Mexican Government Addresses Concerns Over Energy and Judicial Reform
The Mexican government, through two of its prominent officials, asserts that the topics of energy and judicial reform are not part of discussions preceding the T-MEC review set to commence in July 2026.
No Discrimination Against US Energy Companies
The Mexican government denies discriminating against US oil companies to favor Pemex and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). It emphasizes that Mexico upholds its T-MEC obligations, which include mechanisms for addressing concerns about alleged non-compliance.
There have been no grounds for establishing a dispute resolution panel due to these alleged concerns.
Government’s Position on Energy Policy and Judicial Changes
In response to increasingly frequent complaints from US business groups and legislators regarding Mexico’s energy policy and judicial changes, the government of Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a stance.
Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy and head negotiator with the US government, acknowledges that energy and judicial reform have been prominent in media discussions but not at the negotiation table.
Regarding judicial reform, Ebrard suggests that the US might be observing how Mexico’s new judicial power functions.
He reiterates that negotiations between Mexico and the US are progressing positively, with 85% of topics now addressed. The Mexican negotiation team aims to eliminate contentious issues and finalize the remaining 15% by the end of November.
The goal is to approach the T-MEC review with minimal pending issues next year.
Clarifications from Energy Sector Leaders
Ebrard granted several radio interviews with a consistent message. Meanwhile, Luz Elena González Escobar, Mexico’s Energy Secretary, refuted claims on social media that the Mexican state discriminates against US oil companies to favor Pemex and CFE.
González Escobar emphasized that under the new energy sector model, Mexican legislation maintains and promotes private investment for hydrocarbon and electricity sector development under clear, transparent rules.
She also addressed published notes titled “US Oil Companies Demand T-MEC Violation” and “Call for Panel in T-MEC Against Pemex and CFE,” stating that it’s false the Mexican state discriminates against US oil companies.
González Escobar further published a clarifying note asserting that the energy legal framework, including recent constitutional and legislative reforms, aligns with the T-MEC.
Mexican legislation, she emphasizes, maintains and promotes private investment for hydrocarbon and electricity sector development under clear, transparent rules. Examples include the implementation of mixed contracts between private entities and state-owned enterprises.
Acknowledging Sectorial Concerns
Both officials agree that various sectors express grievances, but the issues highlighted in the media have not yet reached direct government-to-government review.
The government acknowledges media and political noise, which might intensify as US elections approach. However, no energy or judicial topics in Mexico are part of current discussions.
The future of this relationship status between Mexico and the US, amidst internal pressures in the US, remains to be seen.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Is Mexico discriminating against US energy companies? A: No, according to Mexican officials. The country maintains and promotes private investment in the energy sector under clear, transparent rules.
- Q: Are energy and judicial reform part of T-MEC review discussions? A: No, these topics are not included in the pre-review discussions, as per Mexican officials.
- Q: What is the progress of Mexico-US negotiations? A: Negotiations are progressing positively, with 85% of topics addressed, aiming for full completion by the end of November.
- Q: How do Mexican energy sector changes align with T-MEC? A: Mexican energy sector changes, including recent constitutional and legislative reforms, are consistent with the T-MEC, according to officials.
