INDEX Keeps Investment, Bilateral Agenda Ahead of USMCA Review

Mexico’s National Council of the Export Manufacturing Industry, known as INDEX, said it will continue to promote investment, strengthen bilateral dialogue with the United States and actively participate in the 2026 USMCA review amid a global environment marked by potential policy shifts on energy, migration and security. In a statement, the organization said it is closely monitoring international developments that could influence the upcoming trade agreement review, while maintaining ongoing communication with officials from the governments of Mexico and the United States.

As part of its 2025 agenda, INDEX reiterated its commitment to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), supporting job creation and reinforcing the role of the export manufacturing sector as a key pillar of Mexico’s economy.

On regulatory matters, the council said it is paying close attention to proposed changes to Mexico’s General Import and Export Tax Law (LIGIE) and tariff adjustments under the General Import Tax Law (TIGIE), both measures promoted by the federal government through the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). 

The council said it is prepared to contribute the export manufacturing sector’s perspective to the policy debate, drawing on more than six decades of industry experience. INDEX also stressed the importance of strengthening Mexico’s domestic market to help balance foreign trade flows and support a solid, diversified and socially inclusive industrialization strategy focused on improving public welfare.

As part of its international outreach strategy, INDEX announced that it will hold board meetings in McAllen, Texas, and Washington, D.C., in February and March. The meetings aim to reinforce the organization’s role as a key stakeholder in the USMCA review process and deepen engagement with US lawmakers and counterparts, particularly on tariff-related issues.

According to the group, updating and setting tariffs could help correct trade distortions, ensure fair competition for domestic producers against unfair trade practices and foreign subsidies, and align tariff policy with a vision of regional and sustainable development.

INDEX Guanajuato, Exporters See Stronger Momentum for 2026

MBN reported that Index Guanajuato closed its annual session highlighting the export manufacturing industry’s performance in 2025 and outlining strategies to strengthen the state’s industrial momentum heading into 2026. The organization underscored the role of IMMEX companies, whose performance helped sustain regional competitiveness amid growing global industrial demand.

More than 350 IMMEX firms are driving Guanajuato’s export capacity, positioning the state as Mexico’s leading non-border hub for export manufacturing. Industry leaders said the sector’s impact is reflected in diversified supply chains, rising productivity, and significant job generation across the state.

During the session, INDEX Guanajuato confirmed the reappointment of Alfonso Valdés as president for 2026, ensuring continuity in industrial integration projects, supplier development programs, and the expansion of production capabilities. The organization emphasized that continued leadership will support the sector’s competitive performance.

The event included participation from Guanajuato’s Minister of Economy, Cristina Villaseñor, and Tamaulipas’ Deputy Minister of Sustainable Development, Competitiveness, and Foreign Trade, Sergio Guajardo. Officials emphasized the need for regional collaboration in logistics integration and advanced manufacturing.

Industry representatives noted that export activity in the Bajio region continues on an upward trajectory, spurred by capital investment, operational expansion and the growth of local suppliers. INDEX Guanajuato said it will continue coordinating strategies to strengthen industry capabilities, develop talent, and expand companies’ participation in international markets.

The organization anticipates increased dynamism for export firms in 2026, driven by nearshoring, consolidation of the automotive cluster, and rising external demand. INDEX Guanajuato said it will reinforce coordination with industrial partners to maintain the state’s leadership in foreign trade.