MI’s Mexico Foreign Press Chatter – September 5, 2025

September 5, 2025
7:53 am

Bilateral tensions stayed front and center this week. As President Sheinbaum prepared to host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the New York Times quoted sources describing her as “exasperated” by President Trump’s unrelenting demands, while also dealing with domestic scandals. Further complicating matters, Reuters reported the Trump administration would continue military operations against cartels, following a deadly strike against a Venezuelan vessel allegedly transporting drugs. Fortunately, Mr. Rubio’s much-expected visit defused tensions: the WSJ wrote that, while maintaining a tough speech against cartels, he “pledged to foster security cooperation and respect Mexico’s sovereignty”. The NYT reported that, while details were scant, the two countries will form a “high-level group to coordinate actions”.

A handful of deeply reported stories illustrated the challenges ahead. The Washington Post recounted the heart-wrenching 2022 disappearance of Daniel Velasco and his mother’s desperate search for him, after he was abducted and believed to have been taken to a cartel training camp. The story highlights that a U.N. investigation warns of “systemic” disappearances amid government inaction – and sometimes complicity. The BBC reported marches across the country this past weekend demanding justice for the more than 130,000 people who have disappeared in recent years. For its part, the NYT delved into how Mexico’s cartels in Michoacán have evolved into paramilitary forces, deploying military-grade weapons that have devastated towns and fueled mass displacement. Meanwhile, the WSJ covered how Mexican cartels have transformed Ecuador into one of the world’s deadliest battlegrounds, “spreading like cancer”, arming and funding local gangs to secure key cocaine routes. Finally, The Guardian highlighted how cartel infighting has turned social media personalities, accused of aiding in laundering money, into targets, and how a new fentanyl-and-weapons “golden triangle” between Mexico’s Pacific states and Arizona feeds violence and overdose deaths on both sides of the border.

In other domestic news, the AP covered the newly inaugurated Supreme Court and its challenges in proving its independence amid concerns of party influence. The court inherits nearly 1,400 pending cases on pressing issues ranging from mandatory pretrial detention to challenges to expedited mining-law reforms. Observers, including Human Rights Watch, stress that the court’s credibility hinges on rulings rooted firmly in law.

Business headlines were mostly positive, with Bloomberg reporting on significant funding rounds for EV operator Vemo and newly minted unicorn, Kapital Bank. It also highlighted optimism from both of the country’s stock exchanges, which expect more IPOs and the advancement of favorable legislation in the coming weeks. Pemex also had some deal activity, announcing a bond repurchase program as it continues to ponder fracking plans – and what to name them. On a less positive note, Reuters reported on the tariff woes impacting Juárez, and how Mexico is considering further tariffs on China.

Shifting gears, Eater spotlighted the surge of Mexico City-inspired restaurants across the US, where chefs are channeling the capital’s bold mix of street food and fine dining. CDMX is “a place where tradition and experimentation can coexist”, summarized one chef, a balance that fuels fascination with its cuisine. On the sports front, Reuters reported World Cup tickets will be available next week, starting at a reasonable US$60, but beware: dynamic pricing will be in operation. More cheerfully, The Guardian highlighted that Mexico’s jaguar population has rebounded by 30% since 2010, thanks to conservation efforts, though the species remains endangered; and the AP paid a visit to Xin Xin, Mexico’s beloved giant panda.

Lastly, on this week’s MexMoves, Damian and Eduardo interview former COFECE head Alejandra Palacios, for a clear-eyed take on Mexico’s new competition framework – one that may not end up as bad as first feared. They also speak with Fernando Sandoval, CFO and cofounder of Kapital, on the company’s journey from mostly unknown fintech to regulated bank. Furthermore, they look at the rumored soda tax already shaking KOF and Arca investors, recap BIVA Day in New York, examine Pemex’s so-called “not-fracking” plan, and review the government’s new anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese shoes. You can listen to it here.

Photo of the Week

Xin Xin is the world’s only giant panda not owned by China and the last of her kind in Mexico. Born at Mexico City’s Chapultepec Zoo on July 1, 1990, she is 35 years old — equivalent to more than 100 human years — and is among the oldest pandas alive. Screenshot of video by Martin Silva Rey for AP News.

FOREIGN PRESS COVERAGE

Mexico’s President Struggles to Escape Trump’s Growing Demands

08/30/25, The New York Times, Jack Nicas

As Rubio Visits Mexico, Its President Walks a Political Tightrope

09/03/25, The New York Times, Jack Nicas

Rubio Flies to Mexico for Security Talks Amid Trump Pressure Campaign

09/02/25, The New York Times, Edward Wong

Trump administration says more operations against cartels coming

09/03/25, Reuters, Idrees Ali et al

Rubio Reassures Mexico After U.S. Military Strike Jolts Region

09/03/25, The Wall Street Journal, Vera Bergengruen, José de Córdoba and Kejal Vyas

U.S. and Mexico Vow to Fight Crime While Respecting Sovereignty