Index NL announces Plan Mexico, highlighting regionalization initiatives to boost national production and resilience; plan includes creation of 'Well-being Corridors' and 'Poles' to attract targeted investment and foster regional economic development

Today's business environment is changing, with tariff and technology challenges on a daily basis - and we must adapt.

As president of Index NL (Manufacturing and Maquiladora Exportation Industry of Nuevo Leon State, Mexico ), I had the opportunity to travel with a high-level delegation from INDEX Nacional, representing Mexico's manufacturing and export industry, that carried out a strategic business mission to Washington, D.C. The primary objective of this visit was to strengthen trade relations, engage with US decision-makers, and position INDEX as a key voice in current and future discussions related to regional competitiveness, nearshoring, and the United States -Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Over the course of four days, the delegation conducted an intense agenda of meetings with key US government agencies and institutions, including the Office of the US Trade Representative , the Department of Commerce , the Department of State, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the US Congress . The delegation also met with international organizations, such as the World Bank , and influential think tanks, including The Heritage Foundation .

Discussions centered on critical issues affecting the trade environment between Mexico and the United States , such as:

• The evolution of the USMCA and the approaching six-year review process.

• Regulatory and operational changes at the US-Mexico border, including customs modernization and infrastructure.

• Ongoing concerns related to tariffs, trade remedies, and supply chain disruptions.

• Strategic collaboration opportunities in nearshoring, semiconductors, and clean energy supply chains.

• The importance of ensuring legal certainty and reciprocal conditions for Mexican exporters under current and future US policies.

A key highlight of the mission was a private reception hosted by INDEX Nacional at the historic Willard Hotel , which brought together over 75 guests, including members of the US Congress , officials from Donald Trump's administration, trade advisers, policy analysts, and leaders from the private sector. This event served as a platform for direct dialogue, relationship-building, and showcasing Mexico's role as a strategic trade and manufacturing partner to the United States .

The trip concluded with a focused set of engagements on Capitol Hill , where INDEX leaders held discussions with congressional staff and committees overseeing trade, foreign affairs, and homeland security .

This mission reaffirmed INDEX Nacional's leadership in promoting a competitive and integrated North American economy, while proactively engaging in the policy discussions shaping the future of regional trade. It also helped lay the groundwork for ongoing dialogue and collaborative initiatives in anticipation of the next phase of USMCA implementation and review, reinforcing INDEX Nacional's role as a key stakeholder in regional trade and positioning the organization to influence critical policy conversations in the lead-up to the USMCA review.

Since the end of this trip, there have been many rapid changes.

Between March and May 2025 , the United States , under President Trump's administration, implemented significant tariff changes affecting global trade. These actions have particularly impacted trade relations with Mexico , Canada , and China , leading to economic repercussions and shifts in international commerce.?

Key Developments:

1. Tariffs on Mexico and Canada :

   • On March 4 , the U imposed a 25% tariff on most imports from Mexico and Canada , citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

   • Goods compliant with the USMCA were granted indefinite exemptions from these tariffs.

   • Canada responded with its own set of tariffs on US goods, while Mexico initially delayed retaliation.?

2. Tariffs on China :

   • The United States increased tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20% in March, and further to 145% by April 11 .

   • In retaliation, China imposed tariffs of up to 125% on US goods and restricted exports of critical materials.?

3. Global Tariff Policy:

   • On April 2 , Trump announced a universal 10% tariff on all imports, with higher rates for 57 countries. While these additional tariffs were set to take effect on April 9 , they were suspended for 90 days for all countries except China .

   • Responding to industry concerns, the administration eased tariffs on imported auto parts on April 29 , offering temporary relief to automakers by preventing tariff stacking and providing reimbursements.?

4. De Minimis Exemption Closure:

   • Effective May 2 , the United States closed the "de minimis" tax loophole, which previously allowed low-value imports (under $800 ) from China to enter tax-free. This move significantly affected e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu.?

Economic Impact: The sweeping tariff policies led to significant market disruptions, with the US stock market experiencing a US$10 trillion loss. Major retailers and manufacturers, including Target, Ford, and Walmart, announced price increases due to higher import costs. Economists warned that the tariffs could lead to increased inflation and reduced employment in import-reliant industries.

What to do? What should we be doing as business people trying to survive this hurricane?

In light of recent global trade pressures, particularly the reemergence of Trump as US president and the potential 25% tariffs on Mexican exports, the Mexican federal government, through its Ministry of Economy , has launched a comprehensive national initiative called "Plan México." This strategic framework aims to reduce import dependency, strengthen national content, encourage innovation, and promote productive self-sufficiency.

Key Initiatives:

1. Plan México:

   • A roadmap to boost national production and innovation.

   • Encourages dual education programs, fiscal incentives, and targeted infrastructure.

2. Well-being Corridors (Corredores del Bienestar):

   • Designated regional zones with clear productive vocations to attract investment aligned to local strengths.

   • Focus on quality job creation and regional economic stimulation.

3. Well-being Poles (Polos del Bienestar):

   • Defined geographic areas granted tax incentives and priority infrastructure to facilitate industrial development.

4. Strategic Sectors Supported:

   • Automotive, aeronautics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, creative industries, tourism, and innovation.

5. National Investment Digital Window and Decree:

   • Centralized digital platform to streamline and monitor investment processes.

   • Legal foundation established on Jan. 21, 2025 , for issuing fiscal and operational incentives.

6. Shared Prosperity Investment Portfolio:

   • Over US$200 billion in private investment projects being tracked and supported.

   • A tool for cross-government coordination and public-private collaboration.

7. 'Made in Mexico ' National Content Strategy:

   • Promotes national pride and global competitiveness.

   • Encourages domestic consumption and strengthens Mexico's brand internationally.

8. INDEX's Strategic Role ( Maquiladora and Export Industry Association ):

   • Expected to help identify operational barriers, attract foreign investment, and align strategies between the public and private sectors.

This initiative not only shields Mexico's economy from short-term tariff shocks but also positions the country as a more resilient and attractive regional hub for supply chains in North America . By enhancing local capacities, aligning regional strengths, and investing in innovation and infrastructure, Mexico is preparing to lead in a fragmented but opportunity-rich global trade environment.

Plan México offers a clear path toward regionalizing and securing supply chains within North America by encouraging the integration of domestic suppliers into global value chains with support mechanisms like innovation incentives and public-private coordination, promoting cross-border collaboration, particularly with the maquiladora sector and state governments, to expedite infrastructure and permit readiness.

With the business climate continuously changing, we need to think about a regionalized approach to federal Mexican government initiatives, and analyze what raw materials that companies purchase for their manufacturing processes could be sourced from within the USMCA region. In my opinion, despite the globalization boom that we started to see in the 1980s, and which strengthened in the 1990s, and 2000s, today, we need to think about regionalization: the new nearshoring era. Many nations and companies should be turning toward regionalization: building supply chains closer to home, focusing on regional trade agreements, and investing in domestic resilience.

Regionalization means shorter, more secure supply chains, greater alignment with local policies and labor standards, faster responsiveness to disruptions, and stronger regional cooperation (USMCA in North America , ASEAN in Asia , for example).

In today's uncertain world, regional strategies offer more stability and control, while still allowing global connectivity where it makes sense.