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1. Senate approves members of the National Antitrust Commission and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission

The Senate ratified the president’s proposal for appointments to the National Antitrust Commission (CNA), which will have technical and operational autonomy and replace the former Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE), which had set important precedents in strategic sectors such as medicine and health services. Among the prominent figures who will make up the commission are Ana María Reséndiz Mora, who also chaired Cofece in 2020, and Andrea Marván Saltiel, who was head of Cofece from 2023 and was ratified as commissioner, a position she will hold until 2028.
The commission’s powers include conducting inspections and collecting data using any tools necessary to fulfill its functions, and it may temporarily disqualify companies that engage in absolute monopolistic practices for a period of six months to five years, regardless of the administrative, civil, or criminal liabilities they incur.

The members of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) were also confirmed. The CRT will replace the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) and will be responsible for regulating internet, radio, television, and satellite systems in Mexico, as well as the use of the radio spectrum. This will be made up of a deliberative body composed of specialists from various fields, including telecommunications law, satellite services, and television and radio broadcasting regulation. Ledénika Mackensie Méndez González will serve as CRT commissioner for a three-year term, alongside María de las Mercedes Olivares Tresgallo, Adán Salazar Garibay, Tania Villa Trápala, and Norma Solano Rodríguez.

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2. Secretary of Economy rules out dissolution of USMCA and considers raising tariffs due to China-US trade war

Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard told the Senate that the Mexican government does not anticipate any rejection by the United States of the renewal of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) scheduled for 2026, and stressed that the current talks are taking place in a climate of cooperation and mutual trust. He noted that the review process is aimed at strengthening regional economic integration and consolidating value chains in North America, emphasizing that consultations with national productive sectors will allow for the construction of a solid and consensual position. According to the official, both governments and companies have shown a willingness to preserve the benefits of the agreement and adapt it to new international trade conditions.

At the same time, Secretary Ebrard announced that the Ministry of Economy is analyzing possible tariff adjustments on imported products as part of a technical evaluation process on global market conditions, particularly in light of increased trade tensions between China and the United States. Although this is an ongoing analysis, the final decision will depend on the results of sectoral studies, the potential impact on domestic industry, and coordination with USMCA partners. According to official sources, the objective is to protect domestic production without affecting Mexico’s international commitments and to maintain a balance between competitiveness, investment, and trade stability.

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3. Soft drink industry reaches agreement and softens tax on sugary drinks

Faced with a proposed increase in the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) for sugary drinks, the main soft drink companies in Mexico reached an agreement with the federal government, whereby drinks considered to be high in calories will pay 3.08 pesos per liter, while sugar-free or low-calorie versions will have a differentiated rate of 1.50 pesos per liter. In return, Coca-Cola announced that it will reduce the calorie content of its soft drinks by approximately 30%, starting with the largest sizes, with the goal that within a year, 70% of the volume produced will comply with these lower levels.

The adjustments to be applied will be aimed at facilitating the transition of consumers to calorie-free versions, considered less harmful, ensuring that these options are priced lower than their calorie-equivalent counterparts, thus encouraging product reformulation and diversification of supply without significantly altering the availability of beverages in the domestic market.

Infobae: Ante alza de impuestos, refresqueras reducirán la carga calórica de sus productos

4. Chamber of Deputies approves reform to the Tax Code, accusing it of increasing surveillance of digital platforms and punishing MSMEs

The Chamber of Deputies approved the reform of the Federal Tax Code (CFF) for the 2026 fiscal year. Among the approved amendments, section X of Article 124 was eliminated, which established as grounds for inadmissibility of the appeal for revocation the fact that the taxpayer claimed to be unaware of the contested act. In addition, a reservation was included so that the first transitional article of the CFF indicates that the decree will enter into force on January 1, 2026, but will not apply to digital platforms until April 1 of the same year. This amendment seeks to give platforms time to adapt to the new tax provisions.

Various sectors have pointed out that the reform could increase surveillance of digital platforms and tighten obligations for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME’s). These changes to the Tax Code give the SAT the power to access the platforms’ records and systems in real time in order to monitor compliance with their tax obligations, which has raised concerns about possible excessive control. At the same time, business representatives warned that the new information requirements and increased administrative burdens resulting from the digital regime could disproportionately affect MSMEs by increasing their compliance costs and reducing their operating margins compared to larger companies.

El Universal: Cámara de Diputados aprueba reforma al Código Fiscal para 2026 y la envía al Senado
Infobae: Vigilancia del SAT a usuarios de plataformas digitales entrará en vigor el 1 de abril de 2026

5. Tariffs on wood and furniture come into effect

Starting October 14, 2025, the United States implemented new tariffs on imports of wood, furniture, and kitchen furnishings. Imported construction wood is subject to a 10% tax, while furniture and kitchen furnishings face rates of 25% and 50%, respectively, starting January 1, 2026. However, countries with trade agreements with the United States, such as the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Japan, enjoy lower tariffs, while products from Mexico and Canada, theoretically protected by the USMCA, will likely be subject to these tariffs.

This increase in tariffs could have an impact on Mexico by making wood and furniture exports to the United States more expensive, affecting the competitiveness of domestic producers vis-à-vis suppliers from other countries that have lower tariffs. The measure also creates uncertainty for supply chains and export planning, as Mexican companies may be forced to adjust costs, production volumes, or even seek alternative markets. Although the USMCA establishes mechanisms for coordination and trade dispute resolution, the imposition of these tariffs introduces an additional challenge to ensure that the treaty’s rules are respected and that regional integration continues to benefit all three countries.

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