Mexico Digitizes CURP, Apple Realigns Supply Chains: Tech Week

The approval of a national biometric Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) signals a turning point in the country’s digital identity infrastructure, laying the groundwork for secure e-government and fintech innovation. On the global stage, Intel’s massive restructuring and Apple’s pivot away from China mark a broader reconfiguration of the global tech supply chain, one that could benefit North American partners.

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Mexico

Technology is Driving Sustainable Shift in Agriculture: UAG

The integration of advanced technologies into the agricultural sector can help to ensure sustainability, profitability, and food security. According to research from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG), innovation is the main tool for modernizing agricultural and livestock production amid global challenges such as climate change and a constantly growing demand for food.

Checkpoint Systems Inaugurates Plant in Mexico City, Boosting Nearshoring 

Checkpoint Systems, a global provider of technology solutions for the retail sector, inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in Mexico City on July 16, a tangible example of the materialization of nearshoring in the country. The decision to locate its production in the capital is a strategic move to shorten delivery times and more efficiently serve both the US market and the growing Latin American market, demonstrating confidence in Mexico's operating environment and workforce.

CURP Biometric Reform Approved Alongside 11 New Laws

The biometric CURP is now a mandatory official document for all Mexican citizens, marking the launch of the country’s new digital identification system. This change was formalized through a decree published in the Official Gazette (DOF), alongside 11 additional reforms covering telecommunications, animal rights, and the National Guard.

International News 

Apple Moves to Reduce China Dependence With Rare Earth Deal

In a strategic move to reduce reliance on China, Apple has entered a US$500 million agreement with US-based MP Materials to secure a long-term supply of rare earth minerals. As part of the deal, both companies will construct a facility in Texas dedicated to producing neodymium magnets tailored for Apple’s products.

Intel Restructures with Over 5,000 Layoffs 

Intel confirmed a wave of layoffs exceeding 5,000 employees, bringing the total reductions in the last year to over 20,000. The cuts, concentrated in Oregon and California, are part of a deep restructuring to "eliminate organizational complexity." The move is a direct consequence of losing market leadership to rivals such as Nvidia and TSMC, and signals a renewed commitment to its foundry services strategy, which in the long term could benefit Mexico's nearshoring strategy by diversifying semiconductor offerings in North America.