Mayan Train Struggles, Tariffs Hit Costs: The Weekly Roundup

This week’s key headlines reveal deep financial challenges for the Mayan Train project amid soaring subsidies and low ridership, while steel tariffs threaten to hike real estate construction costs in Mexico. On a brighter note, FINSA is investing to acquire industrial warehouses to boost nearshoring, and FIBRA Macquarie is developing a new Class A industrial park in Tijuana. Infrastructure improvements accelerate as SICT rolls out advanced paving trains to cut highway maintenance costs.

Your weekly dose of Infrastructure is here!

Mayan Train Faces Deep Losses, Mounting Public Costs

The Mayan Train faces major financial strain, with MX$40.8 billion (US$$2.13 billion) in subsidies and low passenger demand averaging just over 2,000 daily riders. Freight operations — still inactive — are seen as key to long-term viability. Costs remain opaque, while massive budget overruns have heavily impacted the Tourism and Defense ministries, making the project a major driver of federal spending increases.

Steel Tariff to Impact Real Estate Projects in Mexico: ADI

A 50% US tariff on steel and aluminum is expected to raise construction costs in Mexico’s real estate sector by up to 10%, prompting caution among developers. Despite the uncertainty, ADI projects nearly US$15 billion in investment for 2025, with government efforts focused on minimizing the impact, streamlining permits, and promoting sustainable development.

FINSA Invests US$500 Million to Acquire 70 Warehouses in Mexico

FINSA will invest US$500 million to acquire up to 70 industrial warehouses across Mexico, using a Sale and Lease Back model to support nearshoring and manufacturing. Despite market slowdown, the firm sees strong long-term potential in Mexico’s strategic role in global supply chains

FIBRA Macquarie to Develop Industrial Park in Tijuana

FIBRA Macquarie, in partnership with Grupo FRISA, is developing up to four Class A industrial buildings in Tijuana, totaling nearly 70,000m² of GLA. The US$88 million project leverages strategic border access and aims for high returns, with the first building targeting LEED Gold certification.

SICT Deploys Paving Trains to Boost Road Maintenance

The SICT will deploy 20 specialized paving trains to maintain over 15,000km of toll-free federal highways, with 10 more distributed to states like Jalisco and Veracruz. Backed by a MX$1.4 billion (US$73.4 million) investment, the initiative aims to cut road maintenance costs by up to 30% using high-tech, efficient machinery.

SADER Visits Tula to Oversee Water Treatment

Mexico is investing nearly MX$50 billion to restore the Tula River, improve wastewater treatment, and reduce pollution in Hidalgo, including upgrading the Atotonilco plant and converting the Tula power plant to natural gas.

Banco Dondé Launches MOVIMEX to Ease Mexicable Payments

Banco Dondé launched MOVIMEX, a Mastercard-backed debit card in the State of Mexico that integrates public transit payments with banking services. It enables cashless access to Mexicable cablecar rides and offers features like a free sixth trip and easy account management via a mobile app.