Background on Key Figures and Industries Involved
The textile, clothing, footwear, steel, and sugar industries have united to fully support the Customs Law initiative sent to the Mexican Union Congress by President Claudia Sheinbaum. This legislative proposal aims to protect the country’s productive sector from illegal activities at customs.
Key Players and Their Industries
- Rafael Zaga: President of the National Textile Industry Chamber (CANAINTEX), representing the textile industry.
- José Pablo Maauad: President of the National Clothing Industry Chamber (CANAIVE), representing the clothing industry.
- Claudia Fernández: President of the National Sugar Industry Chamber (CANIE), representing the sugar industry.
- Cámara Nacional de la Industria del Hierro y el Acero (CANACERO): Representing the steel industry.
- Cámara Nacional de la Industria del Calzado (CANAICAL): Representing the footwear industry.
Industry Concerns and Support for the Customs Law Initiative
These industries have expressed their concerns over the loss of thousands of jobs, investments, and forced business closures due to smuggling and illicit goods passing through customs.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Rafael Zaga, President of CANAINTEX: “In recent years, the lack of customs control has severely damaged our industry, deterring investment and reducing job opportunities. We have experienced 11 consecutive negative quarters as an industry due to unfair competition and low-quality products flooding the domestic market, resulting in 65,000 formal jobs lost.”
José Pablo Maauad, President of CANAIVE: “We fully support the reform to the Customs Law as it strengthens the rule of law. We believe it is crucial to have more and better tools to promote legality.”
Claudia Fernández, President of CANIE: “We fully back this reform, which strengthens the legal framework, equips customs authorities with tools, protects national industry, jobs it generates, and supports those building a stronger and more competitive Mexico.”
Impact on National Industries
The sensitive sectors—textile, calzado, clothing, steel, and sugar—have highlighted that the Customs Law initiative addresses their demands and contributions regarding unfavorable trade practices. This proposal represents a firm and responsible response to ensure fair, legal, and competitive trade.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue these industries are facing? These industries have experienced significant job losses, reduced investments, and forced business closures due to smuggling and illicit goods passing through customs.
- Who are the key figures supporting the Customs Law initiative? The National Textile Industry Chamber (CANAINTEX), National Clothing Industry Chamber (CANAIVE), and National Sugar Industry Chamber (CANIE) are among the key supporters, along with the National Steel Industry Chamber (CANACERO) and the National Footwear Industry Chamber (CANAICAL).
- What does the Customs Law initiative aim to achieve? The proposed legislation seeks to protect Mexico’s productive sector from illegal activities at customs, ensuring fair, legal, and competitive trade.
