Background and Relevance of Coparmex
Coparmex, the Confederation of Mexican Business Chambers, is a prominent private sector organization representing various industries and businesses across Mexico. Led by Juan José Sierra, Coparmex plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that foster economic growth and stability. Given its extensive membership and influence, Coparmex’s concerns carry significant weight in shaping public discourse on pressing issues affecting Mexican businesses.
Rising Extortion Across Mexico
Extortion on the Rise: Coparmex has denounced a growing extortion problem in Mexico, stating that it leaves businesses “on their knees.” The organization reports that extortion has increased in 20 out of the country’s 32 states over the past year, indicating a widespread issue affecting nearly two-thirds of Mexico’s territory.
Regional Concentration of Extortion
According to Coparmex, extortion is concentrated in five key states: Estado de México, CDMX, Guanajuato, Nuevo León, and Veracruz. These states account for 65.2% of all extortion victims, while the top ten entities with the highest number of victims accumulate 81.0% of the national total.
Impact on Businesses and Economy
Persistent and Damaging Cost: Coparmex asserts that extortion has become one of the most persistent and harmful costs for Mexican businesses. It’s not an isolated or temporary phenomenon but a constant pressure affecting investment decisions, increasing operational costs, and limiting business growth, particularly in certain regions.
Long-term Trend and Regional Disparity
Over the past decade, extortion has proven to be a persistent issue rather than a temporary coyuntural problem. Between 2015 and 2025, the annual number of victims rose from 6,223 to 11,081—an increase of nearly 78.1%. This sustained trend erodes local economic activity.
When examining the extortion rate per 100,000 inhabitants and focusing on the 20 municipalities with the highest levels, a strong territorial concentration is evident. Guanajuato contributes eight municipalities, the City of Mexico has four, and Nuevo León accounts for two.
This disparity underscores the importance of effective local strategies and the need for swift action from local governments to curb extortion’s rapid expansion.
Calls for Action and Policy Prioritization
Strengthening the Rule of Law: Coparmex urges the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, to prioritize extortion as a national policy issue. They emphasize the necessity of reinforcing the rule of law, ensuring genuine security, and intelligently targeting criminal groups operating outside the law.
These measures are crucial for protecting investments, preserving formal jobs, and ensuring businesses can operate without coercion.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Coparmex? Coparmex is the Confederation of Mexican Business Chambers, a prominent private sector organization representing various industries and businesses across Mexico.
- Why is extortion a significant concern for Coparmex? Extortion poses persistent and damaging costs to Mexican businesses, affecting investment decisions, increasing operational expenses, and limiting growth, particularly in certain regions.
- Which states are most affected by extortion? Extortion is concentrated in five key states: Estado de México, CDMX, Guanajuato, Nuevo León, and Veracruz.
- What actions does Coparmex recommend to address extortion? Coparmex calls for strengthening the rule of law, ensuring genuine security, and intelligently targeting criminal groups operating outside the law.
