In Response to Potential US Tariffs, Nuevo León’s Economy Secretary Betsabé Rocha Presents a Plan
Monterrey, NL. Amidst the threat of 30% tariffs on Mexican products from the United States and a slower economic growth rate, Betsabé Rocha Nieto, the Secretary of Economy for Nuevo León, unveiled a strategy aligned with the State Plan 2022-2027. The strategy, to be published on July 14 in the Official State Newspaper, aims at two primary objectives: attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) outside the metropolitan area and bolstering the local economy through a boost in the domestic market.
Key Strategies
- Attracting FDI Beyond Metropolitan Area: The strategy includes offering 100% tax incentives on the Payroll Tax (ISN) for new export projects located outside the metropolitan area, prioritizing connection with the Colombia-Solidarity bridge.
- Strengthening Local Supply Chain: The plan applies discounts of 10% to 33% on the ISN for companies that consume local inputs and services, encouraging value chain development and formalization of suppliers in Nuevo León.
Making SMEs Visible
Rocha Nieto emphasized that when discussing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), “microenterprises often go unnoticed.” Today, they represent 80% of economic units in the state, contributing nearly 40% of formally generated jobs.
She likened the investment attraction policy to planting seeds, stating that without nurturing the local market—the “heart and gateway” of their economy—there would be no results.
Talent as the Best Asset
Rocha Nieto highlighted that this administration has made the largest investment in infrastructure, including road modernization and the Port of Colombia. A key competitive advantage for investors is Nuevo León’s talent pool.
To align with labor demand, the strategy offers retraining programs in coordination with the Labor Secretariat, including scholarships and flexible schemes for employability and entrepreneurship.
Access to Financing
The state official mentioned that the Nuevo Impulso Nuevo León program has supported over 5,000 SMEs with bank-backed credit guarantees totaling 5 billion pesos.
This effort will continue to provide access to financing by establishing agreements with financial institutions for accessible credit lines for businesses that create jobs and consume locally, including the aforementioned program. However, SMEs must be formalized to receive this support.
Additionally, non-fiscal infrastructure and service incentives include preferential rates for state services, improved logistical connections, priority on state projects, and free spaces at events like PROVEE NL 2025.
Progress in Nuevo León
Rocha Nieto reminded that in March, when President Trump first imposed tariffs, the state government initiated the “Hecho en Nuevo León” program, now with over 1,500 affiliated companies.
In terms of market diversification, there are 91 FDI projects in 16 countries. Significant strides have been made in regulatory improvement, with NLínea achieving 20 business opening and construction industry permits, drastically reducing processing times.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main objective of Nuevo León’s new strategy? The primary goals are to attract FDI beyond the metropolitan area and strengthen the local economy through a boost in the domestic market.
- What tax incentives are offered for new export projects outside the metropolitan area? A 100% tax incentive on the Payroll Tax (ISN) is provided for new export projects located outside the metropolitan area, prioritizing connection with the Colombia-Solidarity bridge.
- How does Nuevo León plan to support SMEs? The strategy aims to make SMEs more visible by offering retraining programs, aligning with labor demand, and providing access to financing.
- What are the benefits for companies consuming local inputs and services? Companies that consume local inputs and services will receive discounts of 10% to 33% on the ISN, encouraging value chain development and formalization of suppliers in Nuevo León.
