Archive · 3 min read
Thursday, October 1, 2026
This edition reflects the information available when it was published.
The week so far
This week in Mexico
3 developments shaping business decisions in Mexico this week.
Ranked by business relevance and urgency. Coverage through October 1.
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Mexico seeks lower U.S. auto tariffs as officials describe a possible deal
Mexican officials told Bloomberg the countries are discussing a cut in the nominal light-vehicle tariff from 25% to 15%, El Financiero reports. A reduction for steel and aluminum remains under negotiation, with its size not yet specified.
Context
Trade under USMCA continues while its annual review process adds uncertainty for long-term factory investment. Steel and aluminum face a 50% U.S. tariff in the report, with a reduction still being negotiated. For vehicle exporters, the headline tariff would be only part of the calculation: U.S. content changes the effective charge. Reported negotiating progress still leaves businesses awaiting final terms for pricing and shipment plans.
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Senate approves bill widening the security role in foreign-investment review
The Senate approved a bill by 65 votes to 30 to add defense, navy, security and digital agencies to the foreign-investment commission. The bill now goes to the Chamber of Deputies for review.
Context
The proposal links national-security review to strategic sectors including energy, physical and digital infrastructure, data and technology. Senate economy committee chair Emmanuel Reyes says the commission would retain its mainly civilian and economic character. For foreign investors, the concrete change would be who sits at the review table. The final wording matters for projects in the named strategic sectors, but Senate approval alone leaves another legislative step before the proposal can become law.
Read the sourcesEl Economista ↗ -
Pemex diesel imports fall as domestic production rises
Pemex imported an average 78,755 barrels of diesel a day in January-August 2026, its lowest for that period since 2009, El CEO reports. Its diesel output rose 39.17% from a year earlier to 278,612 barrels a day.
Context
Pemex's diesel production still falls short of domestic demand, which the report puts between 442,000 and 470,000 barrels a day depending on the season. The decline in its diesel purchases began in June. Higher refinery output and lower Pemex imports point to a changing fuel supply mix. They do not establish national self-sufficiency: the reported demand range remains above Pemex's production, and these import figures describe the company rather than every supplier in Mexico.
Read the sourcesEl CEO ↗
Coverage through 2026-10-01.