New Development Poles / Suspension on Terminated Footwear Imports

Huamantla Development Pole. Tlaxcala Governor Lorena Cuéllar announced the start of construction of the country's first Well-Being Development Hub, which will be located in Huamantla. Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard confirmed that this 53ha hub is the most advanced of the 15 planned nationwide in terms of committed investments.

The main infrastructure of the hub is scheduled to be delivered by Feb. 28, 2026, by which time 80% of its surface is expected to be committed to various companies. Governor Cuéllar reported that there are already six letters of intent from companies in Germany, the United States, and Mexico. These commitments represent an initial investment of over US$540 million and the creation of 5,000 to 6,000 new jobs starting in 2026. A Childcare and Education Center will also be built within the development.

Development Pole In Nezahualcoyotl. Ebrard also announced that a new Well-Being Development Hub will be built in the municipality of Nezahualcoyotl, the State of Mexico. He explained that this hub is intended to support new opportunities opening up in the state, primarily related to the expansion of the Mexican pharmaceutical industry.

A Very Mexican Friday Initiative. Octavio de la Torre de Stéfano, President, Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CONCANACO-SERVYTUR), announced the Viernes Muy Mexicano (A Very Mexican Friday) initiative, which is being launched in coordination with the federal government as part of Plan México. The program's objective is to encourage families to buy national products and services at trusted local businesses.

The initiative will feature promotions, discounts, and special experiences every Friday throughout the year. Participation is voluntary for all businesses and citizens. Every last Friday of each month, there will be a special event with greater visibility and coordinated activities. Participating businesses will receive a distinctive emblem with a QR code that directs customers to a digital map of all participating locations and their offers.

Suspension on Terminated Footwear Imports. Ebrard announced the publication of a decree in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF) that permanently suspends the temporary importation of finished footwear. He explained that this import regime, which allowed footwear to enter the country for a limited time to be integrated into other exported goods, was harming the national industry.

The stated objectives of the decree are to recover and increase employment in the sector, boost national production, improve the industry's competitiveness, and prevent technical smuggling.

Ebrard clarified that this suspension applies only to finished footwear. The importation of footwear parts for assembly in Mexico, under programs like IMMEX, will still be permitted. He affirmed that any finished footwear imported from now on must be done so definitively, meaning it must pay all applicable taxes.

Mexico Rules Out FTA With Brazil. In light of the visiting Brazilian delegation, Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard and President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that Mexico is not proposing a free trade agreement with Brazil. Instead, Ebrard explained the focus is on updating existing complementarity agreements between the two nations, some of which were signed over 20 years ago.

President Sheinbaum confirmed she will meet with the Brazilian officials and business leaders to discuss these complementary agreements. Ebrard reported that memoranda of understanding have already been signed with the delegation to enhance cooperation in several sectors, including automotive rules of origin, agri-food, health, and energy, specifically concerning biofuels.