Mexico City. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo signed a decree this morning to protect the Mexican textile industry, which generates nearly half a million jobs. The president explained that some companies have been evading taxes by exporting parts under the pretext that they would be used to manufacture others, but that in reality they were sold in the national market.
As a result of these practices, irregularities were detected in 40 customs agents, of which seven have already lost their patent due to omissions and irregular practices.
The Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, said that the decree seeks to prevent abuses against the Mexican textile industry. The document includes the addition of 138 fractions with a 35% tariff for low-cost, ready-made goods, and 17 fractions with a 15% tariff for imported textile products. In addition, it expands the list of products that cannot be imported under the manufacturing, maquiladora and export services industry regime.
Ebrard emphasized that some companies use this provision to import products under the argument that they will be integrated into new parts intended for export, which allows them to evade taxes and tariffs. However, many of these companies end up selling these products in the domestic market, which generates unfair competition for Mexican companies that do comply with their tax obligations.
“This puts established Mexican companies at a disadvantage, since products imported in this way are marketed without paying VAT, ISR or tariffs, which makes them cheaper,” explained Ebrard. The decree closes this gap to guarantee fair treatment for national companies.
For her part, Sheinbaum highlighted that this measure seeks to make customs agencies co-responsible for complying with the tax obligations of companies. In addition, she stated that these actions will generate more income for the treasury, which will be allocated to social programs, public investment and other initiatives that promote economic development, reduce poverty and combat inequalities in the country.
