Spring break is bringing a surge in cruise tourism to Cozumel. (Mara Lezama/X)
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, is expecting tens of thousands of cruise ship passengers during the first week of spring break, according to a statement from the state government.
The Quintana Roo Comprehensive Port Authority (Apiqroo) reported that 21 cruise ships carrying some 80,459 tourists would be arriving at the island this week through Sunday, April 20.
High season in Cozumel: cruise ships and turquoise waters. (Especial/Cuartoscuro)
Officials expected nearly 14,000 tourists on Wednesday and over 18,000 on Thursday, which is expected to be the busiest day of the season. Estimates suggest that over 16,000 travelers will arrive on Friday, followed by roughly 6,000 a day on Saturday and Sunday.
While final figures have not been released, authorities estimated that a total of 19,765 cruise passengers were going to stop in Cozumel on Monday and Tuesday.
Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez, said these statistics reflect a trend that will likely lead the island to end the year with at least 5 million visitors, marking a record figure for the sunny destination.
“Last year, Cozumel welcomed 4,623,000 tourists; the goal is to reach 5 million,” Chacón said in a press conference, adding that cruising companies have expressed their confidence in Cozumel, as a leading destination “with a huge range of natural beauty.”
Gov. Lezama has said that beyond numbers and records, Quintana Roo’s government wants to leverage its tourism leadership to improve health, education, housing, and working conditions for tourism industry workers.
Some of her recent actions to boost tourism include a working trip to Miami, where Lezama met with executives from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and CEOs of major shipping companies. She also participated in Seatrade Cruise Global, a leading trade fair for the cruise industry worldwide, intending to continue to position Cozumel and Mahahual as top cruise tourism destinations in Latin America.
Cruise ships bring plenty of life to Mahahual’s tranquil shores. (Elizabeth Ruíz/Cuartoscuro)
According to her administration, these companies confirmed that they see Quintana Roo as a strategic location for growth and investment, citing its expanding infrastructure and reliability, and expressing strong interest in showcasing the region’s potential and attractions to a global audience.
Born in Xalapa in 1920, Chedraui is Mexico's largest locally-owned supermarket chain. (Larry D. Moore / CC BY 4.0)
For being such a compact and lightly visited city, Xalapa — the quaint capital of Veracruz — has provided the rest of Mexico with some of its most important amenities. Aside from being one of the country’s main coffee producing regions and the namesake and origin of jalapeños en escabeche, Xalapa is where Chedraui began. The nation’s most profitable Mexican-owned supermarket, Chedraui currently accounts for 19.3% of national grocery market sales.
Its blue, white and orange letters and logo of a young family strollering a baby forward announce themselves all over Mexico. Today, the supermarket can be found in 25 of Mexico’s 31 states under a variety of iterations: the more affordably-priced Super Chedraui, grocery and department store Tienda Chedraui, small and often self-service Chedraui Supercito and Chedraui Selecto, which carries high-end imports. Since 1997, Chedraui has even existed in parts of the United States, outgrowing its first U.S. outlet in South Gate, California, and present across the U.S. Southwest under the monikers El Super and Fiesta Mart.
Al Puerto de Beirut, sometime between 1920 and 1927. (Facebook)
A Lebanese-Jalapeño success story
Of course, Chedraui wasn’t always the standard for grocery shopping in Mexico. In fact, the store started out much like the first jalapeños en escabeche makers did: as an ad hoc operation in Xalapa in the first decades of the 20th century. Lázaro Chedraui, a Lebanese immigrant, and his wife Ana Caram officially opened Al Puerto de Beirut in Xalapa in 1920. Initially a men’s clothing store, they could be found on what is now the corner of Xalapeños Ilustres and Carrillo Puerto, a central artery of the city to this day. In 1927, the couple decided to rename their business into something more similar to what we know it as today: Casa Chedraui. Unfortunately, the original location of that Chedraui no longer exists, as the triangular, Flatiron-esque building is now occupied by a variety of small clothing stores and food businesses.
Despite their ubiquitous boom since then, Chedraui’s first expansion didn’t occur until 1961. 34 years after his parents’ store first opened, Lázaro and Ana’s son Antonio Chedraui Caram assisted in shepherding the business into the future by launching a supermarket known as Almacenes Chedraui, also in Xalapa’s downtown, on Calle Dr. Lucio.
Chedraui branches out
Nine years later, in 1970, the family’s first department-style mega store opened under the auspicious title of Super Chedraui. That branch remains and continues to serve a large clientele in downtown Xalapa, just around the corner from Chedraui’s original flagship. The store later added more departments and increased their total workforce to 180 employees — massive for the time. According to Xalapa Antiguo, a Facebook group dedicated to preserving local history, the Chedraui on Calle Dr. Lucio was one of the first buildings to use escalators in Veracruz’s capital.
The Calle Dr. Lucio store was designed by Enrique Murillo, perhaps Xalapa’s most prolific architect, with noteworthy buildings in locations including the port of Veracruz, Mexico City and Acapulco. During that time, Chedraui offered everything from groceries and clothing to auto service and vehicle maintenance. That same decade also brought the arrival of Chedraui outside of Xalapa, beginning in the port of Veracruz in 1976 and going as far as the neighboring state of Tabasco in 1983. Back then, the Chedraui chain hadn’t fully established itself, consolidating under Grupo Chedraui Comercial in 1985. Prior to that, each outlet operated independently. Grupo Chedraui slowly jettisoned former parts of its business plan over the years: the auto services and large department store offerings, for example, were sold to Liverpool, a recognizable chain store throughout Mexico in its own right, in 1997.
The Chedraui on Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma anchors the Lagunilla antiques market. (Thayne Tuason/CC-BY-SA 4.0)
Chedraui went from being a regional chain to a national outlet in 2005, when they attempted their entry into Mexico City. It was Soriana, a similarly-sized grocery market from northern Mexico, that went on to gain a majority of Mexico City’s clientele. Generally, though, Chedraui has been a mainstay throughout the nation as a go-to shopping option for families.
For most of my life visiting my extended relatives in Xalapa, I’ve always assumed that Chedraui — both as a brand and as a family — were as integrated everywhere in Mexico as they are here. Of course, as a kid, I didn’t realize that their presence and familiarity was extra apparent in Xalapa, where I now live, because it’s where they first started out. Every year for Christmas, the large home that the Chedraui family still owns in the city is converted into a nativity scene. It’s customary to drive through the upscale neighborhood of Las Animas to see what the Chedrauis have set up, and to enjoy the ostentatious architecture and lake views in the neighborhood. My aunt claims that the family’s Christmas decorations keep expanding and taking up more lawn space year by year; this past year, they even incorporated a small portion of the neighborhood’s lake.
In 2017, 72% of Mexicans reported spending up to two hours at the supermarket per trip. That tends to mean strong associations with these stores. For Mexicans across the country, Chedraui tends to mean convenience. For Jalapeños, it means hometown pride.
Both leaders had positive things to say about the Wednesday phone call. (White House/X. Archive)
President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke to United States President Donald Trump by telephone on Wednesday, a call both leaders described as “very productive” without going into significant detail.
“Had a very productive call with the President of Mexico yesterday,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday morning.
“Likewise, I met with the highest level Japanese Trade Representatives. It was a very productive meeting. Every Nation, including China, wants to meet! Today, Italy!” he said.
Sheinbaum subsequently acknowledged her call with Trump in a post to X.
“As he mentions on his account, it was very productive,” she wrote.
“We will continue dialogue to reach good agreements that benefit our country and our people,” Sheinbaum said.
El día de ayer tuvimos una llamada con el presidente Trump. Como lo menciona en su cuenta, fue muy productiva. Seguiremos dialogando para alcanzar buenos acuerdos que beneficien a nuestros países y nuestros pueblos.
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) April 17, 2025
The Mexican president has consistently maintained that her government is willing to collaborate with the Trump administration on security issues but will not accept subordination or any violation of Mexico’s sovereignty.
Trade was likely another issue discussed by Sheinbaum and Trump in their call on Wednesday as Mexico is currently attempting to negotiate better trading conditions with its northern neighbor. Since Trump began his second term in January, the United States has imposed tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminum, cars made in Mexico and goods that don’t comply with the rules of the USMCA free trade pact.
On April 3, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that Mexico’s goal was “to achieve the best [trading] conditions among all countries of the world for the [Mexican] auto industry.”
“The same thing for steel and aluminum. We’re going to be working the next 40 days. That is what comes next, and we estimate that it will be around 40 days of negotiations,” he said.
Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard continues to lead tariff negotiations with Washington, as Mexico works for more favorable trade conditions. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)
Ebrard can now add tomatoes to the list of products for which he is attempting to achieve tariff relief, as the United States government announced on Monday that it intends to impose duties of almost 21% on imports of most tomatoes from Mexico starting in July.
5 calls in 5 months
Sheinbaum and Trump have now spoken by telephone on five occasions since the latter won the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5. They have not yet met face-to-face.
Here is a summary of the two leaders’ four previous calls.
In a Nov. 7 call, Sheinbaum said she and Trump discussed “the good relationship there will be between Mexico and the United States.”
In a Feb. 3 call — two weeks after Trump began his second term — the two leaders reached what Sheinbaum called “a series of agreements,” including one to postpone a 25% tariff that the U.S. was about to impose on all imports from Mexico. During the call, Sheinbaum said she committed to immediately deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to the northern border “to avoid the trafficking of drugs from Mexico to the United States, in particular fentanyl.”
After a March 6 call, Trump said he had “agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement,” thus suspending tariffs on USMCA-compliant goods that had taken effect two days earlier. “I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum. Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border, both in terms of stopping Illegal Aliens from entering the United States and, likewise, stopping Fentanyl,” the U.S. president wrote on Truth Social at the time.
Part 3: What could a rethink of the Mexican economy look like?
The purpose of this three-part series is to reflect on the emerging trends of trade protectionism (tariffs), AI and robotics, consider the potential impacts on Mexico and foster a discussion on possible solutions. Please share your thoughts in the comments section and let’s have an inspiring and engaging discussion and debate.
Part 3: What could a rethink of the Mexican economy look like?
As mentioned in Parts 1 and 2 of this series, Mexico must increasingly look to expand beyond the manufacturing sector to ensure that it can continue to provide economic growth and employment opportunities for its people.
Mexico’s economic future hinges on its ability to leverage the country’s many unique strengths in this era of geopolitical and technological transformation. Building on the discussion and rationale established in Parts 1 and 2, this final essay outlines actionable strategies for diversifying the economy, reducing dependency on manufacturing, and embracing sectors where Mexico has clear opportunities.
1. Tourism: Elevating cultural and environmental strengths
Tourism is an area in which Mexico already has created a tremendous economic driver and it already represents 9% of the Mexican economy. That being said, the country’s still-untapped tourism potential is massive, with countless beaches, colonial cities, archaeological wonders and biodiverse landscapes still relatively undiscovered. Each offers opportunities to attract travelers of all types. Mexico has the opportunity to move up the value chain in tourism, with an eye on attracting higher-spending and more adventurous travelers. I am constantly surprised at how many people who have traveled all over Europe have barely left a Mexican all-inclusive resort — this is a huge untapped opportunity!
The global demand for experiential travel — culinary tours, eco-adventures and cultural immersion — aligns perfectly with Mexico’s 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant Indigenous traditions. The recently completed Maya Train has 20 major stations with 23 Maya communities along the route that offer significant tourism opportunities.
Proximity to the U.S. provides an obvious logistical benefit, with shorter travel times and lower costs compared to many overseas destinations. Mexico’s strong hospitality and service culture is a natural advantage. Strategic investments in rural infrastructure — improved roads to Chiapas waterfalls or sustainable lodges in Michoacán’s monarch butterfly reserves — could unlock underserved regions. Collaborations with platforms like UNESCO to certify cultural experiences would enhance global appeal. Mexico can look to countries like Croatia, Slovenia and Albania for tourism lessons learned on how to compete and differentiate in a crowded market.
The ancient city of Calakmul, Campeche, and its lush surround forests are a prime example of Mexico’s incredible cultural and natural heritage.(INAH)
2. Medical Tourism: Positioning as a regional health hub
Mexico’s medical sector can position itself much better to capitalize on cost disparities and quality care. Procedures such as dental work, cosmetic surgery and elective treatments often cost less than half of what they would in the U.S., with outcomes that meet or exceed international standards. Over the years on flights to Mexico I have heard many stories of flight attendants and pilots that are taking advantage of these types of services, but I think that most people are still not aware they exist. Border cities like Tijuana and other cities with easy international access like Monterrey, Cancún and Los Cabos already are building clinics that cater to foreign patients.
Mexico should look to Thailand as a model. The Southeast Asian country now attracts over 3 million medical tourists annually by combining affordability with internationally accredited hospitals. The country standardized certifications and built “medical corridors” near Bangkok and Phuket, offering recovery resorts with telehealth follow-ups. Many hospitals in Mexico already target foreign patients, but scaling up would require significant and systemic upgrades from the reality of today.
Standardizing accreditation across hospitals and clinics would build trust, while partnerships with U.S. insurers could streamline coverage for cross-border care. Insurance companies would benefit from much lower costs. Chronic disease management, such as dialysis or diabetes treatment, seems like an obvious opportunity. Clear processes enabling physician communication between U.S. and Mexican facilities would help patients feel at ease. Establishing specialized clinics coupled with telehealth follow-ups would create a seamless patient experience and position Mexico as a leader in affordable, high-quality care.
3. Senior care: Addressing a global demographic shift
The aging U.S. (and global) population presents another significant opportunity. With senior care costs often exceeding $100,000 annually in the U.S., Mexico’s lower living expenses, lower cost care and temperate climate offer an attractive alternative. Communities like Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende demonstrate the viability of retirement enclaves, but demand for assisted living and memory care far exceeds supply of such services.
Set on the shore of Lake Chapala, the town of Ajijic is a popular destination for international retirees. (Somniphobiac/Creative Commons)
Mexico’s familial culture and emphasis on community align with seniors’ needs for social connection — especially in a world where children increasingly live far from their parents. Public-private partnerships to develop accredited senior living facilities, staffed by trained caregivers, could generate thousands of local jobs while providing dignified care. Collaborating with U.S. insurers to recognize Mexican providers would legitimize the sector and attract investment. Reputable law firms are critical to provide advice, guidance, and help safe-guard patients against fraud.
4. Expat communities: Fostering integration and innovation
The rise of remote work has created a new demographic: professionals seeking affordable, culturally rich environments. Cities like Mérida and Querétaro blend historic charm with modern amenities, appealing to digital nomads, families and retirees alike. Success hinges on integration — ensuring expats contribute to local economies without displacing communities.
Municipal initiatives to streamline visas, property regulations and bilingual education would attract long-term residents. “Innovation districts” with co-working spaces and startup incubators could foster knowledge exchange between expats and local entrepreneurs, driving economic diversification. Purpose-built communities with expats in mind are an obvious opportunity.
5. Food: Globalizing Mexico’s gastronomic legacy
Mexico’s culinary heritage, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a cornerstone of national identity — yet its global potential remains underdeveloped. While tacos and tequila have achieved international fame, regional dishes like Oaxaca’s mole negro has yet to achieve the international acclaim of Italian or French staples.
Oaxacan mole, a complex sauce that can take days and dozens of ingredients to prepare, still doesn’t receive the same recognition as fine European cuisines. (File photo)
Los Cabos’ farm-to-table scene, pioneered by destinations like Flora Farms, demonstrates that there is massive demand for culinary tourism. Expanding this model to states like Michoacán, Puebla, Oaxaca or Guanajuato — key agricultural regions in Mexico — could help transform rural economies. Imagine agro-tours where visitors harvest Mexican blue corn alongside local farmers, followed by cooking classes with Michelin-trained chefs. Such experiences align with travel trends, where tourists are increasingly prioritizing food-focused adventures.
This would go a long way in softening the still-negative perceptions many foreigners have about Mexico. Peru’s gastronomic rise is an example of how food can reshape national perception. Strategic campaigns, such as a Netflix docuseries on Mexico’s culinary diversity or partnerships with international chefs, could be hugely impactful.
6. Cultural wellness: Exporting traditions of well-being
In a world grappling with burnout and anxiety, Mexico’s ancient wellness practices offer respite. The global wellness tourism market increasingly values holistic, culturally rooted experiences. Mexico’s temazcal ceremonies, herbal medicine remedies and communal rituals provide alternatives to conventional retreats, blending spirituality with science. Luxury resorts in places like Tulum, Los Cabos and the Riviera Nayarit have begun integrating these elements. Yoga retreats, addiction clinics, meditation and silent retreats are all growing areas of wellness with significant opportunities for Mexico with the right organization, support, and investment.
7. Infrastructure: Enabling sustainable growth
Mexico’s infrastructure gaps — often substandard roads, unreliable energy and spotty digital connectivity — hold back the country’s economic potential. Infrastructure, which should act as an enabler and accelerator, far too often in is a drag on growth. President Sheinbaum’s Plan México does have significant emphasis on infrastructure and energy, but much work remains to provide the backbone to support and enable growth on a broader scale. If the vast majority of foreigners don’t feel comfortable renting a car or taking a bus or train in the country, countless economic opportunities will not be realized.
So what is the bottom line? Mexico’s manufacturing era isn’t ending — it’s evolving. Mexico will continue to provide a significant role in the global manufacturing supply chain, but the country must look to further diversify its economy to ensure continued economic and employment growth in the years ahead.
Mexico’s path forward requires bold vision and pragmatic collaboration. The seven sectors outlined here — tourism, medical services, senior care, expat integration, food, wellness and infrastructure — are interconnected pillars of a modern, resilient economy. Each leverages Mexico’s geographic, cultural and demographic strengths while promising to create job opportunities across the country. As manufacturing automation increases around the world, perhaps Mexico’s path forward is to become the hemisphere’s hub for experiences, care and culture.
The transition will require alignment across government, private industry and local communities. Regulatory reforms to incentivize sustainable tourism, healthcare accreditation and expat-friendly policies are critical first steps. Equally important is storytelling — showcasing Mexico not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a leader in the seven areas mentioned.
The team at Mexico News Daily will continue to monitor developments in these areas, and we are committed to highlighting stories of success, progress and partnerships. The challenges are significant, but the opportunities for the country could be transformative.
What do you think? Please share your comments, and thank you for reading MND.
Travis Bembenek is the CEO ofMexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for nearly 30 years.
The Parroquia is the iconic building of San Miguel de Allende. How did it come to be? (Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel de Allende)
From nearly anywhere in the Guanajuato city of San Miguel de Allende, your eyes will be drawn to the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, known colloquially as simply La Parroquia.
Glowing in sunlight by day and artfully lit at night, the Parroquia towers over the city as its most iconic landmark. With its pink spires and Gothic-inspired silhouette, the building is impossible to ignore and equally hard to classify. Its architectural style defies easy labels because the church wasn’t built in a single era. It has been reinforced, expanded and reimagined over centuries.
The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel towers over the town. (San Miguel de Allende)
A modest start for a growing village
The first parish church in San Miguel was built shortly after the town was founded in 1542 by Franciscan friars. It was a simple structure, adequate for the small settlement at the time. As the population grew, the need for a larger place of worship became clear. In 1578, the church was completely rebuilt to serve the expanding community.
Over time, the structure began to deteriorate, and by 1690, it was in such poor condition that town leaders formally petitioned the viceroy. They argued that although local tithes had been allocated in perpetuity for the building’s maintenance, the funds were likely being mismanaged by church officials.
The viceroy agreed to investigate and sent the esteemed Mexico City architect Marco Antonio Sobrarías to assess the damage. He concluded that the church was unsafe and should be closed to prevent any tragedies, recommending a complete rebuild with new foundations, a larger floor plan and added transepts to give it grandeur. In 1698, the Bishop of Valladolid officially ordered the reconstruction of the church and contributed 1,000 pesos to get things started.
Sobrarías designed the renovation in a modest Baroque style with a Latin cross layout and two side chapels, one dedicated to the Señor de la Conquista (Lord of the Conquest) and the other to the Virgen de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows). He built the main nave with semicircular arches, which later made it possible to convert those areas into chapels for the Virgen del Carmen and the Virgen del Rosario.
The Parroquia at night. (Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel de Allende)
Sobrarías worked on the project for about two years and, in 1692, reported to the viceroy that the building was nearly complete but required a few more expenses. Despite repeated requests, he never received the full annual salary of 1,460 pesos he had been promised, nor the additional funding required.
Sobrarías eventually returned to Mexico City, where he was assigned to work on the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Architect Juan Antonio de Guzmán was then appointed to complete the renovation for a lower salary, bringing the project to completion in 1709.
18th-century upgrades and a 19th-century crisis
In 1740, a second tower was added to the Parroquia to provide the visual symmetry expected of a proper colonial church. This addition reflected the growing importance of San Miguel and the desire to create a more dignified place of worship.
Throughout the 18th century, the interior was gradually enriched to match this elevated exterior. Baroque altarpieces, religious paintings and ornate devotional artwork were added over time as tastes evolved and resources allowed.
The Parroquia’s interior. (Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel de Allende)
However, by the late 1800s, the Parroquia was once again in crisis. The west tower had become so unstable that its bells had to be removed, and the façade had a large crack running from the choir vault at the top all the way down to the main entrance. While temporary repairs kept it standing for a while, it became clear that major intervention was necessary.
The neo-Gothic transformation
The church’s priest at that time, José María de Jesús Diez de Sollano y Dávalos, made a bold choice: he commissioned local stonemason Zeferino Gutiérrez for the restoration project. Gutiérrez had no formal architectural training but a well-earned reputation for craftsmanship and creativity.
Between 1880 and 1890, Gutiérrez led the transformation, drawing inspiration from postcards of European cathedrals. He designed a striking neo-Gothic façade complete with soaring towers, pointed arches, finials and intricate stone carvings. The stone used for the façade was pink cantera quarried from the slopes of the nearby Palo Huérfano volcano, which not only provided the distinctive color but also was located close enough to make the large-scale project feasible.
Before work on the new façade could begin, Gutiérrez focused on reinforcing the existing structure. The original side towers were removed as they had become too unstable to remain standing. He also reinforced the church’s main walls and addressed foundation issues.
Inside, the church took on a new character, with the introduction of Neoclassical elements. The original wooden altars, damaged by wear, were replaced with finely carved stone altars made of the same local cantera stone. These updates brought a sense of visual harmony between the interior and exterior and ensured that the building could support the weight of the new design.
This major restoration was extraordinary not only for what it accomplished but also for how it was done. It wasn’t only Gutiérrez’s vision; it was the people of San Miguel who made it possible. Women and children carried sacks of sand and small stones, while men hoisted boulders, loading carts and wheelbarrows to transport material from the Río Laja to the construction site.
It was, as the townspeople called it at the time, ant-like work. Working for years without pay, it was the effort of a united community driven by devotion. They were building a temple worthy of their faith.
More than a postcard-perfect church
Despite its grand appearance, the Parroquia has always been a parish church. San Miguel de Allende is not the seat of a bishop, so its main church has never been a cathedral. While it’s one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Mexico, it serves the local community as a place of worship and religious celebrations. Guests are welcome to enter, though they’re asked to limit visits during Mass, which takes place several times a day.
Its esplanade and the park across from it, known today as El Jardín, are Sanmiguelenses’ favorite gathering spot. This is where both locals and tourists enjoy street food, sing along to mariachi bands, take pictures with the larger-than-life paper mache mojigangas and attend major events.
Throughout San Miguel de Allende’s complex history, the Parroquia has always stood at the heart of it all, whimsical and deeply loved by residents both past and present.
Sandra Gancz Kahan is a Mexican writer and translator based in San Miguel de Allende who specializes in mental health and humanitarian aid. She believes in the power of language to foster compassion and understanding across cultures. She can be reached at [email protected]
The spectacular pre-dawn event was captured in this screenshot early Wednesday morning. (Screen capture)
Residents of Mexico City and other areas in central Mexico were jolted awake early Wednesday by a loud explosion and a bright flash across the sky.
The event was later confirmed by monitoring services as a bolide — an exceptionally bright meteor that explodes in Earth’s atmosphere.
¡Impresionante avistamiento en el cielo!
☄️💥 Esta madrugada, en el centro del país, se registró un fuerte sonido similar a una explosión cerca de las 04:51 horas.
Cámaras de seguridad y Webcams de México captaron el paso de lo que se considera un meteorito a las 03:47:06. pic.twitter.com/0KRHH04pU1
The phenomenon occurred at approximately 3:49 a.m. local time today, sparking widespread social media buzz but no immediate reports of damage, injuries, debris or impact sites.
The independent seismic monitoring service Sismo Alerta Mexicana detected the explosion’s acoustic wave via seismographs, affirming on social media it originated from a bolide that exploded an estimated 12 to 25 miles above the Earth’s surface.
“Based on reports and our cameras, we confirm that the explosion in Mexico City was a bolide (possibly a meteorite or meteor) that exploded 20-40 km above the ground, creating an acoustic wave,” the group stated on X.
As of midday Wednesday, Mexico’s Civil Protection agency and government agencies had yet to issue official statements.
Though people in Mexico City reported vibrations, Mexico’s National Seismological Service did not record earthquake activity.
The sound, delayed by its travel time from the high-altitude blast, was heard across the city and other regions in the CDMX metropolitan area, including Ecatepec and Cuautitlán Izcalli.
Video footage shows the bright object streaking across the sky before the explosion, with some witnesses seeing the phenomenon in Querétaro and Pachuca, approximately 185 and 88 kilometers from CDMX, respectively.
Social media reports describe the event as a powerful explosion that caused vibrations, rattled windows and triggered car alarms.
Videos from security cameras and Webcams de México captured the fireball’s streak, described by at least one witness as a “giant shooting star.”
Daniel Flores, a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Astronomy Institute, told the media that bolides are space rocks that vaporize due to atmospheric friction, unlike meteorites, which reach Earth’s surface. “These objects heat up intensely, creating light and sound, but most disintegrate harmlessly,” he said.
Experts emphasized that such events are common globally, with an estimated 17,000 bolides entering Earth’s atmosphere annually, though few are noticed.
The incident brings to mind a “supposed” meteorite strike in Tamaulipas in 2020 and a meteor explosion in Russia equivalent to 500 kilotons of TNT that caused widespread damage and injuries in 2013 — focusing attention on the need to monitor near-Earth objects (NEOs) and develop early warning systems.
Trump's tariffs and accelerating trends in robotics and AI should be a wake-up call for Mexico. This is Part 2: Why is a rethink of the Mexican economy necessary? (Unsplash)
Trump’s tariffs and accelerating trends in robotics and AI should be a wake-up call for Mexico.
Part 2: Why is a rethink of the Mexican economy necessary?
Part 3: What could a rethink of the Mexican economy look like?
The purpose of this three-part series is to reflect on the emerging trends of trade protectionism (tariffs), AI and robotics, consider the potential impacts on Mexico and foster a discussion on possible solutions. Please share your thoughts in the comments section and let’s have an inspiring and engaging discussion and debate.
Part 2: Why is a rethink of the Mexican economy necessary?
Mexico’s economy has become increasingly reliant on the manufacturing sector, and its manufacturing sector is extremely reliant on the United States.
How reliant? Nearly 80% of everything that Mexico makes is exported to the U.S…80%!!! Over 80% of vehicles produced in Mexico go to the U.S….87% of the auto parts….80% of the aerospace products….86% of the electronics.
Now, imagine for a moment that the U.S. can increasingly produce more of its own goods. Imagine that advances in artificial intelligence and robotics make it increasingly possible to produce goods with significantly fewer people.
It might sound improbable given the past 30 years, but what if it isn’t going forward? What would be the impact on Mexico and its workforce? Given this risk, what should Mexico do? What can Mexico do?
Approximately 25% of all formally employed Mexicans, nearly 14 million people, are employed in the manufacturing sector. On average, 50% of the Foreign Direct Investment in Mexico in a given year is in the manufacturing sector. Imagine for a moment the impact on the economy and society if there were even slight changes to those numbers.
So what kind of rethink does Mexico’s economy need?
To begin to answer those questions, let’s first step back and remember the key components of the Mexican economy. I will simplify the analysis to keep it easier to explain.
About 30% of Mexico’s GDP is related to manufacturing and industry. Tourism makes up 9%; remittances 4%; agriculture 3%; oil 2%. The other roughly half of the economy is linked to other components of the Service Sector.
As mentioned previously, nearly 80% of Mexican-manufactured goods are exported to the United States. Tourists from the United States make up over 70% of the international visitors each year to Mexico. Approximately 78% of Mexico’s agricultural exports go to the United States. Nearly all of the remittances come from the United States.
Mexico is the country most dependent on another country in the world. A common expression, attributed to former President Porfirio Díaz, is “Poor Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States.”
Many people I talk to suggest that Mexico needs to begin to try to reduce its dependence on the U.S. They suggest that Mexico should look south to markets in Central and South America. Or develop closer ties to Europe. Or develop a deeper relationship with China. I think that this thinking is flawed for a number of reasons:
No country consumes like the United States. There simply is no one else in the neighborhood of the Americas that buys even close to what the U.S. does.
Many other countries, especially the larger economies of South America and Europe, have a demographic problem. Their birthrates are declining, their populations are aging. In short, it will be a long time before they return to being “high consumption” economies that Mexico could sell manufactured goods to.
China has an overproduction problem and trade deficits with nearly everyone. It seems highly unlikely that Mexico would be able to grow its economy by selling to Chinese consumers.
Protectionism is on the rise. With declining populations, slowing GDP growth, increasing supply chain concerns, and increasing nationalism, I don’t see any other significant opportunity elsewhere for Mexico to sell its manufactured goods.
As a result, I think that Mexico needs to unequivocally accept that its fate is tied to that of the United States, for better or for worse, and for the long term foreseeable future.
The country also needs to recognize that its growth model as a low-cost supplier of manufactured goods to the United States might increasingly be at risk. Even if the “America First” tariff threats quiet down, the rapidly increasing trends of robotics and AI in manufacturing likely mean much less employment in this sector — potentially in just a few years if many experts are to be believed.
With declining populations, slowing GDP growth, increasing supply chain concerns, and increasing nationalism, Mexico must start looking to sell its manufactured goods in new markets. (Volkswagen de México)
Mexico must urgently begin to rethink what will be its key economic drivers going forward. This is not in any way to say that manufacturing will no longer be important.
Mexico must continue to move up the value chain in manufacturing to continue to maintain and grow investment and employment in this sector. But it seems increasingly unlikely that manufacturing will be the growth and employment generation engine for the economy that it has been in the past.
The country must start by leveraging the many strengths it has in this increasingly uncertain world. To name a few:
Geographic proximity to the U.S.
Relative low cost of living
Relative low cost of labor
Excellent weather
Service-oriented culture
Deep culinary traditions and history
Deep cultural traditions and history
Taking into account those strengths and others, and with the risk that the manufacturing sector is not the employment and economic engine of the past, Mexico needs to begin to invest in different (non-manufacturing) sectors to further diversify its economy and continue to provide employment and economic growth for its people.
Each of these areas will require a step change in thinking, focus, and investment from the public and private sectors from what we have historically seen. The evolution to less dependence on manufacturing as an engine of economic growth and employment will take time, and success in each of these areas is far from guaranteed. But I strongly believe that by proactively redirecting, prioritizing, accelerating and incentivizing investment into the following areas, Mexico can better control its own destiny.
They are as follows:
Tourism
Health care delivery
Senior care
Housing/living for expats
Food
Wellness
Infrastructure to support all of the above
In Part 3 of this series, I will explore each of these areas, why I think each is important, and how Mexico could thrive in each of them. The third and final part of the series will be in tomorrow’s MND.
Travis Bembenek is the CEO ofMexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for nearly 30 years.
"There is collaboration, there is communication, but who operates in Mexico are the institutions of the Mexican state," Sheinbaum said in response to questions about the United States' military plans at Mexico's northern border. (Daniel Augusto/Cuartoscuro)
A reporter asked the president about the United States’ reported plan to establish a military base on its southern border with Mexico.
The question came after United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum traveled to New Mexico on Tuesday to “announce the emergency withdrawal and transfer” to the U.S. Army “of administrative jurisdiction over approximately 109,651 acres of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border,” according to a Department of the Interior statement.
“… The Department of the Army requested the withdrawal and transfer of these lands on an emergency basis to allow for the increase in regular patrols by federal personnel, construction of infrastructure to prevent unlawful entry, disrupt foreign terrorist threats to the U.S., and to curb illegal cross-border activities, such as unlawful migration, narcotics trafficking, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking,” the statement said.
Citing information from U.S. officials, the Associated Press reported on Monday that “a long sliver of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border that President Donald Trump is turning over to the Department of Defense would be controlled by the Army as part of a base, which could allow troops to detain any trespassers, including migrants.”
Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that her government was speaking to its U.S. counterpart about its plans for the border region.
She told reporters that Mexico has also sent a diplomatic note to the United States, in which she said her government acknowledges that what the U.S. does “in its own territory” is “a decision for them,” but also expresses its expectation that U.S. military actions won’t “cross the border” and that there will continue to be “the same collaboration there has been until now in security matters.”
🚨 @SecretaryBurgum transfers administrative jurisdiction over nearly 110,000 acres of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S. Army over the next 3 years:
“We’re up against a real enemy here. We need to make sure the border is secure.” pic.twitter.com/1J4RVqvojF
“… The last order that was set out is that the [U.S.] army can occupy certain federal territories [along the border]. We don’t know whether it is to continue building the wall [or] what the objective would be, but in any case what we always ask for is respect and coordination,” Sheinbaum said.
Sheinbaum: US ‘always looking to intervene more’ in fight against Mexican cartels
“They’re always looking to intervene more,” Sheinbaum responded, explaining that the U.S. government has long had a desire to come into Mexico as part of its efforts to combat organized crime.
Whether Mexico authorizes the U.S. to come into the country to combat cartels “depends very much on the president of the republic who is in office,” she said.
“…[Felipe] Calderón allowed the DEA to carry out operations in our country,” Sheinbaum said, adding that such operations were overseen by U.S. authorities rather than the Mexican government.
“We don’t [allow that]. We say there is collaboration, there is communication, but who operates in Mexico are the institutions of the Mexican state,” she said.
“… And until now there has been good acceptance [of that],” Sheinbaum said, telling reporters that the United States hasn’t done anything in Mexico since she took office without first coming to an agreement with her government.
She said earlier this year that surveillance flights by CIA drones over Mexico only occur after the government of Mexico has requested them in order to obtain information to be able to respond to prevailing “security conditions.”
On Wednesday, Sheinbaum said that United States security agencies “have permits to operate here, but they have rules.”
“In other words, there are agents from United States agencies who are in Mexico, who need permits to be in Mexico, and their way of operating is regulated by the National Security Law and now also by the constitutional reform we did,” she said.
“They have to be in permanent communication with Mexican authorities [and] send reports,” Sheinbaum added.
Sheinbaum staying grounded after appearance on prestigious Time magazine list
Founded in Argentina in 1999, Mercado Libre now boasts a gross sales volume of over US $51.5 billion. (Mercado Libre/Facebook)
Latin American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre will create 10,100 jobs in Mexico this year, bringing its total workforce to 35,800 employees, the company’s Chief People Officer Sebastián Fernández Silva announced on Tuesday.
Mercado Libre has the ambitious plan of increasing its workforce as it incorporates AI into its operations. (Mercado Libra/Faccebook
“With the goal of continuing to expand our business, this year we will create 28,000 new jobs and invest US $13.2 billion in the (Latin American) region, 36% more than in 2024,” said Fernández.
This will bring the total number of employees in the region to around 112,000. Most new jobs will be in logistics, with 21,700 new positions, and technology with 3,300 jobs.
The workforce growth “will allow us to continue expanding our logistics network to make shipments faster and cheaper,” Fernández said. “It also allows us to continue developing what we do with technology and products to continue revolutionizing the way people buy, advertise, sell, pay, finance, and ship throughout the region.”
Mercado Libre claims to be the main source of income for 1.8 million families across Latin America and supports an estimated 234,000 indirect jobs in the countries where it operates.
The Uruguay-based tech company was founded in Argentina in 1999 and has grown to become a major e-commerce power in Latin America, competing with the likes of Amazon.
The company operates in 18 countries and posted record revenue and profits last year, with a net turnover of $21 billion and a gross sales volume of over $51.5 billion. It has grown at an annual rate of 30% for more than two decades.
According to Fernández, Mercado Libre will continue to hire new staff even as it incorporates artificial intelligence and other digital technologies into its operations. He said that robots are not replacing people but instead are helping to eliminate physically strenuous tasks for employees.
The company says it is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Mercado Libre’s workforce is made up of around 46% women, with a 28% female C-suite level. The average age of its employees is 30 years old.
Almost half of Mercado Libre’s 2025 investments will be spent in Brazil, around $6.2 billion, with the creation of 13,800 new jobs. Brazil is the company’s largest market, contributing about 55% of its revenue.
In addition, 2,300 jobs will be created in Argentina, 900 in Chile, 800 in Colombia and 60 in Uruguay.
Sheinbaum's inclusion on the list comes four months after Time announced she was among 10 finalists in the running for its 2024 "Person of the Year" designation. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)
President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexican actor Diego Luna are among “the 100 most influential people of 2025,” according to Time magazine.
They join people such as United States President Donald Trump, tennis superstar Serena Williams and tech “titan” Mark Zuckerberg on the prestigious list that Time unveiled on Wednesday.
The 2025 TIME100 is here: TIME’s annual list of the world’s most influential people https://t.co/O1HtHYtj1o
“She likes to be called Presidenta, with an a at the end. She made history in 2024 by becoming the first woman to lead Mexico,” Mexican journalist Jorge Ramos wrote about Sheinbaum in a brief profile published by Time to accompany its “100 most influential people” list.
Ramos said that “Sheinbaum, 62, a politician and climate scientist, is facing two major challenges: violence fueled by drug traffickers and the expansionist instincts of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has placed tariffs on Mexico citing drugs and immigrant trafficking at the border.”
“… With the slogan ‘It’s time for women,’ she won the presidency, and her party, Morena, controls the Congress and most states. But we have yet to see what la Presidenta will do with that mandate,” wrote Ramos, who appeared on Time’s “100 most influential people” list in 2015.
Sheinbaum is one of 22 “leaders” on Time’s 2025 list. The others include Trump, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Argentine President Javier Milei, journalist Megyn Kelly and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
From Toluca to Time’s ‘most influential people’ list
Diego Luna, a 45-year-old native of México state capital Toluca, joins “artists” such as singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, actress Scarlet Johansson and Mexican-American fashion designer Willy Chavarria on Time’s “100 most influential people of 2025” list.
Diego Luna at the premiere of the series Andor, in which he plays spy Cassian Andor during the five years leading up to the story of Star Wars. (@starwars/X)
“I would say that he is on this list for the same reasons. He grew up in the theater world, finding solace and adventure backstage. His mother, an artist and beloved costume designer, and his father, a master of set design, never thought Diego would find his own way and break through ‘the first wall’ (in theatrical terms),” he continued.
“But with his wonderful energy and ridiculously incredible charisma, he knew that onstage he was going to experience a catharsis for the common good. His laughter resonates and expands,” wrote García Bernal, who was one of Time’s “100 most influential people” of 2016.
Luna has appeared in dozens of movies, including Mexican classics such as “Y tu mamá también” (with García Bernal), and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”
He is also well-known for playing the role of drug trafficker Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo in the series “Narcos: Mexico.”
AMLO and Salma Hayek among Time’s ‘100 most influential people’ in previous years
Sheinbaum and Luna join a number of Mexicans who have been included on Time’s “100 most influential people” lists.
