The recommendations of the Comce for Mexico to face the challenges related to global disruption were included in a document that the organization released on Wednesday.

At the same time that Mexico faces local challenges such as fighting corruption and poverty, reducing informality and improving jobs and education, it is dealing with the protectionist policy of the United States, its main trading partner and its first source of investments.

Recommendations of the Comce

Mexico stands out from other trading partners because of its advanced manufacturing, human talent and proximity to the United States, which allows for more stable deliveries. 

In addition, it offers low logistics costs and has the USMCA, the only treaty that the United States maintains without major restrictions, reinforcing its strategic value.

The following are the Comce’s recommendations to face the challenges in Mexico:

1. Selective use of USMCA defense mechanisms. Activate dispute settlement mechanisms when necessary, but combine them with parallel strategies of political and diplomatic pressure. 
2. Take advantage of the juncture to attract FDI. Take advantage of the geographic position, network of treaties and compliance with standards as elements of certainty in an increasingly unpredictable global scene. 
3. Diversification and deepening of trade relations. Prioritize the entry into force of the modernized agreement with the EU (EU-Mexico FTA), take advantage of more mechanisms with strategic countries such as Japan and the Pacific Alliance. Promote the 14 free trade agreements with 52 countries that Mexico has, according to the Ministry of Economy. Explore cooperation mechanisms such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). 
4. Technical surveillance and strengthening of regulatory compliance. Ensure traceability and strict compliance with rules of origin to avoid unfounded claims, especially in sectors such as steel, aluminum and automotive. 
5. Legal defense of the USMCA. Prepare trade defense mechanisms for any attempted violation of the treaty, including mirror retaliation and dispute settlement processes. 
6. Strengthening domestic content. Increase local production of inputs to reduce dependence on third countries and make value chains more resilient. 
7. Raising awareness in the United States. Communicate to U.S. consumers, legislators and businessmen how integration with Mexico is part of the solution and not part of the problem.