Your source for recent news headlines impacting Mexico. Mexicanist covers tourism developments, cultural news, safety alerts, and key updates across the country.
Mexico City
Mexico City restaurant corruption: Hundreds bribe officials ("moches") monthly to skip rules, creating unfairness and eroding trust. This widespread payoff system harms honest businesses and demands strict controls and accountability.
Business
Mexican Feb exports fell 2.9% YoY ($49.28bn), hit by automotive (-15.2%) & oil (-24.4%) declines. US-bound shipments dipped slightly (-0.2%), while exports elsewhere fell sharply (-9.5%). Agri sales also down (-6.1%). Concerns over economy & US trade policy remain.
United States
US spy agencies NGA & NRO use satellite surveillance on the Mexico border for Trump's immigration crackdown. This domestic use of military intel tools, usually aimed overseas, raises privacy concerns for citizens near the border.
Oaxaca
Violence rocks Oaxaca: 9 missing tourists found dead, 5 men killed on highways. Tourism sector fears cancellations in Huatulco and other spots. Promoter downplays events, insists area is safe, urging visitors to come.
United States
Trump praised Mexico's anti-drug/migration efforts, yet new tariffs loom (Apr 2). Ambassador nominee Johnson noted cooperation. Mexico's President Sheinbaum countered tariff justification with data showing reduced fentanyl flow. Mixed signals create uncertainty.
Crime
Ex-Gulf Cartel leader Mario Ramírez Treviño ("El Pelón") died in US prison March 13, before sentencing. Captured in 2013 & extradited, he became a US witness against rivals like "El Menchito." His cause of death wasn't stated.
Business
Mexico's Mayan Train fuels a SE real estate boom. Property values rise >10% yearly (Cancun +13.6%). It attracts long-term investment, spurs luxury/sustainable projects in Yucatan, and draws dedicated financial backing.
Tulum
Tulum's Lonitas recycles used ad banners from big brands (Coca-Cola, etc.) into backpacks and bags. This circular economy project gives waste a second life, reduces landfill plastic, employs local families, and pushes brands toward sustainability.
Business
Mexico's nearshoring gains are threatened by logistics woes. Poor roads, rising cargo theft, and severe customs bottlenecks at key hubs create costly delays. Urgent infrastructure, security, and customs improvements are needed to fully capitalize on the opportunity.
Business
Mexico's 2025 road plan invests 35bn pesos, but focuses on South/Central regions, neglecting key Bajío/Northern industrial hubs. Critics fear this will worsen road saturation, hinder competitiveness, and create a 'two-speed' economy, questioning the strategy's impact.
Aguascalientes
A guard claimed his lover killed herself after he found texts. He admitted butchering her, hiding remains in a drum. After confessing in a note and calling 911, he shot himself as cops arrived. Police investigate if he murdered her first.
Tijuana
David "N", driving a Tesla Cybertruck, fled police, hit 7 cars, ignored orders, and reversed into a patrol unit, injuring 2 people. He is now in preventive detention facing multiple charges.
Ensenada
Over 120 events (whales, wine, races) lure ~260k visitors (MX/US), driving huge economic gains (>332M pesos in Q1). Baja city bets on non-stop action to become a year-round party destination and economic powerhouse.
Nuevo Leon
Nuevo Leon launches major payroll tax (ISN) cuts & subsidies, targeting EV investment (up to 95% off), local sourcing and exporters. Includes significant debt relief on past ISN dues. Aims to attract nearshoring and boost economy.
Business
Mexico's annual inflation eased slightly to 3.67% in early March, down from 3.74%. Core inflation also moderated to 3.56%. Despite the dip, both figures remain above the central bank's 3% target, with year-end core inflation expectations rising.
Nuevo Leon
Chicken chain El Pollo Loco in Nuevo Leon is under attack! Five locations torched, 1 guard injured. Authorities investigate, downplaying extortion links.