US companies operating in Mexico are preparing for major policy shifts as President Andrés Manuel López Obrador pushes ahead with measures that could reshape the country’s business environment. His administration has grown more assertive in regulating foreign firms, especially those in energy, manufacturing, and technology. This heightened scrutiny has sparked concerns among investors who rely on Mexico as a critical link in North American supply chains.
Recent decisions by Mexican authorities have raised eyebrows in Washington and across the corporate sector. Executives now fear that regulatory pressure may intensify as the government adopts a more nationalistic stance. AMLO’s policies often emphasize sovereignty, state control, and reduced reliance on foreign companies, creating friction with US firms that depend on stable rules to operate effectively.
At the center of the dispute is Mexico’s growing influence in strategic industries. Near shoring, the trend of shifting production closer to the US, has drawn record levels of American investment into Mexico. This surge has strengthened the Mexican economy, but it has also fueled political debates about who should control essential sectors. Companies in automotive manufacturing, data infrastructure, renewable energy, and logistics are particularly exposed to these regulatory uncertainties.
Executives say recent government actions have been unpredictable. Some firms have faced delays in permits, sudden compliance reviews, or slow approval timelines for expansions. These hurdles have alarmed industry groups, who argue that Mexico risks undermining its competitiveness if policies continue to shift without warning.
Energy remains one of the most sensitive issues. AMLO has long advocated strengthening Mexico’s state-owned power and oil companies, arguing that foreign participation should be limited to protect national interests. This view clashes with the priorities of US businesses that rely on affordable and reliable energy to operate large industrial facilities. Several companies warn that policy ambiguity in the energy sector could slow production, raise costs, and complicate investment decisions.
Despite these challenges, US firms are not withdrawing. Mexico’s location, skilled workforce, and access to the US market remain powerful incentives. Many companies have expanded operations aggressively as global supply chains move away from China. Executives acknowledge the risks but believe Mexico is still essential for strategic diversification, especially in electronics, automotive components, and consumer goods.
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US policymakers, however, are taking a tougher tone. Officials from Washington have held discussions with Mexican counterparts, urging them to provide clearer regulatory frameworks and fair treatment for American companies. They warn that continued friction could strain economic ties or affect regional trade agreements. For now, both sides are trying to maintain cooperation, but tensions remain visible beneath the surface.
Analysts expect policy debates to intensify in early 2026 as Mexico moves toward new legislative priorities. Business groups are preparing for more negotiations with the government to ensure predictable conditions for investment. Many hope that Mexico will balance national objectives with the needs of global industries that depend on the country.
For now, US companies continue to expand while carefully watching every new policy decision from Mexico City. The coming months will determine whether this period becomes a temporary adjustment or a long-term shift in the rules governing one of North America’s most important economic relationships.
