Tariffs Imposed by Donald Trump and Their Impact on Mexican Job Market
Tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, the U.S. President, on Mexican steel and aluminum, automobiles manufactured outside the U.S., and recently on tomatoes grown in Mexico, have put the local labor market in a context of job growth slowdown and may affect strategic industries creating jobs: manufacturing and agriculture. However, there are sectors that will maintain a strong job offer amidst the uncertainty of trade policies.
According to recruitment specialists, there is a number of job positions in the country that continue to show high vacancy offers. Despite the tariffs, certain sectors remain resilient.
Job Creation Trends in Mexico
Data from the IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) shows that in March 2025, 34,179 new formal jobs were created. With this figure, the first quarter of the year accumulates a creation of positions amounting to 226,731, which is lower by 38,228 jobs compared to the same period in 2024.
Challenges Facing Companies and Job Seekers
Jessica Cambray highlights that many jobs in key industries could be at risk due to U.S. tariffs, such as manufacturing, foreign trade, and agriculture.
“If there are people in this situation, the first thing I would say is not to take it personally but rather approach it strategically. Tariffs are not a judgment on individual professional value; they are macroeconomic decisions beyond the control of each person individually. What we can control is our response, which starts with making a plan to avoid panic,” recommends Cambray.
In this regard, she adds that individuals facing a risk of job loss can identify transferable skills.
“For example, if they have worked in a maquiladora, in logistics operations, or in exportation, they should ask themselves what skills they have developed there and which ones can be applied in another sector, such as quality control, team leadership, among others to be able to apply,” she comments.
Shortage of Skilled Talent
There are jobs that face difficulties in finding profiles with appropriate skills for the work, commonly known as talent shortage. Therefore, certain measures must be taken by companies to attract this talent, and employees can specialize in specific areas.
According to ManpowerGroup, 74% of global organizations reported difficulties in filling vacant positions due to the lack of skilled talent in 2025.
“In Mexico, 70% of employers face difficulties finding the profiles they need. Globally, talent shortage is felt more in mid-sized companies, and the same applies to Mexico with 73%,” states the firm.
Nationally, the most challenging positions to fill are:
- Operations and Logistics
- Front Office and Customer Service
- Sales and Marketing
- IT and Data Analysis – Engineering
“The advance of technology continues to transform the way we work and creates jobs requiring new skills. In the era of Industry 4.0, organizations face a critical talent shortage globally in a context of geopolitical instability and environmental challenges and sustainability,” points out.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the most in-demand jobs in Mexico despite tariffs? Manufacturing, foreign trade, and agriculture remain resilient sectors.
- How do tariffs affect job creation in Mexico? Tariffs have contributed to a slowdown in job growth, but certain sectors remain strong.
- What challenges do companies and job seekers face in Mexico? There is a growing disconnect between employers and candidates, with transparency issues, lengthy application processes, and extended hiring timelines.
- What should individuals do if their jobs are at risk due to tariffs? Identify transferable skills and develop a strategic plan to navigate the situation.
- What is causing a shortage of skilled talent in Mexico? The rapid advancement of technology creates new job requirements, and there is a global shortage of skilled professionals.
