Steel Dumping, AI Innovation, Investments: The Weekly Roundup

This week, Zekelman is suing Mexico over alleged steel dumping and is urging the US Congress to reinstate steel tariffs until compliance is achieved. Meanwhile, Mexico aims to position itself as a leader in global semiconductor production by 2025, with notable contributions from Foxconn and QSM amid growing US-China tensions. 

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Honeywell and Google Cloud are set to enhance industrial operations by integrating AI to enhance efficiency and productivity, addressing labor shortages in the process.

Your weekly dose of Infrastructure is here!

Zekelman Sues Mexico for Steel Dumping, Citing National Security Threat and Job Losses

Zekelman, North America’s largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer, has sued Mexico for violating trade agreements and dumping steel into the US market. The company also filed petitions with the US Office of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, citing detrimental effects from rising steel shipments from Mexico since 2021. Zekelman argues that Mexican subsidies allow producers to undercut US prices and is urging Congress to reinstate steel tariffs until compliance is achieved.

Altagracia Gómez Calls for PPP Renewal

Altagracia Gómez, Coordinator, Advisory Council for Regional Development and Business Relocation, stressed the need for private capital and renewed public-private partnership models to close Mexico’s infrastructure gaps. She highlighted pension funds as a key investment source and cited infrastructure as vital for nearshoring.

Mexico Aims to Lead Global Semiconductor Production by 2025

Mexico plans to become a semiconductor leader by 2025 through public-private collaboration and talent investment. Foxconn, for example, announced earlier this month that it is starting building its largest production facility in Mexico for Nvidia's GB200 chips.

Honeywell, Google Cloud to Boost Industrial Autonomy with AI

Honeywell and Google Cloud are partnering to enhance industrial operations by integrating AI with assets, people, and processes. The collaboration aims to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity through AI-powered insights from Honeywell Forge and Google Cloud’s Vertex AI. The partnership addresses labor shortages and boosts AI adoption in the industrial sector, with solutions expected by 2025.

Bosch Expands in Aguascalientes with US$219.9 Million Investment

Bosch inaugurated new production lines at its Aguascalientes plant with a US$219.9 million investment, and it is expected to create 400 jobs by 2027. The expansion will boost Bosch’s capacity to manufacture automotive brake components. 

Mexstamp Announces US$3.5 Million Investment for Second Plant in Aguascalientes

Mexstamp, a local auto parts company in Aguascalientes, announced a US$3.5 million investment to establish a second plant for stamping, molding, and die-cutting automotive components. The project is set to create new jobs and increase production capacity by 40%. 

IFC and Greenback Partner to Advance the Circular Economy in Mexico

IFC and Greenback are collaborating to improve plastic recycling in Mexico and Latin America, converting flexible plastics into reusable materials like pyrolytic oil. The project aims to process 90,000t of plastic waste annually with blockchain verification for traceability. This partnership supports a circular economy and addresses the urgent challenge of low plastic recycling rates, creating economic opportunities while promoting sustainability in the region.