Stellantis, which manufactures brands including Jeep and Dodge, is halting production of some models in Mexico. (Shutterstock)
Although Mexico avoided additional auto tariffs when U.S. President Donald Trump announced his reciprocal tariffs plan on Wednesday, the car manufacturer Stellantis has now announced a partial suspension of its Mexico operations.
In a letter sent to employees, Stellantis said it is “continuing to assess the medium- and long-term effects of these tariffs on our operations, but also have decided to take some immediate actions.”
While imports from Mexico and Canada that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) are largely exempt from tariffs under Trump’s most recent order, auto exports as well as steel and aluminum face import duties under separate tariff policies.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday said her administration continues working with the U.S. government to address the duties on cars, steel and aluminum, while also talking with automakers about how to maximize the number of USMCA-compliant products.
She also said the pause in operations announced by Stellantis is just temporary, and suggested that the vehicles the company makes in Toluca are simply not selling in Mexico.
A Ram 2500 moves along the production line at Stellantis’ truck factory in Saltillo, Coahuila. (Stellantis)
“[Stellantis has] a small market for their cars independent of the tariffs,” she said Friday. “So, they are reviewing whether or not to continue producing … electric vehicles.
Stellantis started production of electric vehicles at its Toluca factory in August 2024, after spending US $1.6 billion to adapt the plant for EV production. The company also produces its Jeep Compass and Jeep Wagoneer S in Toluca, 65 kilometers west of Mexico City.
“The company has assured [Economy] Minister [Marcelo] Ebrard that they have no plans to eliminate jobs,” Sheinbaum said “Instead, this is a temporary stoppage while they evaluate the market conditions.”
Reuters reported that the work stoppage would continue for the entire month of April. Stellantis said that while production would indeed be paused, all employees would stay on to carry out maintenance tasks and receive training.
On the other hand, Sheinbaum said, Swedish automaker Volvo announced Thursday that it is increasing production of one of the vehicles it produces at its plant in the state of Nuevo León.
Volvo has announced plans to increase production in Nuevo León. (Adam Cai/Unsplash)
Sheinbaum also said that Nissan — the top-selling brand in Mexico — appears to be ratcheting up production of one of its models. “So far, it seems that the impact is not as bad as it might have been,” she said, “and we are expecting conditions to improve.”
In December, Stellantis announced plans to increase its investments in Mexico in 2025 in expectation of double-digit growth in the Mexican market. The company even suggested it could launch up to 15 new vehicle models this year.
Stellantis counts only two models among the 10 most exported vehicles produced in Mexico — the RAM 2500 pickup truck (built in Ramos Arzipe, Coahuila) and the Jeep Compass (assembled in Toluca).
As for the domestic market, the RAM 2500 is quite popular here. Of the 6,915 Stellantis vehicles sold in Mexico in March, 3,118 were RAM 2500s.
In other tariff-related auto news …
German carmakers Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi and BMW are seeking shelter from the Trump tariffs via the USMCA, according to President Sheinbaum. The president said Thursday that company executives have been in touch with Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard, adding that the carmakers would have to increase the North American content in their vehicles to earn a measure of protection from the tariffs.
Japanese automaker Nissan announced on Thursday that it would halt production of two “luxury” models it makes in Mexico for the U.S. market. The two vehicles — the Infiniti QX50 and the QX55 — are assembled in the Cooperation Manufacturing Plant Aguascalientes (COMPAS) which is a joint venture manufacturing plant between the Mercedes-Benz Group and Nissan, located in the city of Aguascalientes.
The peso held steady after Mexico was spared from this week's "reciprocal" U.S. tariffs, but dipped after China announced retaliatory import duties. (Shutterstock)
The Mexican peso wobbled and the nation’s stock market exchange plunged early Friday after China announced retaliatory tariffs against the United States, fanning fears of a global recession.
Markets around the world plunged for a second day after Beijing escalated a trade war ignited by U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” which were made public on Wednesday.
As stock markets around the world tumbled, the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores was no exception. (File photo)
In mid-morning trading Friday, Citibanamex reported that the peso was trading at 20.99 to the US dollar at bank windows, significantly weaker than its 19.94 opening value.
After dipping to 19.91 early on, by 2 p.m. Friday the spot rate for the Mexican peso had recovered to 20.46. At the same time, the main index of the Mexican Stock Exchange had lost 5.18%.
Before its Friday instability, the peso started the week strong. After Mexico was left off Trump’s global tariffs list, announced Wednesday afternoon, the peso gained value against the dollar on Thursday.
While global markets tumbled, the peso appreciated to less than 20 pesos to the dollar for the first time since mid-March,as investors speculated that Mexico had emerged relatively unscathed, according to the news agency Reuters.
Christian Admin de la Huerta, an economist at Finamex, was less sanguine, however, telling Reuters earlier this week that “an announcement implying a significant deterioration in the trade outlook could put additional pressure on the exchange rate.”
China’s retaliatory strike — punitive 34% tariffs on all goods imported from the U.S. — served as that announcement, and global markets again went into a tailspin. The peso did not escape the effects.
“The peso depreciated owing to risk aversion as there is a higher probability of global recession due to Trump’s tariff policies,” Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Banco Base, told newspaper El Financiero.
Friday’s release of a stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report — 228,000 jobs added in March — further weakened the peso against the U.S. dollar.
A volatile scenario for Mexico’s currency
Earlier in the week, Reuters forecast that the peso would experience a stable trading environment through the summer. This was welcome news because Mexico’s currency was battered in 2024, dropping nearly 23% over the course of the year.
The peso steadily strengthened through mid-March, hovering around the 20-to-1 mark until Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on imports of Mexican automobiles, weakening the currency by 1% to 20.30 on March 27.
The peso depreciated modestly last week, opening Monday at 20.46. On Tuesday, Reuters reported that foreign exchange specials projected that the local currency would depreciate marginally 0.4% to 20.55.
Under the new policy, TotalPlay's customers would receive symmetrical internet, a plus for video calls and livestreaming — but there's a catch in the fine print. (Technitech/Unsplash)
On Thursday, internet provider Totalplay took a step back from a plan to institute bandwidth limits after the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) warned users about the company’s new terms of use.
The revised policy, which was set to go into effect April 15, granted all TotalPlay users symmetrical internet, allowing them to both upload and download content at maximum speed. While this feature was previously available in the company’s business plan, offering speeds of up to 1,000 megabytes, residential packages had only received temporary and limited access to these conditions.
After the TotalPlay announcement, consumer watchdog Profeco reminded consumers that businesses must respect the terms of their clients’ original contracts. (Crisanta Espinosa Aguilar/Cuartoscuro)
Shortly after announcing the policy, TotalPlay revealed that the package would also include a “fair use policy” that imposed bandwidth limits according to the contracted package, with additional charges applied if those limits were exceeded.
Following users’ complaints about the new measures on social media, Profeco issued a press release reminding consumers that contracts can’t be modified once signed.
“[…] under no circumstances, may providers modify the conditions originally agreed upon in their membership contracts,” Profeco said, “although these modifications could be considered a benefit for consumers, providers must respect the terms that consumers initially agreed to.”
After Profeco’s statement, TotalPlay released a clarification on its official X account, saying that the new terms of use were causing “a lot of confusion on social media” and that customers could opt out of the new plan.
“Rest assured, if this benefit is not of interest to you, we will return your internet to the same characteristics as it is today,” the statement said.
“Have I ever let you down?” he wrote. “Give me a chance.”
Then he went on to advise users to try the new symmetrical internet package for a month to discover its benefits, or choose one of two options: go back to their original package or cancel their contract. He further added that the “fair use policy” only affects those who resell TotalPlay’s service.
¿Alguna vez les he quedado mal? TotalPlay es el mejor servicio de internet del país y yo soy un defensor del libre mercado.
Denme chance, yo les voy a resolver, no se preocupen, eso si, primero déjenme explicarles en un video, lo que quiero hacer, por qué y si no les gusta pues… https://t.co/mhFXaU9LRW
— Don Ricardo Salinas Pliego (@RicardoBSalinas) April 3, 2025
TotalPlay’s competitors, including Megacable, Telmex, Telnor and Izzi, also offer symmetrical connections through fiber optic intenet, each with different speed and pricing options.
“Browse unlimitedly, upload and download, always for the same price,” highlighting that the company would not change its packages and would keep its original rates.
The Picante is more than just a typical Mexican tourist boat, as the gorgeous sailing yacht is quick to demonstrate. (All photos by Picante)
Sailing into the sunset is appealing to many people and is often on the must-do list of adventures to experience while in Mexico. In Zihuatanejo, The Picante — a Fountaine Pajot Tahiti to those in the know — is a 75-foot sailing catamaran with a mast height over the water of over 100′. Built specifically for the day charter business, it is the perfect choice for the adventurous sea lover.
It all began when the late Captain Tony Piazza and his wife Claire came to Zihuatanejo at the urgings of Apple Vacations, with whom they had a business arrangement to sail charters in Cancun from 1985. The tour company assured them that this part of Mexico was the place to be, given its location, beautiful waters and little competition. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
The calm waters and smooth sailing of the Zihuatanejo coast make it the perfect destination for a boat trip. (Picante)
Despite the setbacks, the Piazzas persevered. Their first boat in Zihuatanejo was The Tristar, and they partnered with three others. The cockpit caught on fire, setting them back until Piazza, a shipbuilder, rebuilt it a few weeks later. In 2001, they made an agreement with the owners of another boat, the Vitava, an 85-foot wooden schooner until 2004. After doing maintenance in Mazatlan, they realized it was taking on water. Since it needed further repairs, the owner returned it to the shipyard, and the Piazzas searched for another boat to continue.
Their last purchase was The Picante, which Piazza and three partners bought in the Caribbean in 2004, sailing through the Panama Canal to Zihuatanejo, where it sits today.
With the passing of Tony Piazza in April 2023, Claire was in the unenviable position of deciding whether to continue with the business. Luckily for the thousands of tourists and locals alike, she decided to keep going and, with a great team beside her, has been running it ever since.
Our sunset cruise started at 5 p.m., when we met on the pier across the bay from the main beach where the boat docks. You can see it nearly everywhere on Playa Municipal, the main beach in downtown Zihuatanejo.
It was a lively crowd that day, with a mixture of foreigners and Mexican tourists. One young woman was celebrating her birthday with a fairly large group of friends, and there were a couple of local families I recognized as well. Our captain, Carlos Ríos, welcomed everyone on board, and as we puttered out from shore, he went over the customary safety guidelines. I chose to sit on the comfortable net where I could be on the lookout for sea life.
Mexico’s legendary hospitality is ever present as part of the experience. (Picante)
As we left the bay, Rios pointed out Bara de Potosi and the white Islands of Potosi — white because of bird poop — and spoke about the bird-watching sanctuary located there and began an interesting narrative starting from the rim of the bay at the Faro Viaje, one of two lighthouses we would see. As the high investment in Punta Garrobo’s development came into view, he mentioned the infamous Kau Kan Restaurant, which had moved there from Ixtapa a few years ago.
The Picante headed west now towards Ixtapa, passing by a beautiful beach known as Playa Majahua and the Caves of the Majahua. Luckily, the sea was calm this evening, and we could slow the engines, sit back, and admire the cliffs. “Otherwise,” Rios said, “It’s too risky and we could get sucked into the rocks.”
From there, we crossed in front of Playa Palmar, which has numerous rows of hotels, including The Fontan, Sunscape, and Barcelo, and residential complexes like the BVG, which have stood for many years. Just past that was the Ixtapa Marina, a 480-slip marina, the largest in Mexico and home to the yacht of billionaire Carlos Slim, Mexico’s richest man.
The sun began a slow but spectacular descent to the music of Andres Botticelli’s “Perfect Symphony.” As the rays dipped below the horizon, to appreciative cheers from everyone aboard, the energetic and very entertaining staff sprang into action, offering a meal service consisting of a light dinner of chicken, vegetables and rice, included in the price, along with an open bar serving a variety of drinks, including local tequila and cocktails.
The Picante quickly turned inside the Bay of Ixtapa and headed straight to the islands. It was a bird watcher’s delight. Various species of seagulls, pelicans, Boobies, and Cormorants swooped in and around Torrecillas Island and where we were able to witness the phenomenon of one of two blow holes in Mexico (a blow hole, I learned, is formed as sea caves grow landward and upward into a vertical shaft, which can result in hydraulic compression of seawater that then releases through a port from the top of the blowhole).
With food service out of the way, the ever-changing music changed to upbeat Latin pop and requisite tequila bottles. With the help of the fun-loving crew, the sombreros and serapes appeared, and soon, the crew was pouring tequila straight from the bottle into the open mouths of willing participants and encouraged by onlookers to chant, “drink, drink drink!” The music, the costumes donned by the staff and the tequila all added to the festive atmosphere of the cruise.
Would it be a Mexican boat trip without tequila? Probably not. (Picante)
“We want to make sure you have a great time on The Picante, “said Rios. “So, after the sunset we create the fiesta. If you have a birthday or an anniversary, we want to make sure it is a special experience for you.”
In addition to the breathtaking sunset tours, The Picante also offers snorkelling and whale-watching tours. For added excitement, you can try their Spinnaker Flying Adventure, a unique experience where you get into a harness connected to an A-line. The wind catches it, and the spinnaker fills up with wind and pulls you up about 25 to 30 feet high. When you want to come down, you shimmy to the end of the line to a waiting crew in the water below. It’s an adventure that’s sure to get your heart racing!
The Picante offers several other options of interest. With the advantage of size, the Picante, is perfect for private charters for weddings, engagements or corporate events.
“It has been used by the city of Zihuatanejo for promotional events and even rented by people spreading the ashes of loved ones.” said Piazza. “We participate in two of the city’s known charity events as well, the annual Sailfest and Guitarfest held annually in Zihuatanejo in the months of February and March respectively.”
Mazatlán has been shaken by infighting in the Sinaloa Cartel since October 2024. But it's also home to one of Mexico's largest Carnival celebrations, but earlier this year, the show had to go on. Did it? (Gobierno de Sinaloa)
There was no time to lose. We were running late to the Alejandro Sanz concert, which followed the crowning of the princess of the 2025 Mazatlán Carnival. Luckily, we found parking only four blocks away from the venue. We got out of the car and began walking quickly. A few meters away from our parking spot, we ran into a group of heavily armed state police in tactical gear, with two extended cab pickups and a Black Mamba SandCat. The armored personnel carrier looked like a battle tank.
I approached the masked police, who were chatting outside a house in the residential area, and asked permission to take a photo in front of the armored vehicle. The officers went quiet and looked at each other before one responded: “Yes, but don’t show the serial number.”
Security at the event was high, with military-grade police vehicles deployed to protect partygoers. (Eduardo Esparza)
Thirty minutes later, we got into the concert. Despite being an international artist and winner of more than 20 Latin Grammys, Alejandro Sanz wasn’t able to fill the venue, even after organizers offered a two-for-one discount due to low ticket sales.
The show must go on, but what kind of show would it be? The Mazatlán Carnival has been staged since 1898 and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. This year’s edition was marred by multiple controversies, including the crowning of Ángela Salazar, age nine, as the 2025 Carnival Princess. For years, Mazatlecos have complained that the crown has gone to the contestant who raises the most funds — a record 4,293,815 pesos in the case of little Ángela — and that where the money goes remains a mystery.
Then Grupo Firme canceled their show because of death threats, followed by Jorge Medina and Josi Cuen, who canceled just 24 hours before they were scheduled to perform the Carnival’s opening show. However, Mazatlán Mayor Estrella Palacios and Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya announced that the Carnival would continue and announced a new program of artists to replace the canceled shows. Their announcement was overshadowed by the arrest of four armed civilians in the Hotel Zone on the first day of Carnival. A handgun, three long guns, 11 full magazines and two bulletproof jackets were seized. The heavy military presence in the city and along the highways confirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace, whatever the cost.
Sights set on Sinaloa
Traditionally, Carnaval in Mazatlán is one of the biggest parties in Mexico. (Carnavál de Mazatlán)
While the Sinaloa government vaunted the party, the tension between Mexico and the Trump administration in the United States grew. Three months into his second term, Trump has placed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, blaming them for the deadly fentanyl overdose crisis in the U.S. — the same fentanyl that has been found in Sinaloa narco-laboratories.
On top of that, the Trump administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel and five other Mexican cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” Adding to the tension, on Feb. 4 an RC-135 Rivet Joint spy plane belonging to the U.S. Air Force flew around the Baja Peninsula and into the Gulf of California, passing along the coast of Sinaloa.
The Sinaloan government’s operations to prevent any outbreak of violence practically converted Mazatlán into a fortress. The party had to continue so, as we say in Sinaloa, fierro pariente — let’s go.
Dancing in the streets, keeping an eye out for danger
Even the draw of Alejandro Sanz was not enough to fill Mazatlán’s stadium. (Eduardo Esparza)
An hour into the Alejandro Sanz concert, there was a pause in the music. Sanz called out to the audience.
“Pa’ fuera lo malo” (“Out with the bad energy”),the singer yelled repeatedly as the stage lights painted the stadium red. Was it planned? I’m not sure, but he appeared to be aware that he was giving a performance in a violent area.
The music resumed and the public continued to sing along. But the concert didn’t end with the force it had started with. Despite the excellent musicians onstage with him, Sanz sang with just a piano. After the last song, we waited to see if there would be another, but that was it. Sanz had left the stage and didn’t return. A weak finish, but what else could we expect from a concert with 2-for-1 tickets? As we left, the National Guard, carrying high-caliber weapons, pointed the way out. We walked back to the car. The state police had already left.
The spirit of Carnival was still alive, but the general insecurity, the troops in the streets and their armored tactical vehicles made us wonder to what point it was possible to keep celebrating in such a tense environment. It’s been six months since the start of the narco-war in Sinaloa and the economic fabric of the region is irreparably damaged: according to journalist Marcos Vizcarra, Sinaloa has lost 12,000 jobs since the war began.
The ephemeral joy that surrounded the city has faded, the tourists have returned home and nightlife has died down. However, the marches led by mothers and family members of the disappeared continue to grow. I live with fear in my city. The army patrols the streets and my only souvenir of this year’s Carnival is a photo with an armored vehicle ready for war.
This story was translated by Mexico News Daily senior news editor Rose Egelhoff.
Eduardo Esparza is a professor, filmmaker and professional photographer from Mazatlán, Sinaloa. His first feature film, “Con un pie en la gloria,” will premiere this summer.
With the world-class Club León team booted for administrative violations, a slot has abruptly opened, with less than 100 days before the world-class league championship begins this year in New Jersey. (Club León Oficial/Facebook)
Mexican professional soccer club León has been expelled from the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup due to ownership violations, leaving one coveted tournament spot up for grabs.
Soccer’s world governing body is now considering a high-stakes playoff between Liga MX powerhouse Club América of Mexico City and Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC to determine León’s replacement.
Like the more famous World Cup, the Club World Cup is run by FIFA. Club León was set to play the best teams from local soccer leagues around the world — think Real Madrid and Bayern München rather than countries’ national selection teams. (FIFA/X)
The Club World Cup — which includes the best teams from soccer leagues around the world rather than national squads — is the largely unheralded cousin of the fervor-laden men’s and women’s World Cups staged every four years.
Marquee teams such Real Madrid of Spain, Manchester City and Chelsea of England, Bayern Munich of Germany and Inter Milan of Italy are among the 32 teams that have qualified. So are lesser lights, such as Auckland City of New Zealand and Wydad of Morocco.
But in a looming embarrassment for FIFA, not only do tickets remain available for every match with fewer than 100 days to go, but many of the large NFL stadiums being used are showing large swaths of unsold seats.Moreover, with so many league games, team competitions and national matchups blanketing the calendar year-round, there is concern over soccer burnout.
A last-minute qualifying clash between Club América and Los Angeles FC could generate publicity and momentum heading into the group-stage matches beginning on June 15.
The championship is set for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Mexico City’s Club América could get a chance at Club León’s spot because it is the highest-ranked team in FIFA’s regional club rankings not already qualified for the championship. (Club América/Facebook
Club León earned its spot by winning the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup, a competition for the best teams playing in leagues in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
However, León was later disqualified from playing in the Club World Cup because it shares ownership with Pachuca, another Liga MX team that had already qualified by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2024. Both clubs are owned by Grupo Pachuca, violating FIFA regulations that prohibit one entity from controlling multiple teams in the same competition.
Despite Grupo Pachuca’s claims that León and Pachuca operate independently, and a statement by the ownership that León was being put up for sale to comply with FIFA rules, FIFA’s judges upheld the expulsion.
“We are dissatisfied with this decision and will appeal it to the fullest extent possible,” the group said in a statement. “We will defend what was won on the field.”
Costa Rican club Alajuelense, which initially filed the multiownership complaints against León, is also pursuing a CAS case, arguing it deserves the open spot based on regional rankings.
The potential play-in game — likely to be held in Southern California — pits Los Angeles FC (LAFC), runners-up to León in the 2023 CONCACAF final, against Club América, the highest-ranked team in FIFA’s regional club rankings not already qualified. The victor would also get US $9.55 million awarded by FIFA to teams that qualify from CONCACAF.
“It would be a privilege to compete,” LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said. “We’ll figure out logistics when the time comes.”
With celebrity owners like Will Ferrell and Magic Johnson, an electric atmosphere at its stadium and star players such as Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris, LAFC is one of MLS’s glamour clubs and a symbol of North American soccer’s growing influence.
LAFC’s celebrity owners and fans, like actor Will Ferrell, seen here, gives the team a glamour that could be the answer to FIFA’s prayers as it faces low sales for the upcoming Club World Cup in July. (MLS)
According to team documents, Club América boasts 45 million global fans, with 15 million in Southern California alone. Its massive U.S. fan base would also bring significant star power to the upgraded and expanded tournament.
The Club World Cup began in 2000 when eight regional champions faced off against each other in a knockout tournament in Brazil.
This year, for the first time, there will be a group stage followed by knockout rounds, and the competition will run for a month — much like the “regular” World Cup. In all, there will be 63 games, compared to 16 in the 2000 tourney.
Two Mexican teams are already among the 32 qualifiers: CF Pachuca, by virtue of winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup; and CF Monterrey, which punched its ticket by winning the 2021 Concacaf Champions Cup final.
Pachuca is in Group H with FC Salzburg (Austria), Real Madrid (Spain) and Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia). Monterrey is in Group E with River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) and Internazionale Milano (Italy).
The winner of an América-LAFC match would be in Group D along with Chelsea (England), CR Flamengo (Brazil) and Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia).
With a decidedly optimistic atmosphere at Mexico's National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum invited governors, business leaders and the press to an event Thursday to announce expansions to her already ambitious Plan México. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)
FOTO: GRACIELA LÓPEZ/CUARTOSCURO.COM
President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday announced 18 “programs and actions” related to Plan México, the ambitious economic initiative unveiled by the federal government in January.
Among the officials accompanying Sheinbaum, center, during the event were, from left to right, Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Mexico City’s Head of Government Clara Brugada, Baja California Governor Marina del Pila and Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)
While Mexican steel and aluminum, vehicles assembled in Mexico and Mexican goods that don’t comply with USMCA rules are subject to tariffs when exported to the United States, Sheinbaum on Thursday didn’t announce any retaliatory measures against imports from the U.S.
Mexico’s decision to refrain from retaliating against its largest trade partner differs from the approach of Canada, where Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his government will impose “carefully calibrated and targeted counter tariffs” on the United States.
“As you know we planned this event due to what could have happened yesterday,” said Sheinbaum, accompanied on stage by most of her cabinet ministers.
“… Fortunately and thanks to the good relations we’ve established with the United States government, … there was something very important yesterday — recognition of the Mexico-United States-Canada trade agreement, which is fundamental at this time,” she said.
“Of course, there are outstanding issues on which we continue holding talks with the United States government,” Sheinbaum said, referring to the steel, aluminum and auto tariffs.
“… We believe that with the dialogue we’ve established with the United States government, we’re in a position to reach a better agreement,” she said.
Amidst all the positivity, Sheinbaum touched briefly on the U.S.’s recently imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican-made automobiles, potentially a major blow to the economy. She said Mexico would keep negotiating those tariffs with U.S. officials. (Audi México)
“We know that a lot of what we buy abroad could be made at home, with the creativity, ingenuity and determination that characterizes Mexicans,” said the president, who noted that increasing production in Mexico and reducing imports from countries with which Mexico doesn’t have a trade agreement (such as China) is one of the main objectives of Plan México.
“… Today we’re announcing 18 programs and actions of Plan México,” Sheinbaum said before enumerating each one.
Many of the initiatives were presented under a heading that encapsulates their objectives. They are as follows:
1. Increase food sovereignty
Sheinbaum outlined the government’s domestic production targets for corn, beans, milk and rice. Her administration is aiming to substantially increase production of the four staples between now and 2030, the president’s final year in office.
Sheinbaum said that the government will present the programs aimed at achieving the food production targets at her Friday morning press conference.
2. Increase energy sovereignty
Sheinbaum said that Mexico’s production of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel will increase by at least 30% by 2030. She also said that natural gas production will increase over the next five years, allowing Mexico to reduce reliance on imports.
One of Plan México’s aims is to increase domestic gasoline production by at least 30%. (Galo Cañas Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)
Sheinbaum said that the government will “accelerate” investment in the state-owned Federal Electricity Commission in order to increase its electricity generation capacity, including its capacity to generate renewable energy.
“We will accelerate the permits for the generation of renewable energy, always guaranteeing that 54% of electricity generation is public as the recently approved laws establish,” she added.
Sheinbaum said that further details on the government’s energy sector plans will be announced at her morning press conference next Wednesday.
3. Accelerate public infrastructure projects
Sheinbaum said that the government will this year “accelerate” a range of public infrastructure projects, including highway projects, water projects, rail projects, port projects and airport projects.
She said that the draft “Public Works Law,” which is currently under consideration by Congress, will allow “all” the processes related to the construction of the infrastructure projects to be expedited.
Sheinbaum in Querétaro in October to launch the Mexico City-Querétaro railway project, just one of dozens of planned public infrastructure projects that will be part of Plan México. (Presidencia)
Sheinbaum said that the various public infrastructure projects will generate between 500,000 and 1 million “direct jobs just in 2025.”
She said that more information about the government infrastructure projects will be presented on Monday April 14.
4. Accelerate the construction of homes and access to loans
Sheinbaum said that the government is now aiming to build 180,000 new homes this year, 50,000 higher than a previously announced target.
“It’s part of the project [to build] one million homes in the six-year period of government,” she said.
The Institute of the National Housing Fund for Workers (Infonavit) and the National Housing Commission (Conavi) are involved in the ambitious project.
Sheinbaum also said the government will expedite access to more than half a million loans to help Mexicans purchase homes. She said that the government’s housing projects will create at least 400,000 “direct jobs” this year.
Further details on the government’s housing schemes will be presented next Wednesday.
The unveiling last week of Mexico’s first domestically built electric vehicle — a line of buses to be used in Mexican cities as public transportation — is just the beginning, President Sheinbaum said, of what could be a Mexican-made auto industry. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)
5. Strengthen various sectors of the economy
Sheinbaum said that her government will strengthen various sectors of the Mexican economy so that they can ramp up production of goods “for the internal market.”
The sectors she cited were textiles, footwear, furniture, steel and aluminum, semiconductors, solar panels, batteries and the “creative industry.”
Decrees to support the government’s objective that include “a range of actions and measures” will be published on May 5, Sheinbaum said.
6. Increase production of vehicles
Sheinbaum said that the government has a plan to increase the production of vehicles in Mexico for sale in the domestic market. Innovation, research and development and energy efficiency in the auto sector will be strengthened as a result of the plan, she said.
“The objective is that the majority of vehicles used in Mexico are manufactured in our country,” Sheinbaum said.
“Decrees for this program, which are also associated with dialogue with the United States, will be published on May 16,” she said.
7. Increase production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices
Sheinbaum said this will be achieved through measures such as “the administrative simplification” of national health regulator Cofepris.
She also said that the government, starting in 2026, will increase purchases of medicines and medical equipment from companies that have at least one plant in Mexico.
Decrees to support the objectives will be published later this month.
Mexico’s federal Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry delivers fertilizer to farmers via the Fertilizers for Well-Being Program, an initiative tied to the administration’s food sovereignty goals. According to government data, 67% of Mexico’s fertilizer demand must be met by imports. (Cuartoscuro)
8. Increase production of petrochemicals and fertilizers
Sheinbaum said this will be achieved through public-private and private-only projects. She said that agreements for the public-private projects will be signed in the first half of this year.
9. Increase government purchases of Mexican goods
Sheinbaum said the new Acquisitions Law, currently being considered by the Senate, will facilitate this objective. It states that Mexican goods should account for 65% of total government purchases.
10. Increase sales of Mexican products in supermarkets and department stores
Sheinbaum said this will be achieved through “voluntary agreements” with the retailers. She said these agreements would be published by May 12.
It appears the government wants supermarkets and department stores to increase the range of Mexican goods they stock, and perhaps reduce their offerings of foreign products.
11. Digital platform for investors to be ready this month
Sheinbaum said that a new digital platform that investors can use to complete municipal, state and federal applications and other forms will be ready on April 21.
The platform is called “La ventanilla única,” a kind of digital one-stop shop for companies seeking permits and the like in order to legally commence projects in Mexico.
Sheinbaum noted that Mexico currently has an “investment portfolio” of planned projects totaling more than US $200 billion. A slide she displayed during her speech showed more than US $298 billion in the investment pipeline.
“There is enormous enthusiasm for investing in our country,” she said.
Laurent Saint-Martin, Delegate Minister of Foreign Commerce for France, was in Mexico City late last month to learn about opportunities for French investors.
12. Tendering process for 15 ‘well-being hubs’ will start by mid-May
Sheinbaum said that the tendering processes for the construction of 15 “well-being hubs” — industrial zones or corridors — will start by May 19 at the latest. She noted that these hubs will offer a range of tax incentives to the companies that invest in them.
13. The creation of new jobs
Plan México aims to create 1.5 million jobs during Sheinbaum’s six-year term.
The president said on Thursday that 100,000 jobs will be on offer at job fairs and via online job search sites in the near future. She said that the government has been working with the private sector on the initiative.
Jobs will be on offer at 300 jobs fairs across all 32 federal entities starting April 23.
14. Increase access to credit for small businesses
According to a slide the president displayed, the government’s aim is to increase the percentage of small businesses that have access to credit ever year this six-year period of government to reach 30% in 2030.
Sheinbaum said that details on the government’s program to achieve this objective will be presented at a banking sector event on May 7.
15. Increase investment in science and technology research
Sheinbaum said that the increased investment will be focused on the development of electric vehicles, semiconductors and satellites, and go toward the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and various other programs.
The government is also aiming to simplify the process to obtain patents. This objective will be supported by the draft Mexican Institute of Industrial Property law, which Sheinbaum said will be submitted to Congress on April 14.
President Sheinbaum announced that an existing agreement between the government and the private sector would be permanently extended to keep the prices of items in Mexico’s basic basket of goods down despite inflationary pressure. (Moisés Pablo Nava/Cuartoscuro)
16. ‘Permanently’ extend the validity of the government’s anti-inflation plan
Sheinbaum said that all public secondary school students are already eligible to receive a government education scholarship, and noted that the scheme will be extended to public primary school students in 2026.
Sheinbaum: Plan México ‘is the path’ to prosperity
At the conclusion of her address, Sheinbaum said she was certain that Plan México “is the path” that “will take us to a Mexico with more well-paid employment, less poverty and inequality, greater investment and production, more innovation [and] lower carbon content.”
The president said that the plan also ensures respect for the environment and will allow Mexico to increase its “self-sufficiency and sovereignty.”
Tariffs are here and economic chaos has gripped the world. What is Mexico planning to do? (Maxim Hopman/Unsplash)
With the announcement that U.S. President Trump has introduced sweeping tariffs against almost the entire world, economies across the globe are reacting with a mixture of shock and outrage.
The United States’ neighbors Mexico and Canada, which have already been slapped with 25% tariffs on aluminum, steel, and automobiles, seem to have escaped this new round of tariffs however, as all other goods covered by the USMCA free trade agreement remain untouched.
Sheinbaum responds to Trump's tariffs
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced 18 new targeted measures as part of her economic Plan México. She has emphasized that Mexico and the United States share an important and unbreakable trade relationship and that she is grateful for the work the two countries have done together in recent years.
Despite this, Plan México is looking to futureproof Mexico’s economy against any future reprisals, especially in the wake of new tariffs on Mexican beer announced earlier this week and in the face of a potential renegotiation of the USMCA.
So, what’s in Plan México?
The economic roadmap will see an increase in production, investment, and domestic consumption in key industries, including energy, automotive, textiles, steel, aluminum, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and food. There will also be increased investment in public infrastructure projects, like roads, railways, airports, and water distribution networks.
Plan México also calls for domestic investment, minimum wage increases and greater social support schemes.
Mexico News Daily’s María Meléndez takes a look at what the future might hold for Mexico in the latest edition of our MND TV explainer series.
Just an hour south of the Arizona border, Puerto Peñasco offers sun, sea and Mexico's top hosts. (Airbnb)
Airbnb has revealed that Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, is Mexico’s highest-rated vacation rental destination, based on guest ratings from 2024.
Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is located on the northern shores of the Gulf of California in the state of Sonora. Due to its proximity to Arizona, the sunny destination is popular among U.S. travelers, earning it the nickname “Arizona’s Beach.”
Located near the border with Arizona, Puerto Peñasco does not lack for sunny days. (Airbnb)
“Whatever you’d like to call this desert enclave on the Sea of Cortez, its six beaches, rocky tide pools, and blazing Sonoran sun have made it one of northern Mexico’s fastest-growing beachfront getaways,” Airbnb said in its report.
With an average rating of 4.83 stars out of 5, Puerto Peñasco’s hosts have earned the top position thanks to their kindness and personalized attention.
The destination boasts 2,600 rental properties, of which 1,900 are family-friendly. Meanwhile, travelers with pets can find 590 pet-friendly options.
The vacation rental company said that visitors tend to prefer traveling to Puerto Peñasco in May, June, September and October, “when air and water temperatures are ideal for swimming.” Visitors can enjoy water activities like kayaking, fishing and snorkeling, in addition to adventure trips to El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar — a UNESCO World Heritage site known as one of the driest places on Earth.
Which other Mexican destinations made it to the top 10?
After Puerto Peñasco, the small community of Zacatlán de las Manzanas in Puebla, ranked second among Mexico’s highest-rated vacation rental destinations. Famous for being one of Mexico’s largest apple producers, hosts in Zacatlán recorded an average rating of 4.82 stars. Visitors recommend stopping by the Pimentel bakery and the Relojes Centenarios watch shop.
Los Cabos in Baja California Sur claimed the third spot with an average rating of 4.81 stars, solidifying its status as one of Mexico’s most popular destinations.
“Cabo has inviting weather all year long, with 350 sunny days annually, making all seasons ideal for staying in one of Cabo’s vacation rentals,” Airbnb said.
After Los Cabos, these are the other Mexican destinations that round out the top 10: Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Colima (Colima), Tepic (Nayarit), Tepoztlán (Morelos), Tequila (Jalisco), San Pedro Garza García (Nuevo León), and Valladolid (Yucatán).
Mexico’s second-ranked destination, Zacatlán, Puebla, features top hosts and spectacular scenery. (Airbnb)
What was Mexico’s rating overall?
Airbnb data revealed that Mexico’s hosts across the country earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars for hospitality. Approximately 20% of Mexican hosts are Super Hosts —Airbnb’s top-rated, most experienced hosts, identified by a badge on their profiles.
“Hospitality in Mexico is more than a courtesy; it is an expression of cultural identity,” Airbnb said.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado inaugurates the the newly completed project in Guerrero. (Minera Media Luna/Facebook)
With the completion of an unprecedented 7-kilometer-long tunnel, Torex Gold Resources — Mexico’s largest gold producer — anticipates greater operational efficiency at its 29,000-hectare Morelos property in the state of Guerrero.
The underground tunnel, which passes beneath the Balsas River, links the Canadian gold producer’s highly productive El Limón Guajes mine with its new Media Luna project.
The project connected a new mining area to the established Limón Guajes mine. (Torex Gold/X)
The tunnel, completed March 26, is just one part of a massive processing plant tie-in project designed to link the two mines and enhance Torex Gold’s environmental sustainability in Mexico, company officials said.
Torex Gold CEO Jody Kuzenko did the honors of detonating the final explosives to complete the tunnel after which he praised the engineers and workers who completed the tunnel in record time. The tunnel — 6 meters wide and 6.5 meters high — was completed three months ahead of schedule.
In July 2024, El Limon-Guajes surpassed Peñasquito to become Mexico’s largest gold producer, with an output of 453,800 ounces. The Peñasquito mine — operated by Canada’s Newmont Corporation — is located in the state of Zacatecas.
In addition to the tunnel, the Media Luna expansion includes a water treatment plant and a new “flotation circuit” — a metallurgical process that uses air bubbles and chemicals to separate valuable minerals from waste rock.
The company also acquired what it called “the largest underground fleet of electric vehicles in Latin America.” The 80 emission-free vehicles will transport materials between mines, primarily carrying minerals from Media Luna to the processing plant at El Limón-Guajes.
“The project will consolidate our position as Mexico’s largest gold producer while also making us a relevant actor in copper production,” the company said in a statement.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado, Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico Cameron MacKay and Lloyd Walton Álvarez, a representative of Mexico’s Economy Ministry, attended the inauguration ceremony alongside roughly 1,000 employees, contractors, local and state officials and members of the public.
A representative of the Canadian company Torex Gold speaks at the inauguration of the new tunnel. (Evelyn Salgado/X)
Julián Urióstegui, president of Guerrero’s Business Coordinating Council, praised Torex Gold for its connections to local providers, sustainable practices and community outreach efforts.
With the Media Luna project, Torex supports a network of over 1,500 local providers while offering training and financing to those seeking involvement in the state’s mining value chain, Urióstegui said.
Mining is the second most important industry in Guerrero, comprising 4.8% of the state’s GDP.
“Mining operations, purchases from local providers and taxes help generate 4,500 direct jobs and 27,000 indirect jobs in the state,” Gov. Salgado said.
Prospects for gold on the rise
Despite falling more than 2% Thursday — amid a wider market selloff tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s import tariffs impacting bullion traders — the price of gold, a “safe-haven asset,” has been soaring most of the year.
Gold had hit 17 record highs as of March 27, Reuters reported, as investors preferred the precious metal “in response to escalating global trade tensions and tumbling equity markets,” it said.
Gold’s overall upward trajectory appears intact, surging over US $500 this year. Additionally, central banks are expected to sustain the rally, further diversifying reserves as a hedge against possible U.S. dollar fluctuations caused by Trump’s policies.
