Updating of Mandatory Circular (CO.SA-21.01/25)

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A Mexican delegation led by Deputy Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport Tania Carro and Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma met with officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on July 31, 2025.

The meeting aimed to establish a constructive and technical dialogue to quickly resolve bilateral aviation issues after recent U.S. restrictions on Mexican carriers. Moctezuma highlighted that the bilateral aviation sector handles about 40 million flights annually.

SOURCE: https://a21.com.mx/destacadas/2025/07/31/sostiene-delegacion-de-mexico-dialogo-en-eu-sobre-aviacion/

#aviation #flights #bilateralaviation #trump #seanduffy #sheinbaum

President Donald Trump announced a 90-day extension on the planned 30% tariffs against most Mexican goods, following a phone call with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. During this period, existing tariffs remain in effect: 25% on autos and fentanyl-related items, and 50% on steel, aluminum, and copper.

Approximately 85% of Mexican exports that comply with USMCA rules remain exempt from the 30% increase. Mexico also committed to removing non‑tariff trade barriers and reinforcing border cooperation as part of extended talks toward a longer-term trade agreement.

SOURCE: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/trump-gives-mexico-90-day-tariff-reprieve-deadline-higher-duties-looms-2025-07-31/

#tariffs #trump #aranceles #oil #fentanilo #fentanyl #sheinbaum #border #steel #aluminum #copper

The National Electoral Institute (INE) has imposed fines totaling around 18 million pesos on 177 winning candidates from Mexico’s historic June 1 judicial election. The sanctions were mainly due to the appearance of candidates in so‑called “acordeones” (printed or digital voting guides), considered irregular campaign materials. Even the nine newly elected Supreme Court justices were included among those sanctioned.

President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the decision, calling it “contradictory” and arguing that the guides could have been personal notes rather than illicit campaign tools. Despite internal division within the INE, the majority approved the reduced fines, taking into account the candidates’ financial capacity. The process has been widely questioned due to low voter turnout (below 13 %) and over 180 legal challenges filed afterward.

SOURCE: https://forbes.com.mx/el-ine-sanciona-a-candidatos-de-eleccion-judicial-por-distintas-irregularidades/

Mexico’s government, through the SICT, responded to U.S. warnings by defending its aviation policies, including the relocation of cargo flights from AICM to AIFA and the reduction of slots at Mexico City’s main airport. Officials stated these measures improved safety, efficiency, and competitiveness in the Valley of Mexico airspace.

According to the response, runway occupancy times dropped by 22%, security checkpoints became 69% faster, and AICM now ranks third worldwide in punctuality. At AIFA, cargo operations increased with 47 airlines moving over 843,000 tons in two years. Mexico insists all changes comply with bilateral agreements and offer unrestricted, modern infrastructure.

SOURCE: https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/mexico-responde-eu-compromiso-aviacion-segura-eficiente-competitiva-20250719-768920.html

#airpolicy #afac #sheinbaum #aicm #aifa #trump #aviation #aircargo #airsafety #slots #airspace

U.S.–Mexico Aviation Tensions Rise Over AICM, AIFA, and AMLO’s Decisions
The cancellation of the Texcoco airport project and the forced relocation of cargo operations from AICM to AIFA have caused financial losses exceeding 500 billion pesos. The AIFA, described as an underutilized military airbase, has failed to absorb traffic efficiently, creating logistical and economic burdens for airlines.

These actions have triggered diplomatic friction with the United States. U.S. authorities are now considering revoking the antitrust immunity of the Aeroméxico–Delta alliance and imposing further restrictions. The aviation downgrade is now seen not only as a technical failure but as a geopolitical issue, stemming from unilateral decisions in Mexico’s air sector.

SOURCE: https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/opinion/alejo-sanchez-cano/2025/07/21/degradacion-aerea-en-el-radar/

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“U.S. Takes Action Against Mexico Over Bilateral Air Transport Agreement Breaches”

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The Mexican Supreme Court (SCJN) has admitted a constitutional challenge against the Senate’s election of two new electoral magistrates—Gilberto de Guzmán Bátiz García and Claudia Valle Aguilasocho—to the Electoral Tribunal (TEPJF). The challenge was filed by Poder Ciudadano, a civil organization, arguing irregularities in the process, including gender parity and legality of the vote.

This is the second legal challenge against the appointments. A previous one, filed by Iván Bravo, is still under review. The case has been assigned to Minister Alberto Pérez Dayán, who must present a resolution before August 31, ahead of the magistrates’ scheduled swearing-in on September 1.

However, under electoral law, only unsuccessful candidates are allowed to file such complaints, which could lead to both cases being declared inadmissible.

SOURCE: https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2025/07/15/scjn-admite-impugnacion-de-eleccion-de-magistrados-del-tribunal-electoral/

If Donald Trump imposes a 30% tariff on all Mexican exports to the U.S., the cost to American importers would be around $150 billion USD, according to economist Enrique Quintana. The idea originated from a letter Trump sent to Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, accusing the country of failing to curb fentanyl trafficking.

In 2024, Mexican exports to the U.S. totaled over $503 billion, making the potential impact of such a tariff massive. The uncertainty lies in whether the tariff would apply to all exports or only those outside the USMCA framework. If it includes all products, the tariff would severely disrupt trade.

The Mexican strategy appears to rely on economic pressure from U.S. companies to prevent implementation of the tariff, due to the direct financial damage they would suffer.

SOURCE: https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/economia/2025/07/13/este-seria-el-costo-para-eu-del-arancel-de-30-a-mexico/