The Mexican government announced on Tuesday that it will scrap the IMMEX program for footwear in the coming days.

Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said that this change will be made through a decree signed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, which has already been drafted and will be published shortly in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).

IMMEX program for footwear

In early April, the Ministry of Economy made a related decision. It canceled the permits of five footwear companies registered in the IMMEX program.

The announcement was made with the support of the Financial Intelligence Unit and the National Customs Agency of Mexico. According to the agency, the companies allegedly simulated footwear manufacturing processes.

The IMMEX program allows companies to temporarily import inputs without paying general import taxes. It also exempts them, in some cases, from anti-dumping or countervailing duties. All this is on the condition that these inputs are used in the manufacture of export products.

Decree

The official made the announcement during a working tour in León, Guanajuato. He explained that the decision is the result of an investigation ordered by Sheinbaum.

The Ministry of Economy led the process in coordination with the governments of Guanajuato and León. Business leaders from the sector also participated.

The objective, he said, is to put an end to practices that affect domestic production.

“She (Sheinbaum) was very concerned and asked for information on why the volume of finished footwear imported into Mexico had increased by 159%,” said Ebrard. 

“The president asked us why we are importing finished footwear on a temporary basis. It’s absurd!” added Ebrard at an event at Expo Sapica (Leather and Footwear Show).

Between 2019 and 2024, the footwear industry in Mexico lost momentum. Activity fell by 12.8%. The main cause: the temporary importation of finished products.

This scheme allows importers to avoid paying VAT. They also do not export the footwear. Instead, they sell it on the domestic market, evading taxes and tariffs of at least 25%.

For Sheinbaum, as Ebrard explained, footwear is more than just a product. It is a symbol of Mexico. An industry with tradition and weight in the economy.

Currently, the sector generates direct employment for between 120,000 and 130,000 people.