On Wednesday, the U.S. administration announced it would double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Mexico, raising duties to 50 percent. In response, Nuevo León’s private sector convened urgent meetings to evaluate how such steep levies could affect local industry and the broader Mexican economy.
Juan Pablo García, director of the Nuevo León Chapter of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Caintra), expressed concern that the tariff hike adds uncertainty to ongoing trade negotiations with China and the European Union: “This escalation does not help talks aimed at ending the trade war. It only complicates our government’s efforts to secure better terms for Mexican exports.”
According to official figures, in 2024 Nuevo León accounted for approximately $2.715 billion in steel sales, making it the most exposed state to U.S. tariff changes. The region’s steel sector has been a cornerstone of local manufacturing, supplying components for automotive, construction, and heavy machinery firms. Industry leaders warn that the new 50 percent duty could drive up domestic production costs and erode competitiveness in the U.S. market.
Nevertheless, García noted that Mexico remains a net importer of steel, emphasizing that the state’s deficit in steel trade means the impact may be less severe than feared. “We import more steel from the U.S. than we export to them, so in theory, the direct effect on Nuevo León could be muted. Still, the broader uncertainty around tariffs and retaliatory measures is worrisome,” he said.
Local steelmakers, however, cautioned that smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable. Many lack the financial reserves to absorb sudden cost increases or negotiate longer-term supply contracts. As a result, some SMEs may face layoffs or production slowdowns if raw materials become prohibitively expensive. “If tariffs jump to 50 percent, we risk losing orders to competitors in South Korea and Brazil,” warned Ana Martínez, a spokesperson for a medium‐sized steel fabrication firm in Apodaca.
In light of these developments, Caintra is coordinating with federal authorities to propose mitigation measures, including tariff exemptions for certain critical inputs and expedited customs procedures. Industry officials are also exploring alternative supply chains—potentially sourcing steel from Southeast Asia or domestic producers—to reduce reliance on U.S. imports. However, they acknowledge that such shifts will require time and significant investment.
As the global trade landscape evolves, Nuevo León’s business community remains vigilant. For the near term, industry leaders urge the federal government to engage in swift, transparent diplomacy with the U.S. and to pursue bilateral agreements that guarantee Mexico’s continued access to the American market without punitive levies.
