No Plans to End USMCA / SICT Project Progress

SICT Project Progress. Jesús Esteva, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), reported on the progress of key transportation projects. The San Ignacio–Tayoltita Highway is 96.7% complete, the Rizo de Oro Bridge in Chiapas is at 79%, and the Nichupte Bridge in Quintana Roo is 78% finished, set for completion by December 2025.

SICT is prioritizing 2,200km of national road interconnections across routes like Cuautla–Tlapa, Bavispe–Nuevo Casas Grandes, and Ciudad Valles–Tampico. Esteva highlighted that MX$56.5 billion (US$$2.87 billion) is going to be invested in priority works, including those that continue from the previous administration, with a total of MX$369.8 billion (US$18.79 billion) planned from 2025 to 2030, including CAPUFE funding.

The plan includes 109km of ongoing works, 16km of bridges and interchanges, 904km under the Lazaro Cardenas program, 68 bridge rehabilitations in Guerrero, and 2,107km of rural roads. Additionally, routine maintenance will cover over 48,000km, with nearly 10,000km repaved. In 2025, MX$3 billion will fund the construction of 144 new rural roads.

USMCA. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that there are no signs the USMCA will be eliminated, despite recent comments by US President Donald Trump. She emphasized that discussions between Mexican and US officials continue to take place within the framework of the trade agreement.

Sheinbaum pointed out that Mexico and Canada currently benefit from tariff-free access to most products under the USMCA, and that Trump’s remarks only referenced the treaty’s scheduled review in 2026, not its cancellation.

She also described two recent meetings between Mexican and US officials as “very successful.” Marcelo Ebrard, Minister of Economy, discussed trade issues, including potential US tariffs on Mexican tomatoes, while Julio Berdegué, Minister Agriculture met with US counterparts to address the same topic and broader agricultural exports.

Sheinbaum reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship and the Mexican government’s commitment to defending national trade and agricultural interests.

TV Azteca Nationalization. Sheinbaum denied any intention by the federal government to nationalize TV Azteca, distancing herself from recent comments by Paco Ignacio Taibo II suggesting such a move against the broadcaster’s owner, Ricardo Salinas Pliego.

Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of freedom of expression, noting that everyone is entitled to their opinion, including the owner of TV Azteca. However, she criticized the network for spreading false information, stating that if a lie detector were used on its broadcasts, it would run nonstop during her daily briefings.

She clarified that while she does not support Taibo II’s proposal, the government’s focus is on ensuring that everyone, including TV Azteca, pays their taxes.