Introduction to Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Plan México
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current head of Mexico City’s government, has been actively working on bolstering the nation’s domestic industries during her first year in office. As part of her ambitious Plan México, she has implemented tariffs on international trade to create a more favorable market for Mexican industries, particularly in textiles, clothing, footwear, and the automotive sector.
Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is a Mexican politician and scientist who has served as the Head of Government of Mexico City since 2018. With a background in science and politics, she aims to integrate policies that promote industrial, educational, scientific, and infrastructural development to position Mexico in global value chains.
Key Measures of Plan México
Plan México, unveiled in January of the previous year, outlines a comprehensive strategy for Mexico’s economic development, focusing on equitable and sustainable growth to achieve shared prosperity. The plan encompasses industrial, educational, scientific, and infrastructural policies to strengthen Mexico’s position in global value chains.
Tariffs on Imported Goods
To support domestic industries, Sheinbaum’s administration introduced tariffs on imported goods. Specifically, a 35% tariff was applied to 138 tariff classifications related to clothing, and a 15% tariff was imposed on 17 classifications linked to the textile industry. This move aims to create a more favorable market for Mexican-made products.
Investments in Heavy and High-Tech Industries
In addition to tariffs, the government has promoted investments worth 59,235 million pesos in establishing or modernizing production plants within the light vehicle manufacturing industry between October 31, 2024, and June 1, 2025. This initiative also supports the development of automotive component supply for export, generating 14,897.3 million pesos through preferential import cup authorizations for light vehicle manufacturers.
Supporting National Brands
Under Sheinbaum’s leadership, the federal government has taken steps to bolster national brands in emerging sectors. Two notable examples are:
- OLINIA: The first Mexican manufacturer of electric minivehicles, OLINIA aims to develop and produce national electric vehicles, promoting sustainable and accessible mobility.
- KUTSARI: A strategic project by the National Center for Integrated Circuit Design, KUTSARI focuses on strengthening Mexico’s integrated circuit design value chain. It aims to cultivate specialized talent, foster technological innovation, and create high-value semiconductor products.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the Head of Government of Mexico City and a prominent Mexican politician with a background in science. She has been actively working on strengthening Mexico’s domestic industries since her first year in office.
- What is Plan México? Plan México is an ambitious roadmap presented by Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, integrating industrial, educational, scientific, and infrastructural policies to reposition Mexico in global value chains.
- What tariffs were implemented under Plan México? Tariffs of 35% and 15% were applied to specific tariff classifications related to clothing and textiles, respectively, to create a more favorable market for Mexican-made products.
- What investments were promoted by Plan México? Investments worth 59,235 million pesos were encouraged in the light vehicle manufacturing industry for plant establishment or modernization. Additionally, 14,897.3 million pesos were generated to support the development of automotive component supply for export.
- What are OLINIA and KUTSARI? OLINIA is Mexico’s first electric minivehicle manufacturer, while KUTSARI is a strategic project by the National Center for Integrated Circuit Design, focusing on strengthening Mexico’s integrated circuit design value chain.
