Sheinbaum’s Media Bill, Market Slowdown: Week in Infrastructure

In this week’s roundup, President Claudia Sheinbaum takes aim at foreign influence in the media and proposes a political ad ban, while tariff uncertainty casts a shadow over Monterrey’s industrial market. Public transport usage dips, except in Queretaro, where the Qrobús system bucks the trend. In other news, Mexico City’s Metro system is rolling out tenders for seismic upgrades and BBVA delivers a sobering outlook on construction growth.

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Sheinbaum Seeks Ban on Foreign Political Ads in Mexican Media

President Claudia Sheinbaum submitted a bill to ban foreign-funded political or discriminatory propaganda in Mexican media, aiming to protect national sovereignty. The move follows backlash over a US campaign deemed discriminatory. Cultural and tourism promotions remain allowed, but political messaging even on social media would be prohibited. The reform is part of a broader agenda to update media laws and restructure regulatory bodies.

Tariff Uncertainty Slows Monterrey’s Industrial Market

Monterrey’s industrial real estate market is cooling, with net absorption down 70% in 1Q25 due to rising vacancies, developer competition, and uncertainty over proposed US tariffs. Despite this, construction continues, and long-term optimism remains strong, with Monterrey’s strategic location and demographic advantages seen as key assets for future growth.

Public Transport Users Decreased by 3.2% in February 2025

In February 2025, public transportation usage dropped 3.2% across Mexico’s main cities, with Monterrey seeing the steepest decline at 27.1%, largely due to the high reliance on private cars. In contrast, Queretaro was the only city to report growth, with a 38.7% increase driven by the Qrobús system. Despite rising numbers, Queretaro still faces challenges with traffic congestion and limited transport infrastructure.

Mexico City Metro Launches Tenders to Boost Structural Monitoring

The Mexico City Metro has issued three public tenders to improve structural and seismic monitoring, with a focus on Line 12 and parts of Lines 4, 9, and B. The projects involve installing advanced monitoring systems and seismographs to assess structural integrity and enhance earthquake detection. Work is set to begin May 22 and conclude by Dec. 31, 2025.

Construction Sector Faces Flat Growth in 2025: BBVA

BBVA forecasts stagnation for Mexico’s construction sector in 2025, following 2.7% growth in 2024. A sharp drop in civil works due to reduced public investment and the absence of new infrastructure plans are expected to weigh heavily on the industry. While private construction remains active, it may not offset the decline in public spending. Industrial and housing development could also slow amid policy uncertainty and weaker demand. Job losses and limited credit growth further underscore the sector’s uncertain outlook.

Komaspec Expands to Mexico to Boost Custom Metal Production

Komaspec opened a 1,858m² facility in Mexico to speed up delivery and offer flexible pricing for North American clients. The site supports custom sheet metal fabrication via Komacut.com and is part of the company’s strategy to boost automation and streamline regional supply chains.

Office Absorption Up 60% in 2Q25 in Mexico City

Mexico City’s office market saw strong growth in 1Q25, with net absorption up 60% year-over-year and vacancy dropping to 19.49%, the lowest since 2020. Activity was driven by demand in Polanco, Santa Fe, and Reforma, with 70% of transactions led by Mexican firms. New supply remains limited, but 290,000m² are planned through 2028.