Tariff Concerns from President Donald Trump
The Consejo Nacional de la Industria Manufacturera de Exportación (Index) warns that reciprocal tariffs authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump will significantly affect inflation and disrupt supply chains, as reported by Economista.
Negative Effects on Mexico’s Economy and Employment
These tariffs, according to Index, will be harmful to the Mexican economy, business productivity, investment certainty, and job creation.
Index supports President Claudia Sheinbaum’s response in accelerating Plan México to strengthen the national economy. They will focus on enhancing the Programa IMMEX 4.0, aiming to solidify VAT and special production/service tax (IVA e IEPS) certifications for export manufacturing with a new scheme.
Recent U.S. Visit to Improve Bilateral Relations
Index recently conducted a working visit in the United States, led by Humberto Martínez Cantú, president of Index associations and director of committees like Commerce Exterior.
This visit was crucial for improving approaches, analyses, and reviews of topics forming part of the bilateral agenda ahead of the T-MEC review, aiming to safeguard and provide certainty to companies in this vital sector comprised of over 1,500 member firms.
IMMEX Program Overview
The IMMEX program was established to boost the competitiveness of export sectors. Companies under this program can temporarily import various inputs (like raw materials, parts, components; fuels, lubricants, and other materials; packaging; labels; machinery, equipment, tools, and containers) benefiting from tariff exemptions and potential tax credit on IVA/IEPS, plus anti-dumping or countervailing duties where applicable.
Call for Dialogue Amidst Economic Risk
Index reiterates that Trump’s announced measure poses a significant risk by unprotecting thousands of jobs, disrupting supply chains, and generating uncertainty in the current business relocation scenario and recent investment announcements.
In critical times for North America, where the bilateral and trilateral relationship’s future is being shaped, Index calls for dialogue and mutual understanding—vital to safeguarding thousands of companies, millions of workers, and billions in investments.
