Introduction to the Mexican Business Council (Comce)
The Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior, Inversión y Tecnología (Comce) is a prominent organization representing Mexican businesses in international trade, investment, and technology. Led by President Executive Sergio Contreras and General Director Susana Duque, the Comce recently presented a proposal at BBVA México’s offices.
Proposal for a Minerals Critical Chapter in the USMCA
The Comce has suggested adding a chapter on minerals critical to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This proposal is part of the document titled “Mexico in the Face of the New International Trade Order: Leadership in Times of Global Disruption.”
Context and Relevance
The USMCA is undergoing a six-year review, set to conclude in July 2026. The Comce sees this as an opportunity to incorporate new provisions addressing current priorities for North America.
Mexico ranks among the top 10 global producers of 16 minerals, including being the world’s leading exporter of silver and a significant player in copper, zinc, lead, gold, and graphite production. These resources supply over 70 strategic industries, such as construction, chemistry, electricity, food, and petroleum.
Moreover, Mexico’s mining sector contributes to economic sovereignty and enables the country to offer competitive, innovative products. Over 80% of Mexico’s mineral and metal exports go to the United States.
Meanwhile, the U.S. relies on mineral critical imports from China, prompting new strategies to secure their supply.
Benefits of a Minerals Critical Chapter
According to the Comce, a minerals critical chapter would establish a regulatory framework promoting investment in exploration, extraction, and refining of these resources within North America.
- This would enhance economic security and support the region’s energy transition and advanced technology development.
- It would strengthen Mexico’s role in high-impact industrial sectors.
Comce’s Call for Action and Strategic Redefinition
Sergio Contreras emphasized that Mexico must act with foresight amidst a challenging global environment.
“External decisions are creating new challenges, but they also open space for rethinking strategies and solidifying Mexico’s position in international markets,” Contreras stated.
Susana Duque highlighted that the document’s purpose is to provide analysis tools and proposals for trade policy and business strategy decisions.
“We are in a moment of redefining rules where protectionism and geopolitical competition require a structured response. This dossier outlines action lines to bolster export capabilities, safeguard the nation’s commercial interests, and capitalize on investment and relocation opportunities,” Duque commented.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the proposal? The Comce suggests adding a chapter on minerals critical to the USMCA.
- Why is this proposal relevant? Mexico is a significant global producer of critical minerals, and the U.S. depends on imports from China.
- What benefits would a minerals critical chapter bring? It would establish a regulatory framework promoting investment in exploration, extraction, and refining of these resources within North America, enhancing economic security, energy transition, and advanced technology development.
- What is the Comce’s call for action? Mexico must act with foresight amidst a challenging global environment, rethinking strategies and solidifying its position in international markets.
- What is the purpose of the document? To provide analysis tools and proposals for trade policy and business strategy decisions, outlining action lines to bolster export capabilities, safeguard commercial interests, and capitalize on investment and relocation opportunities.
