Tourist Record in October / Mexican Tariffs Do Not Target China

Mexico Breaks Tourism Record. Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez reported a historic October for the sector, with international visitors rising 10.7% to reach 8.3 million. This influx generated US$2.44 billion in economic revenue, representing a 9.3% increase compared to 2024 and a 50.3% surge compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Looking at the full year, the administration projects that 2025 will conclude with 79.3 million international visitors, a 13.6% increase, and 38.4 million international tourists, a 5.8% increase. The total economic impact for the year is expected to reach US$28.2 billion, a 6.5% annual increase.

Mexico Seeks Flight, Water Agreements. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed ongoing negotiations with the United States to increase flight connectivity to AIFA and position the metropolitan airport system as a key commercial hub.

Regarding the bilateral Water Treaty, Sheinbaum reported that talks are progressing positively. She clarified that Mexico’s recent failure to meet water delivery quotas was due to five years of severe drought. She noted that the treaty provides flexibility, allowing deficits accumulated during dry periods to be settled in the subsequent five-year cycle, contingent on rainfall.

Following US President Donald Trump's demand for an immediate solution to pollution in the Tijuana River, President Sheinbaum reiterated that remediation efforts are already underway under existing bilateral agreements. She highlighted that a treatment plant constructed by military engineers is operational and cited a recent agreement signed between Minister of Environment Alicia Bárcena and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Sheinbaum emphasized that a comprehensive solution requires shared responsibility, specifically noting the need for the United States to expand its own treatment infrastructure in San Diego, California.

Mexican Tariffs Do Not Target China. President Sheinbaum clarified that the Tariff Law reform recently approved by the Senate applies to all nations lacking a free trade agreement with Mexico, rejecting the notion that it is exclusively targeted at China. She explained that the measure aligns with Plan México. Sheinbaum added that her administration remains open to establishing working groups with partners like China and South Korea to address bilateral trade dynamics and mitigate potential impacts.