The lack of a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on the legality of reciprocal tariffs has created uncertainty for the maquiladora industry in Ciudad Juárez, according to Marcelo Vázquez, regional representative of Mexico’s National Association of Importers and Exporters (Anierm).
A decision was expected in recent days, but the delay has extended concerns across the sector. Vázquez noted that if the court ultimately rules the tariffs unlawful, some companies may consider relocating operations to Central American countries, potentially leading to further job losses in the region.
Several Anierm-affiliated companies have indicated that current reciprocal tariffs imposed on other countries are one of the reasons they continue operating in Juárez. Any change to this framework could influence future investment decisions.
Market uncertainty surrounding the anticipated ruling was also reflected in currency movements. The Mexican peso opened Wednesday’s session with a 0.05% gain, trading at 17.82 pesos per dollar and reaching its lowest level of the year, last seen in July 2024.
Additional pressures on the local maquiladora sector include higher operating costs, such as an increase in the payroll tax from 3% to 4%, minimum wage hikes, and customs-related restrictions.
For Mexico, the Supreme Court’s decision is significant, as most of these tariffs are currently avoided under the USMCA framework. However, a ruling against the tariffs could lead to sector-specific duties, potentially targeting key industries such as automotive and steel.
Source: El Diario Mx
