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Industrial News Report WEEKLY LATEST NEWS IN MEXICO

JAN 14, 2026

NEWS BY STATE NEW INVESTMENTS US MEXICO RELATIONSHIP LEGISLATIVE UPDATES PRODENSA INSIGHTS

US - MEXICO PRESIDENTIAL NEWS

USMCA Renegotiation at Risk • Experts warn that the upcoming review of the USMCA will be particularly difficult, as risks now extend beyond traditional disputes over energy, rules of origin, and labor. • The main source of uncertainty lies in the increasingly protectionist stance of the U.S and the possibility that the trilateral framework could weaken in favor of bilateral arrangements. • To these structural risks, a new geopolitical factor has been added. The U.S. military intervention in

Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro are expected to embolden the Trump administration to introduce security and foreign-policy demands into the USMCA talks. Ratings agencies caution that issues such as organized crime, extraditions, and regional security cooperation could now be leveraged as bargaining tools, further complicating negotiations and extending uncertainty for Mexico’s economic outlook. SOURCE: EL FINANCIERO, EL FINANCIERO

US - MEXICO PRESIDENTIAL NEWS

U.S. Intervention Rhetoric Rises • U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held a meeting to discuss the presence of U.S. troops in Mexico, reaffirming that security cooperation must respect national sovereignty. • According to Sheinbaum, the conversation was respectful but firm, as Trump raised the possibility of deploying U.S. forces to combat drug cartels. Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s constitutional opposition to military interventions and stressed that collaboration can only occur within a bilateral framework based on sovereignty and coordination. • The call followed Trump’s public threat to “attack by land” drug cartels he claims “control” Mexico, comments made shortly after the U.S.-led operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. • Sheinbaum publicly rejected that intervention as well, invoking the Estrada Doctrine and Mexico’s longstanding position against foreign military actions. • Escalating intervention discourse could undermine investor confidence, complicate bilateral cooperation, and increase uncertainty at a critical moment for Mexico’s economic and diplomatic relationship with the United States. SOURCE: FRANCE 24

US - MEXICO PRESIDENTIAL NEWS

Capital Outflows Signal Investor Caution in Mexico • Mexico recorded a significant net capital outflow from government securities during the first eleven months of 2025, reflecting a deterioration in investor sentiment. According to the Bank of Mexico (BANXICO), foreign investors withdrew nearly 136 billion pesos from sovereign bonds, marking one of the most sustained episodes of capital flight since the pandemic. • Several structural factors are weighing on confidence. The upcoming review of the USMCA has introduced uncertainty over future trade conditions, while rising public debt has increased scrutiny from rating agencies. Geopolitical noise is adding to these pressures. Tensions linked to Venezuela and increasingly hardline rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump toward Mexico have reinforced perceptions of external risk. Together, these dynamics suggest that capital flows will remain volatile in 2026. SOURCE: EL CONGRESISTA

NEWS BY STATE

Baja California Index Mexicali and Mexico’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) agreed to strengthen coordination to improve labor conditions and promote formal, competitive employment in Mexicali, aligning labor policy with global market demands while prioritizing worker well-being and legal certainty for companies. During a meeting between Index Mexicali President Salvador Maese Barraza and federal labor delegate Ventura Campos Sandoval, both parties emphasized creating quality jobs with full legal benefits, reinforcing com-

pliance with labor regulations, protecting workers’ rights, and fostering a culture of labor law adherence. The agreement also includes developing programs to enhance the technical skills of the local workforce, promoting social dialogue to resolve labor disputes more efficiently, and maintaining direct communication channels to ensure effective inspections and proper enforcement of labor laws, positioning Mexicali as a stable and competitive industrial hub. SOURCE: INDUSTRIAL NEWS BC

NEWS BY STATE

Sonora Latécoere, a French aerospace company, is evaluating the creation of a specialized aerospace academy in Sonora focused on wiring harnesses and interconnection systems, as part of its expansion strategy linked to its industrial operations in the state. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo and senior Boeing executives, a key Latécoere client, with the goal of strengthening technical training, technological upskilling, and the development of specialized talent. If implemented, the academy would offer workshops, certifications, business training programs, and technical consulting aligned with current and future aerospace industry needs, reinforcing Sonora’s position as a regional hub for aerospace talent. Latécoere currently operates four plants in Hermosillo, employs 1,526 highly skilled workers, and collaborates with major industry players such as Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Thales, Bombardier, and others. SOURCE:EXPRESO

NEWS BY STATE

Chihuahua The Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry (CMIC) Chihuahua formally swore in its 2026–2028 Board of Directors, appointing engineer Juan Carlos Montaño as its new president, succeeding Julio César Mercado Rodríguez. The ceremony took place during the Ordinary Assembly of Members, where outgoing leadership presented its annual report and formal powers were transferred. Mercado Rodríguez highlighted achievements such as strengthened coordination with government authorities, increased company certification and training, and stronger ties with universities to foster young talent. In his inaugural address, Montaño reaffirmed his commitment to job creation, close collaboration with all levels of government, modernization of technical tools for public works execution, and continued academic linkage, emphasizing that CMIC Chihuahua is one of the strongest delegations nationwide. He outlined a vision of inclusive leadership, shared responsibility, and strategic growth to position the Chamber as a key reference for the construction sector amid current challenges. SOURCE: HERALDO CHIHUAHUA

NEWS BY STATE

Nuevo Leon Nuevo León is strengthening the Puerto Colombia–Laredo border crossing as a strategic logistics hub for 2026 through enhanced binational coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM), aiming to reduce transit times, improve security, and increase logistical reliability. State authorities emphasized the crossing’s key role during the FIFA World Cup 2026, when it is expected to serve as the main logistics link between Monterrey, Dallas, and Hous-

ton, handling increased flows of tourists, suppliers, and specialized cargo. Agreements focus on operational agility, reinforced security, infrastructure expansion, and optimized transport protocols, supported by heightened surveillance along the La Gloria–Colombia corridor. Strong growth indicators already reflect this momentum, positioning Nuevo León as a leading logistics and commercial hub in the northeastern region with scalable capacity to meet peak demand in an increasingly integrated binational environment. SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY

NEWS BY STATE

Coahuila A proposal has been introduced in the Coahuila State Congress to establish daycare centers and child care facilities within industrial parks and high-density business areas, aiming to reduce a major barrier to workforce participation, particularly for working mothers. Legislator Edna Dávalos emphasized that the lack of nearby, safe childcare forces many women to reject job opportunities or leave their positions, increasing stress, lowering productivity, and driving higher employee turnover. The initiative argues that integrating childcare infrastructure into industrial zones would support working families, boost business productivity, strengthen female labor participation, and promote children’s well-being, calling on federal and state labor and economic authorities to jointly implement a program that links economic development with social welfare. SOURCE: EL COAHUILENSE

NEWS BY STATE

Queretaro Queretaro’s technology industry expects strong growth in 2026, projecting an annual expansion of 18% to 23%, driven mainly by rising demand for artificial intelligence and cybersecurity services, according to the Vórtice IT Cluster Querétaro. Industry leaders note that new customs regulations—particularly changes tied to U.S. requirements—will require more advanced technological solutions to closely

track import and export processes, further boosting demand for digital services. With around 180 IT companies operating in the state, Querétaro has strengthened its position as a leading digital hub, ranking second nationwide in the 2025 State Digital Development Index, supported by advances in data center infrastructure, innovation, technology adoption, and a strong base of STEM graduates, despite remaining challenges in rural connectivity and digital inclusion. SOURCE: EL ECONOMISTA

NEWS BY STATE

Mexico City Mexico City is reinforcing its profile as a key economic and investment center as it prepares to host matches of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking before diplomats and international representatives, Mayor Clara Brugada highlighted the capital’s solid economic fundamentals, sound public finances, and security strategy. Authorities framed the tournament as a catalyst to strengthen investor confidence and international visibility. The city has registered a sustained increase in foreign investment inflows, alongside stronger local revenue collection and a notable expansion in public investment. These resources have been channeled into a broad urban development agenda, including transport upgrades, large-scale road rehabilitation, and projects aimed at revitalizing key tourism and commercial corridors. Officials emphasized that infrastructure works are designed to generate long-term economic benefits beyond 2026. SOURCE: EL ECONOMISTA

NEWS BY STATE

State of Mexico Repaving works began at the intersection of Leonardo da Vinci Avenue and 1 de Mayo Avenue, a key industrial corridor of Toluca. The works, launched on November 4 as part of the city’s 2025 infrastructure program. Toluca Mayor Ricardo Moreno Bastida stated that the project required specialized treatment rather than standard pothole repairs, explaining the extended execution timeline as necessary to ensure the durability of the road surface. For local businesses and workers, the prolonged restriction underscores ongoing challenges related to urban infrastructure execution, highlighting the economic and logistical costs of delays in strategic industrial corridors. SOURCE: ASI SUCEDE

INVESTMENT NEWS Northern Mexico

Central Mexico

CHANGHONG Changhong (via its subsidiary Guangdong Changhong Electronics), a consumer electronics manufacturer specializing in flat-panel TVs and LED modules, is evaluating a US$4 million investment to establish a television production facility in Tijuana, Baja California as part of its global manufacturing expansion strategy. The project aims to strengthen Changhong’s overseas production footprint and improve responsiveness to international markets.

SL CORPORATION SL Mex SLP, a leading steel-pipe and tubular products manufacturer, inaugurated a new production facility in Villa de Reyes, San Luis Potosí, backed by an investment of US$42 million. The plant will produce high-value tubular solutions for the energy and industrial sectors, enhancing local manufacturing capacity and strengthening the regional supply chain.

PPG INDUSTRIES PPG Industries, a global coatings and specialty materials manufacturer, will continue investing in its Tepexpan plant in the State of Mexico to expand domestic low-emission resin production, addressing supply-chain resilience and reducing dependence on imports from the US, Asia, and Europe. The expansion is part of a larger plan with nearly US$100 million in investment to strengthen sustainable resin capacity for automotive and industrial sectors SOURCE: MEXICO INDUSTRY

PRODENSA INSIGHTS Shelter Services vs. Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in Mexico: Which Model Fits Your Strategy? Mexico continues to attract global manufacturers— but choosing the right entry model can make or break your expansion. Should you move fast with shelter services, or build long-term control through a wholly-owned subsidiary? In this article, we break down: • The key differences between shelter services and subsidiaries • Pros, cons, and risk considerations of each model • Speed-to-market vs. operational control tradeoffs • When a hybrid operational support model makes sense Whether you’re testing the market or planning a longterm footprint, this comparison will help you align your Mexico strategy with your business goals.

PRODENSA INSIGHTS

Hiring a Salesperson in Mexico: What Foreign Companies Get Wrong— and How to Get It Right Hiring your first salesperson in Mexico can unlock growth—or create unexpected risk if done incorrectly. Sales roles in Mexico don’t operate under the same rules as in the U.S. or Europe. Differences in labor law, compensation structures, compliance obligations, and sales culture mean that a familiar hiring approach can quickly turn into a costly mistake.

In this practical guide, we cover: • The different types of sales roles under Mexican law—and why they matter • How compensation expectations in Mexico really work • Legal and compliance risks foreign companies often overlook • When to use a local entity, Employer of Record (EOR), REPSE-certified services, or distributors • Best practices for recruiting, interviewing, and retaining top sales talent Whether you’re testing the market, building a commercial presence, or supporting global sales from Mexico, this article helps you design a compliant, scalable, and effective sales hiring strategy.

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