Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy Proposes Semiconductor 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 Importance
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 for this industry.
Mexico’s Commitment to Semiconductor Industry Development
In November 2024, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, pledged his support to the Master Plan for Semiconductor Industry Development in Mexico (2024-2030). The plan aims to double the semiconductor industry in Mexico by the end of the six-year term.
Ebrard chaired a follow-up meeting of the Master Plan, where progress was evaluated and cooperation with strategic actors was strengthened.
Tweet content here.
The Semiconductor Collaboration Forum and Key Players
The Semiconductor Collaboration Forum, a bilateral grouping of leading companies, U.S. Embassy officials, members from a dozen industry-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 the development of strategies aimed at enhancing local supply and high-value semiconductor chains. The Secretary of the Electronic and Digital Industry Sector, Diego Flores Jiménez, was present at the event.
Objectives and Impact of the Master Plan
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.
In 2024, the Semiconductor Collaboration Forum reported that Mexico’s semiconductor industry exported around 4.9 billion dollars annually and created approximately 10,000 jobs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the proposal? To include a semiconductor chapter in the T-MEC to attract investments from major production centers.
- Who is driving this initiative? The Semiconductor Collaboration Forum, a bilateral grouping of leading companies, U.S. Embassy officials, industry-related associations, 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.
- What companies are committed to this initiative? 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.
