August 29th, 2025
1. Sheinbaum highlights Banxico as an economic pillar
During the celebration of the Bank of Mexico’s centenary, President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that Banxico is an essential pillar of the national economy, as it guarantees the country’s stability and economic sovereignty. She emphasized that its autonomy and technical rigor have been decisive in overcoming international crises and periods of uncertainty, consolidating it as a key institution for maintaining confidence and financial strength. She stressed that, in a complex global context, price stability is not enough if it is not accompanied by policies that strengthen internal development.
At the same time, she called for financing to cease to be a privilege and become an engine of inclusive development, especially for SMEs, entrepreneurs, and working families. He pointed out that Mexico is one of the countries with the lowest credit in proportion to its GDP, which is why the financial system must become more accessible, competitive, and digitized, expanding coverage to traditionally excluded sectors. This approach, he added, is essential to boost growth, productivity, and equity, ensuring that macroeconomic stability goes hand in hand with social welfare.
El Financiero: Banxico es pilar de la economía, destaca Claudia Sheinbaum
Revista Fortuna: 100 años de Banxico: Sheinbaum destaca la necesidad de financiamiento más inclusivo y accesible para familias, emprendedores y Pymes
2. Concanaco joins Plan Mexico with “Very Mexican Fridays”
The Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Concanaco-Servytur) presented the “Very Mexican Friday” program, an initiative within the framework of Plan Mexico. This initiative, coordinated by the National Assembly of Family Businesses and Enterprises (ANEF), seeks to promote the consumption of national products and services through discounts and promotions that will be offered on the last Friday of each month. Octavio de la Torre Stefano, president of CONCANACO, emphasized that this initiative seeks to promote pride, consumption, and national identity, and that the invitation is open for individuals and businesses to participate voluntarily in the initiative through a national call for participation that will be distributed through authorities, business chambers, institutional networks, and allies throughout the country.
The program will include the delivery of a “Aquí se vive un Viernes Muy Mexicano” (Here we live a Very Mexican Friday) badge and a physical poster for participating establishments. In addition, a digital map with QR codes will be implemented, directing users to a platform where they can consult the available offers. Regional fairs will also be organized in emblematic locations in different communities to highlight the cultural and economic diversity of each region, as well as to recognize family businesses.
3. Tlaxcala to receive $540 million in new Economic Development Hub
The federal and state governments of Tlaxcala announced the construction of an Economic Development Hub for Well-being (Podecobi) in Huamantla, with an investment of $540 million. This 53-hectare industrial complex will house projects from Mexican, German, and US companies, and is estimated to generate up to 6,000 direct jobs starting in February 2026.
Governor Lorena Cuéllar explained that the project has six letters of intent in the purchase and sale stage, including Knipping Automotive, Servicios Integrados, and Comercializadora Ragón. In addition, a Child Care and Education Center (CECI) will be integrated to support working mothers. The goal is to boost agribusiness, connect with cultural tourism, and strengthen an educational and productive ecosystem in historically disadvantaged municipalities.Sheinbaum rules out free trade agreement with Brazil and opts for cooperation agreement
El Economista: Polo de Desarrollo Económico para el Bienestar en Tlaxcala, con inversión de 540 millones de dólares
4. Sheinbaum rules out free trade agreement with Brazil and opts for cooperation agreement
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ruled out signing a free trade agreement with Brazil, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship will focus on cooperation and complementarity agreements. In her morning press conference, Sheinbaum pointed out that Brazil has technologies in areas of interest to Mexico, and vice versa, which facilitates more strategic collaboration. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard explained that memoranda of understanding have been signed in sectors such as biofuels, competitiveness, and deepwater exploration. In addition, the aim is to update provisions that limit Mexican exports, especially in the automotive industry, and to establish agreements between regulatory agencies on health matters.
For his part, Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin confirmed that both countries plan to sign sectoral agreements in August 2026, without the need for a free trade agreement. These agreements will focus on areas such as the production of batteries for electric vehicles, cooperation on biofuels, and the sale of Embraer defense aircraft to Mexico. Alckmin stressed that the implementation of a free trade agreement would require the approval of the Mercosur trade bloc, of which Brazil is a member.
La Jornada: Con Brasil no pensamos en acuerdo de libre comercio, sino en uno de cooperación
Reuters: Brazil readies updated sector trade deals with Mexico
5. Decree prohibiting imports of finished footwear published in DOFnado
The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo issued a decree to temporarily ban the importation of finished footwear under the Manufacturing, Maquiladora, and Export Services Industry (IMMEX) program. The head of the Ministry of Economy (SE), Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, announced that the federal administration would implement new measures to protect the domestic industry.
In 2024, the footwear industry recorded a 12.8% drop in annual growth, a 12.5% reduction in production value, and the loss of almost 11,000 formal jobs, while imports under IMMEX increased more than 24-fold in volume compared to 2021, with a drop in return from six pairs exported for every pair imported to less than one. These conditions reflect practices that damage competitiveness and encourage technical smuggling, mainly of subsidized Asian footwear.
La Jornada: Publican en DOF decreto que prohíbe importaciones de calzado terminado