects and ongoing investments focused on water, energy, connectivity, and industrial development to strengthen the state’s competitiveness. After a period of budget adjustments and financial restructuring, the administration aims to position 2026 as a pivotal year for infrastructure expansion, creating clear and competitive conditions to attract manufacturing and technology projects. Several industrial initiatives are already in advanced permitting stages, while the state is preparing updated incentive policies to support construction, commerce, and services, encouraging greater participation of local suppliers in emerging value chains. The coordinated agenda underscores financial stability, regulatory certainty, and private investment as central pillars for accelerating Durango’s economic growth in the near and midterm.
SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY
NEWS BY STATE QUERETARO
Querétaro strengthened its position as a strategic industrial and technology hub by hosting the Automotive & Aerospace Meetings 2026, an international B2B forum that brought together more than 400 companies from 15 countries and over 800 industry participants. The event generated approximately 8,000 pre-scheduled business meetings, reinforcing the state’s role in supplier integration, advanced manufacturing, and cross-border collaboration within the automotive and aerospace sectors under the USMCA framework. Authorities highlighted that these industries account for 26% of transportation equipment manufacturing in the state, reflecting strong installed capacity and specialized talent. Alongside manufacturing, Querétaro’s technology sector is projected to grow between 18% and 23% in 2026, driven by cybersecurity, AI applications, and new customs compliance requirements. This growth builds on a robust 2025 investment cycle exceeding MX$30 billion, including major expansions by global players in cloud infrastructure and logistics. While Mexico’s broader investment outlook remains cautiously optimistic amid governance and trade uncertainties, Querétaro continues to stand out as a key platform for nearshoring, foreign direct investment, and industrial competitiveness.
SOURCE: MEXICO BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS BY STATE
MEXICO CITY
• Canadian pharmaceutical company Apotex will invest more than 850 million pesos in Mexico and reach record production levels in 2026, with its Mexico City plant playing a central role in its regional manufacturing strategy.
• The company expects to surpass 74 million units produced at its Iztacalco facility, the highest volume since operations began in 1996.
• The Mexico City plant is part of Apotex’s integrated global network of nine manufacturing and distribution sites across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and India.
• Its output supplies both domestic demand and export markets across Latin America, reinforcing the capital’s importance as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
• Apotex currently employs more than 500 workers in Mexico, with women representing 60% of its workforce.
SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY
NEWS BY STATE
STATE OF MEXICO
• The Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMéx) is strengthening collaboration with the private sector to better align academic training with labor market needs and support regional economic development.
• A key milestone included a strategic dialogue with the Association of Owners of the Industrial Park Toluca 2000, which represents companies operating in one of the State of Mexico’s main industrial hubs. The meeting focused on improving coordination between employers and the university to ensure graduates acquire skills relevant to current industry requirements.
• UAEMéx also held discussions with Coparmex Estado de México to explore initiatives such as a business marketplace platform designed to promote collaboration, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
• This strategy positions UAEMéx as a key institutional partner in supporting industrial growth and talent development in the State of Mexico.
SOURCE: EI MÉXICO
INVESTMENT NEWS
NORTHERN MEXICO
YOUNGSHIN INDUSTRY MÉXICO
Youngshin Industry México announced a major expansion in Juárez that will generate 1,500 new jobs, reinforcing the municipality’s role within the Monterrey metropolitan industrial corridor. The project strengthens local employment opportunities, reduces commuting to neighboring cities, and boosts regional economic stability. The expansion is expected to activate local supply chains, logistics, and service providers, while supporting high-precision manufacturing processes aligned with global quality standards, further consolidating Nuevo León’s position as a competitive hub for international industrial investment.
FRISA
Grupo Frisa and Fibra Macquarie are investing approximately US$90 million in the UBIQ³ Santa Fe Business Park in Tijuana, a new industrial complex featuring four modern buildings and roughly 70,000 square meters of leasable space. Designed to support logistics, manufacturing, and distribution operations, the project strengthens Tijuana’s industrial infrastructure and reinforces its role as a strategic nearshoring and advanced manufacturing hub along the US-Mexico border, reflecting strong investor confidence and continued economic growth in the region.
INVESTMENT NEWS
CENTRAL MEXICO
KOMATSU
Komatsu invested US$1.85 million to open a new branch in Colima, creating 21 direct jobs and strengthening its service and distribution network across Western Mexico and the Pacific corridor. Leveraging proximity to Puerto de Manzanillo, the facility will enhance logistics efficiency, reduce response times, and support industrial clients with large-equipment maintenance, certified technical service, and advanced digital monitoring systems, reinforcing Colima’s position as a strategic logistics and investment hub.
SAN MARCOS VALLEY INDUSTRIAL PARK
The San Marcos Valley Industrial Park in Aguascalientes has reached 50% completion in its first phase, backed by a MX$1.7 billion investment and designed to generate 750 direct and nearly 9,000 indirect jobs. Developed across 140 hectares in southern Aguascalientes, the project will offer high-voltage electrical infrastructure, water treatment systems, drainage networks, and industrial facilities tailored to sectors such as automotive, electronics, technology, and healthcare. Led by developer Lintel, the park is expected to begin construction of its first building by mid-year, positioning the area as a new economic growth hub and reinforcing the state’s strategy to attract high-value manufacturing investment.
SOURCES: MEXICO INDUSTRY, CLUSTER INDUSTRIAL, MEXICO NOW
PRODENSA INSIGHTS
Supply Chains Are No Longer a Cost Center
Part of our new editorial section “Prodensa Perspectives”, in this article (written by Kurt Schmidt, our VP of Consulting) Kurt examines how supply chains have evolved from operational necessities into strategic assets. In a context of geopolitical shifts and tighter trade enforcement, treating supply chains purely as cost centers is no longer sustainable.
The focus has moved from lowest cost to highest resilience and regional alignment—especially across North America—where integration now defines competitiveness.
• Why resilience outweighs pure cost efficiency
• How regional integration is reshaping supply networks
• What strategic supply chain design means for manufacturers VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO EXPLORE OUR FEATURED BLOG POSTS, EBOOKS, AND CASE STUDIES PRODENSA.COM/INSIGHTS