Weekly Analytical Summary of the Most Important News for the Business Sector

January began with news of significant importance for the Mexican business sector. The week was marked by tensions between Mexico and the United States after President Donald Trump expressed willingness to intervene in the country to combat drug trafficking, which led to a call between the two leaders. Financial market volatility quickly ensued; however, the Mexican peso remains solid. In this report, we analyze the latest economic data and its impact on business strategy.

Key Federal Government Announcements

This Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke with her U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, to stabilize the bilateral relationship following the detention of Nicolás Maduro and warnings of military incursions. Accompanied by Juan Ramón de la Fuente and Omar García Harfuch, she aimed to steer the agenda toward institutional channels. The dialogue focused on border security and combating drug trafficking, in light of Trump’s statements about cartels and potential operations, advocating for cooperation and mutual respect amidst persistent regional uncertainty and sovereignty.

The implementation of mandatory cell phone registration in Mexico reignited the debate surrounding personal data and state surveillance. In this regard, President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that the measure is not intended for espionage but to combat crimes such as extortion and fraud. Since January 9, users must link their phone number to their identity through telecommunications providers. Sheinbaum emphasized that data remains under the custody of companies and that the State only accesses it during formal investigations.

Effective February 1, 2026, fines and traffic violations in Mexico will increase due to the update of the Unit of Measurement and Actualization ( ), a reference used to calculate administrative, fiscal, and legal penalties. With this adjustment, all traffic infractions will be calculated using the new UMA value, directly impacting drivers’ finances. The UMA replaced the minimum wage as the calculation base to prevent salary increases from automatically raising the cost of fines and procedures. Its value is determined and published annually by INEGI and applies to various federal and state laws. For 2026, the UMA will have a daily value of 117.31 pesos, representing an increase of 4.17 pesos compared to the 113.14 pesos in effect in 2025. This adjustment means that financial penalties for traffic violations and other non-compliance will be higher starting from the new effective date.

Financial and Business Markets

Major stock markets closed this Tuesday with mixed results. In the United States, exchanges recorded losses, led by the Dow Jones, which fell 0.80 percent to 49,191.99 points. The S&P 500 declined 0.19 percent, to 6,963.74 units, while the Nasdaq dropped 0.10 percent, to 23,709.88 points. In Asia, performance was positive, notably Japan’s Nikkei 225, which advanced 3.10 percent to 53,549.16 units, driven by the political environment and the expectation of early elections. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng also showed gains, with a 0.90 percent increase, closing at 26,848.47 points. In Mexico, the stock market saw corrections after previous highs, with the S&P/BMV IPC falling 0.61 percent and the FTSE-BIVA retreating 0.54 percent.

In other news, San Luis Potosí attracted new foreign investment with the commencement of operations by SL MEX, a Korean-capital company in the automotive sector, located in Logistik II Park in Villa de Reyes. The plant launched with an investment of 750 million pesos and the creation of over 500 direct jobs, strengthening the state’s manufacturing industry.

During the inauguration, the head of Sedeco, Jesús Salvador González Martínez, reiterated the state government’s commitment to attracting productive investments and consolidating the automotive sector as one of the primary economic engines. The facility spans 14,000 square meters and specializes in manufacturing automotive headlight modules, key components for vehicle safety, design, and efficiency. The plant can operate up to 12 production lines, with the capacity to manufacture up to one million lighting modules annually, positioning itself as a strategic supplier in the automotive supply chain.

Economic Changes Impacting the Business Sector

In 2026, cash in Mexico will continue its transformation process with the gradual withdrawal of old series banknotes and coins, as part of the permanent strategy of the to modernize the monetary system. Although these denominations retain their value and legal tender status, their circulation will progressively decrease until they are no longer in use.

Banxico clarified that this withdrawal does not imply economic losses for the population, as old banknotes can still be used; however, once they reach banks, they will not return to circulation and will be sent to the central bank. The objective is to enhance security against counterfeiting, improve durability, optimize costs, and update designs in line with new economic and digital dynamics. Throughout 2026, banknotes from series B and C, issued in the 1990s; D and D1, introduced after the elimination of zeros; and series F, which began to be replaced due to less advanced security technology, will be withdrawn from circulation. Banknotes from series G will remain valid, though Banxico recommends checking their physical condition to ensure their acceptance in commercial establishments.

Risk and Opportunity Analysis for the Business Sector

The minimum wage increase that took effect on January 1, 2026, in Mexico poses significant challenges for the private sector, directly impacting companies’ financial and strategic planning. According to a report by consulting firm Mercer, the adjustment will be differentiated: 13% for the rest of the country and 5% for the Northern Border Free Zone. Consequently, the national monthly minimum wage will be 9,451 pesos, compared to 8,064 pesos in 2025, while in the northern border region, it will rise from 12,596 to 13,226 pesos.

This new wage floor occurs within a complex macroeconomic context, with an estimated inflation of 3.9% for 2026 and an average market salary increase projected at 5.7%, creating a significant gap compared to the double-digit rise in the minimum wage. Mercer warns that the increase should not be viewed in isolation but as a catalyst for operational and strategic adjustments. In addition to the immediate pressure on payroll costs, companies will need to review their internal equity to prevent wage distortions and overlapping functions. The report anticipates that this scenario will prompt organizations to optimize processes, redefine productivity schemes, and design more efficient incentives. Finally, Mercer recommends adopting comprehensive talent management, including training and new work models, to ensure sustainability and competitiveness in the medium and long term.