Issuu

- MEXICO

MEXICAN GOVERNMENT CANCELS IMMEX FOR 350 COMPANIES

• Mexico’s Secretary of Economy suspended the import activities of 350 companies linked to the steel sector and initiated procedures to cancel their participation in the IMMEX Program after identifying alleged irregularities.

• The measure follows a verification process reviewing companies involved in the manufacturing and commercialization of steel products and compliance with rules of origin for foreign producers exporting to Mexico.

• Authorities reported that 750 firms were initially flagged for potentially irregular operations. Of those, 350 have already been suspended, while the remaining are undergoing information requests.

• The decision reflects the government’s efforts to prevent the misuse of trade facilitation mechanisms, to demonstrate regulatory credibility ahead of the upcoming review of the USMCA.

SOURCE: FORBES

USMCA CONSULTATION RESULTS

• Mexico’s Ministry of Economy presented the results of consultations with nearly 2,900 business leaders and industrial representatives regarding the upcoming review of the USMCA.

• The consultations revealed broad consensus among the private sector that the agreement remains essential for Mexico’s economy, despite growing concerns over certain trade frictions.

• According to Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, Mexican businesses highlighted several priority issues ahead of the trilateral evaluation scheduled for July. These include U.S. tariffs on sectors such as steel and automobiles, stricter interpretations of rules of origin, and what companies describe as asymmetric or excessive use of the rapid response labor mechanism. Businesses also raised concerns about alleged unfair trade practices affecting certain agricultural products.

• The consultation report also identified structural challenges affecting Mexico’s competitiveness, including the persistence of unilateral tariff measures, the costs associated with regulatory compliance, gaps in logistics and energy infrastructure, and pressures linked to technological, labor, and environmental transitions.

SOURCE: EL PAÍS

LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AND INITIATIVES

LABOR

• DECREE AMENDING ARTICLE 123 OF THE CONSTITUTION ON REDUCTION OF WORKING HOURS

Presented by: Federal Executive

Objective: This reform establishes a forty-hour workweek and guarantees at least one paid rest day for every six days worked. It limits overtime to twelve hours per week, and prohibits overtime work for minors. The reform includes a gradual implementation schedule between 2026 and 2030.

Status: Published in the Oficial Gazzette of the Federation on March 4, 2026

• DECREE AMENDING THE GENERAL LAW ON WOMEN’S ACCESS TO A LIFE FREE OF VIOLENCE

Presented by: United Comissions for Gender Equality and Legislative Studies

Objective: Establishes that paying a lower salary for equal work within the same workplace due to gender constitutes workplace violence. It strengthens the legal framework to address gender-based discrimination in employment and reinforces protections for women to ensure equal pay and fair labor conditions.

Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on March 4, 2026

• INITIATIVE WITH DRAFT DECREE ADDING ARTICLE 132 BIS TO THE FEDERAL LABOR LAW ON LABOR GUARANTEES FOR LARGE COMPANIES

Presented by: Sen. Olga Patricia Sosa Ruiz (MORENA)

Objective: It requires companies with more than 250 employees to establish and maintain a financial guarantee mechanism to ensure compliance with labor obligations in cases of collective termination resulting from permanent closure or suspension of operations. The guarantee must cover at least three months of salary per worker

Status: Published in the Parliamentary Gazette on March 3, 2026