MI’s Mexico Foreign Press Chatter – August 8, 2025

agosto 8, 2025
8:00 am

With trade negotiators back at it for at least another 90 days, coverage this week centered on behind-the-scenes developments. Bloomberg reported the two governments are nearing a security deal that ‘could quell some of President Trump’s chief concerns’. Terms could include increased intelligence sharing and stepped up efforts to reduce the flow of drug precursors, but also of guns coming from the US. Meanwhile, the WSJ highlighted how the Sheinbaum administration has faced challenges as it seeks to demonstrate cooperation, after a high-profile cartel operative escaped from house arrest and political scandals continued. For its part, the New York Times covered the Justice Department’s decision not to pursue the death penalty against three notorious drug kingpins, in a surprise move contradicting prior statements.

Reports also looked at wider (and uneven) implications from tariffs and other cross-border disputes. On the one hand, the AP reported that some 84% of Mexican trade has not been impacted by tariffs, thanks to the exception for USMCA-compliant goods; however, those affected are facing significant challenges. The same AP delved into the dire situation of ranchers in Sonora, who are ‘rethinking everything’ as US markets remain closed due to the presence of New World screwworm parasites, mainly in southern Mexico; some have pursued other ventures, such as beekeeping, while others have gone to domestic markets, selling at a steep discount. In the auto sector, the FT quoted Rogelio Garza, president of the Mexican Auto Industry Association, describing tariffs (some of which are already in place) as ‘unsustainable’ and a paralyzing force on investments. Bloomberg also highlighted the dearth of recent deals: ‘everyone is waiting to see how things will play out’, said Alberto Villarreal, founder of Nepanoa, a Chicago-based business advisory firm.

On domestic matters, Bloomberg profiled Altagracia Gómez, industrial heiress turned business ambassador, an ‘unlikely ally’ of President Sheinbaum, who has helped assuage investors’ concerns. In grimmer news, The Guardian and AP covered developments on violence, including the murders of activist Sandra Domínguez in Oaxaca, and a high-profile government official in Tamaulipas.

On the business front, Pemex’s new strategic plan had a lukewarm reception, with analysts quoted by Bloomberg criticizing the lack of measures to solve the company’s operating woes, and suppliers complaining to Reuters about the absence of concrete plans to deal with the ‘massive debt’ Pemex has accumulated with them. The yet-to-be-confirmed plans by AT&T to sell its Mexican business, first reported by Bloomberg, also drew significant attention.

Shifting gears, ARTnews reported on the likely rediscovery of Sak-Bahlán, or Land of the White Jaguar, ‘the last recorded Maya rebel stronghold, famed for its century-long defiance of Spanish colonization’. After falling into disrepair and obscurity, the site had long been considered lost. Meanwhile, the NYT profiled Flip Gordon, former American soldier turned lucha libre wrestler, who has overcome a less-than-friendly reception from fans and rivals. Embracing his military background but also learning Spanish, Mr. Gordon has successfully adapted to this new home: “he’s Mexican now”, said a fan. Here’s to hoping tariff negotiations have a similarly happy ending.

Lastly, on this week’s MexMoves, Damian and Eduardo interview Carlos García, President of AmCham México, to discuss the current state of U.S.-Mexico business relations heading into the critical 2026 USMCA review. They also speak with Raúl Livas, former COO of Pemex, who breaks down the government’s new rescue plan for the struggling oil giant. You can listen to it here.

Photo of the Week

A ranch hand sorts calves at a ranch that supplies livestock for export to the U.S., in Zamora, northern Mexico. Photo by Fernando Llano for AP Photo.

FOREIGN PRESS COVERAGE

Mexico Nears US Security Deal in Step Toward Trade Pact