Background and Context
Mexico’s government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, recently announced plans to impose maximum tariffs allowed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 1,463 product classifications across 17 strategic sectors. This initiative is part of the Economic Package and requires approval from Mexico’s Congress.
The United States government, represented by Mark Johnson, the Trade Officer at the US Embassy in Mexico, expressed support for this move. Johnson emphasized that such tariffs could accelerate the relocation of production to North America.
Who is Mark Johnson?
Mark Johnson serves as the Trade Officer at the United States Embassy in Mexico. His role involves fostering economic relationships and cooperation between the US and Mexican governments.
Why is this relevant?
The strategic sectors targeted by Mexico’s tariffs include industries vital to both countries’ economies, such as semiconductors. These components are crucial for various industries, national security, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Both the US and China recognize their importance for economic competitiveness, security, and future global leadership.
Semiconductors: A Global Race
In 2014, China initiated a national industrial policy for semiconductors with the goal of establishing a world-leading industry across all areas of the integrated circuit supply chain by 2030. To achieve this, China has utilized government funding and policies promoting strategic trade links throughout the semiconductor supply chain.
Semiconductor Exports in 2024
- Hong Kong: $236,231 million
- China: $208,165 million
- Taiwan: $169,407 million
- United States: $57,546 million
- Mexico: $3,987 million
These figures highlight the current dominance of Asian countries in semiconductor exports, with the US and Mexico lagging behind.
Mexico’s Role in the Global Semiconductor Landscape
Vidal Llerenas, the Undersecretary of Industry and Commerce at Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, stressed Mexico’s significance in the global semiconductor landscape during a recent forum. He emphasized Mexico’s substantial manufacturing capacity and the government’s efforts to enhance dual-training programs and microcredentials to boost industrial workforce competitiveness.
Industry Leaders’ Perspectives
Rafael Sánchez, President of the National Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technologies Industry Chamber (Canieti), announced plans for two more semiconductor forums in Monterrey (November 2025) and Mérida (February 2026).
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Mark Johnson, and what is his role? A: Mark Johnson is the Trade Officer at the US Embassy in Mexico, responsible for fostering economic relationships and cooperation between the two countries.
- Q: Why are semiconductors important? A: Semiconductors are essential for various industries, national security, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Both the US and China recognize their importance for economic competitiveness, security, and future global leadership.
- Q: What is China’s strategy in the semiconductor industry? A: China launched a national industrial policy for semiconductors in 2014, aiming to establish a world-leading industry across all areas of the integrated circuit supply chain by 2030. They have used government funding and policies promoting strategic trade links throughout the semiconductor supply chain.
- Q: How does Mexico fit into the global semiconductor landscape? A: Mexico has a significant manufacturing capacity and is crucial for the relocation of production to North America. The Mexican government aims to enhance industrial workforce competitiveness through dual-training programs and microcredentials.
