Territorio Negocios: Tariffs on Hold: Can Mexico Turn the Board in Its Favor?

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

In episode 211 of the Territorio Negocios podcast, Jorge A. Martínez, professor in the Finance and Business Economics Department at EGADE Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Juan Francisco Torres Landa, partner at Hogan Lovells, analyzed the risks and opportunities posed to Mexico by the recent 90-day extension in the imposition of additional tariffs by the United States.

The episode, titled "Tariffs on Hold: Can Mexico Turn the Board in Its Favor?" and hosted by Alicia Galindo, Director of the Master in Finance program at EGADE Business School, addressed the economic and political impact of this pause, as well as the actions Mexican companies should consider to maintain their competitiveness.

Martínez warned that the measure should not be interpreted as a definitive relief. “It is a temporary truce that can change quickly if the commitments made under the USMCA are not met,” he noted. He emphasized that Mexican companies must strengthen strategic planning, diversify markets, and optimize supply chains to reduce risks.

For his part, Torres Landa underscored the importance of the SEI factor—security, energy, and infrastructure—as a pillar for leveraging nearshoring opportunities. He explained that without substantial improvements in these areas, the country will struggle to attract long-term investments. He also reminded that strict compliance with rules of origin and other USMCA provisions is essential to avoid sanctions and litigation.

Both agreed that this period represents a strategic window for Mexico to strengthen its competitiveness, but warned that time is limited and decisions must be made immediately.

This episode of Territorio Negocios is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.