Mexico’s automotive quotas allowed for the import of 237,900 units between September 2025 and June 2026, according to information from the Ministry of Economy.
An automotive quota in Mexico is an annual permit. The Ministry of Economy assigns it to registered manufacturers to import new light vehicles at a 0% tariff. Import is contingent upon their domestic production. Thus, this encourages investment and expands supply in the domestic market.
Automotive quotas in Mexico
In exchange for granting these quotas, the Mexican government promoted investments in the light-duty vehicle manufacturing industry totaling 28,356.1 million pesos to establish, expand, or modernize production facilities in the country.
In addition, exports of parts and components for light vehicles destined for vehicle plants abroad were promoted. These exports totaled 22,942.6 million pesos during the same period.
This support was provided through the authorization of quotas for vehicle manufacturers to import light vehicles at preferential tariff rates. The aim was to strengthen Mexico’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of auto parts.
Environmental Restrictions on the Importation of used trucks
The Ministry of Economy, in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, issued a regulation establishing environmental conditions for the importation of used diesel-powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,857 kilograms.
The measure limits the maximum age of diesel engines in used trucks entering the country permanently to 10 years. As a result, the goal is to renew the heavy-duty vehicle fleet, protect jobs in the domestic automotive industry, and fulfill Mexico’s international trade commitments.
Support Program for the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Industry
On March 26, 2026, the President of Mexico announced the “Immediate Action Program for the Protection of the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Industry,” designed to boost domestic demand for new buses, trucks, and tractor-trailers through two lines of direct support for buyers.
- Tax incentives under Plan México, which allow for the immediate deduction of the investment made in the purchase of these vehicles, in accordance with Article 2 of the corresponding decree.
- Guarantees for Financed Purchases: Participating institutions provide loans on terms more favorable than market rates, backed by NAFIN. Using funds from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, NAFIN provides coverage for authorized loans. The terms and conditions for participation were published on May 28, 2026, and the financing product is available on the NAFIN website.