Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum / Security Assessment

US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum. Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard reported on the 25% tariff imposed by the United States on steel and aluminum imports, which will apply to all countries starting March 12. He emphasized that, unlike the 2018 measure ordered by Donald Trump, which targeted Mexico specifically, this decree is not a one-country exclusive target.

Ebrard noted that Mexico imports 1.2Mt of steel from the United States, exceeding its exports to that country, which contradicts the US government's justification for the tariff. He also highlighted that Mexico generates a US$6.9 billion trade surplus for the United States, whereas Canada and China contribute to trade deficits of $9.67 billion and $13.94 billion, respectively. Given this balance, he argued that imposing tariffs on Mexico is unjustified and could indirectly raise costs for other products.

Ebrard stated that industries such as automotive could be severely affected due to the high integration of their supply chains, with some components crossing USMCA borders multiple times. He warned that imposing tariffs in this context could weaken the region's competitiveness.

He stated that Mexico will wait for the ratification of the new US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to initiate discussions in the coming days and seek a solution to prevent the tariff from taking effect. 

Security Assessment. Marcela Figueroa, Head, Executive Ministry of National Public Security (SESNSP) presented the crime incidence report for January 2025. The average daily number of homicide victims per month decreased by 23.8%, making January 2025 the month with the lowest figures since 2018. Seven states accounted for 53.1% of all homicides: Guanajuato, Baja California, Estado de México, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Michoacan, and Jalisco.

Guanajuato showed an upward trend, with homicides increasing by 23.4% since September 2024. In contrast, Sinaloa recorded a 19.2% decline from its peak in January 2025. High-impact crimes have decreased by 39.5% since 2018.

Minister of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez reported on the progress of the "Sí al desarme, sí a la paz" (Say Yes to Disarmament, Say Yes to Peace) program. Since Jan.10, 2024,  government officials have visited various communities to encourage residents to voluntarily exchange firearms for cash. So far, 540 weapons have been collected, including 439 handguns and 101 long guns, along with 28,623 cartridges and 428 magazines.

The program has been implemented in Gustavo A. Madero in Mexico City, parts of Guerrero, and is underway in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. It will soon expand to Leon, Guanajuato. Rodríguez emphasized that the initiative is voluntary, anonymous, and aims to promote peace through community engagement. All collected weapons are exchanged for cash, including those restricted to military use.

Security Strategy. Minister of Security Omar García Harfuch, reported that from Oct. 1, 2025 to Feb. 9, 2025, 11,600 individuals were arrested for high-impact crimes. A total of 102t of drugs were seized, along with 5,692 firearms. The Armed Forces dismantled 192 clandestine laboratories.

In Baja California, 4,182kg of methamphetamine were seized. In Chapa de Corzo, Chiapas, 15 municipal police officers were charged with corruption and extortion. In Guanajuato, five people linked to violence were arrested, and in Leon, one person was detained in connection with the murder of police officers. In Guerrero, two people were arrested for the homicide of a worker from a beverage company.

In Jalisco, 37 individuals were arrested, and a training camp was dismantled. In Nuevo Leon, nine members of a criminal group were apprehended for causing violence in the region. In Mazatlan, Sinaloa, one person linked to violence was detained. In Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, another person was arrested in the area.

As part of the "Operación Frontera Norte," 10,000 National Guard personnel were deployed to reinforce the border region. The operation resulted in the arrest of 222 people, the seizure of 106 firearms, and 1,200kg of drugs.

El Jando Arrest. Harfuch confirmed that the arrest of Mauro Alejandro “N,” alias El Jando, is linked to the Los Chapitos criminal group. Harfuch said El Jando is also connected to the kidnapping of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. The investigation, still underway by the Attorney General's Office (FGR), revealed that El Jando is a trusted pilot for the leader of the criminal cell responsible for the illegal detention of the individual who was later handed over to the United States.