Did Labor Reforms Influence Business Closures in Aguascalientes by the End of 2025?

, President of the College of Economists of Aguascalientes. Corchado responded to specific press inquiries regarding publicly known figures. The questions addressed job losses, business closures, and the reduction of employer registrations. Her responses focused on economic, regulatory, and structural factors, without attributing a single cause.

Formal Employment and Employer Registrations

Responding to specific questions, it was noted that Aguascalientes closed 2025 with only 900 new jobs. This figure reflects limited growth in formal employment. Further discussion included the loss of 418 employer registrations during 2025. These registrations pertain to formal businesses registered with social security.

Corchado explained that the reduction in registrations implies fewer businesses operating formally. She pointed out that this phenomenon is occurring nationwide. She indicated that job reductions are typically observed more intensely in December, as numerous short-term labor contracts conclude that month. As she explained, many contracts are signed for six months, and upon their conclusion, some companies choose not to renew them.

This practice aims to reduce labor costs associated with the year-end. The effect is reflected in monthly formal employment figures. Aguascalientes exhibits this phenomenon more visibly due to its population size. The local productive structure also influences this visibility.

Economic and Regulatory Factors Identified

María Corchado stated that business closures are a result of multiple economic factors. None alone explains the loss of formal businesses. Addressing the question about labor reforms, she noted that low economic growth represents a central factor. Without profitability, companies do not invest.

She acknowledged that labor changes do have an influence. She mentioned the increase in vacation days and the minimum wage. However, she clarified that not all workers earn the minimum wage. Therefore, the direct impact is generally limited.

Corchado argued that administrative and fiscal overregulations disproportionately affect small businesses. These burdens complicate daily operations. Compliance with federal and state obligations increases costs. This situation particularly impacts micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. As she explained, some businesses opt for informality to reduce paperwork and avoid administrative penalties. She also elaborated on surprise business audits and noted that a lack of regulatory clarity discourages formalization.

Economic Growth and Sustainability

María Corchado responded that the minimum wage increase was implemented by decree, and that it has not been accompanied by an equivalent increase in productivity. She explained that the absence of increases in labor productivity limits the long-term sustainability of wages. She indicated that the impact is not uniform, as large industries face different conditions compared to local commerce.

Aguascalientes relies heavily on a single industry, she noted. This concentration amplifies the effects of economic deceleration. Regarding new state dependencies, Corchado stated that the analysis should focus on actual operational changes, not merely on names.

Finally, she asserted that a strategic economic growth plan is needed. Such a plan must incentivize formalization and facilitate access to existing programs.

The president reiterated that economic analysis must be based on hard data. Responses, she affirmed, should avoid unsubstantiated interpretations.

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