Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy Proposes New Chapter in T-MEC
The Mexican Secretariat of Economy announced that during the Semiconductor Cooperation Forum, a proposal was made to include a semiconductor chapter in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC).
Background on the Semiconductor Industry and its Significance
The United States has been actively supporting and funding the semiconductor industry to relocate production within its borders, reducing dependence on Asian imports. Mexico is viewed as a complementary link in the value chain, making it an essential partner for this initiative.
Marcelo Ebrard’s Commitment to the Semiconductor Industry Development Plan
In November 2024, Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, pledged his support to the Master Plan for the Development of Mexico’s Semiconductor Industry (2024-2030). The plan aims to double the semiconductor industry in Mexico by the end of his six-year term.
Ebrard chaired a follow-up meeting of the Master Plan, where progress was evaluated and cooperation with strategic actors was reinforced.
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The Semiconductor Cooperation Forum and its Role
The Semiconductor Cooperation Forum, a bilateral grouping of leading companies, U.S. Embassy officials, members from a dozen related associations, and academics from both countries, is driving this initiative.
- During the meeting, detailed progress updates were presented, with 16 out of 30 proposed objectives achieved since October.
- The forum’s continuity is crucial for coordinating strategies between the public and private sectors.
- Discussions focused on optimizing import permits, tax refunds, and strengthening the supply chain.
Key Players and Their Commitment
Companies such as Cisco, Foxconn, Skyworks, Qualcomm, IBM, along with CANIETI and CCE, have shown their commitment to this initiative by participating in strategy-building aimed at enhancing local supply and high-value semiconductor chains. The event was attended by Diego Flores Jiménez, Head of the Electronic and Digital Industry Sector.
Ebrard’s Emphasis on the Industry and Semiconductor Sector Growth
Ebrard highlighted the importance of this industry by officially presenting the “Made in Mexico” seal to Circuify Semiconductors, a Mexican company specializing in the design of up-to-three-nanometer semiconductors, founded by highly skilled Mexican engineers.
The plan’s objectives include doubling semiconductor exports and employment, as well as relocating Design, Assembly, Packaging, and Validation (ATP) operations worth over 10 billion dollars in Mexico.
Current State of the Semiconductor Industry in Mexico
In 2024, the Semiconductor Cooperation Forum reported that Mexico’s semiconductor industry exported approximately 4.9 billion dollars annually and created around 10,000 jobs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the proposal? To include a semiconductor chapter in the T-MEC to attract significant investments from major production centers.
- Who is driving this initiative? The Semiconductor Cooperation Forum, a bilateral grouping of leading companies, U.S. Embassy officials, and academics from both countries.
- What are the objectives of the Master Plan? To double semiconductor exports and employment, relocate ATP operations worth over 10 billion dollars in Mexico.
- Which companies have shown commitment? Cisco, Foxconn, Skyworks, Qualcomm, IBM, CANIETI, and CCE.
- What is the current state of Mexico’s semiconductor industry? In 2024, the industry exported around 4.9 billion dollars annually and created approximately 10,000 jobs.
