🇲🇽 Mexico — Saturday, April 11, 2026
Highlights through the eyes of a long-term local resident.
Published — Apr 12, 3:13 AM (local) · Apr 12, 9:13 AM (UTC)
Editor · A manufacturing sector expat based in Mexico City for 4 years
Mexico City
storm
Rain 98%
UV 9
Thunderstorm warning in effect
Peso strength and fiscal caution
The Mexican peso is having its best week since September 2024, trading around 17.31 per dollar. Despite this, Fitch Ratings has maintained Mexico's credit rating at 'BBB-', warning that the country’s growing debt, sluggish growth, and the ongoing fiscal burden of Pemex remain significant headwinds for the economy.
Editor's note
It is nice to see the peso finding its footing again, but let's not get too comfortable. Fitch's warning is the same song we've been hearing for years—as long as Pemex keeps burning through capital like it’s going out of style, that sovereign rating is going to stay under pressure.
Infrastructure fires and farmer protests
Pemex confirmed another fire at the new Dos Bocas refinery, marking the second incident in less than a month. Meanwhile, negotiations between the federal government and farmer/transport unions have broken down, with protesters threatening to block major highways as part of a potential boycott surrounding the upcoming 2026 World Cup infrastructure.
Editor's note
Dos Bocas has been plagued by 'incidents' since day one. If you’re planning on driving in the Estado de México or near the northern outskirts of the city, keep a very close eye on the traffic apps; those highway blockades are notorious for turning a one-hour trip into an all-day affair.
U.S. lifts aluminum tariff on beer cans
The U.S. has officially removed tariffs on aluminum containers, a move that is expected to significantly improve profit margins for Mexican breweries. This is a massive win for the industry, as the United States remains the primary export market for iconic brands like those under the FEMSA/OXXO banner.
Editor's note
Finally, some actual relief for the beverage sector. The supply chain has been hit hard by steel and aluminum costs, so this should breathe some much-needed life back into export competitiveness.
The end of 'golden pensions'
A decree published in the Official Gazette (DOF) officially puts an end to 'pensiones doradas'—the high-value, taxpayer-funded pensions for former government officials—starting April 12. These funds are slated to be redirected toward federal social welfare programs.
Editor's note
Whether you agree with the redirection of funds or not, the era of those massive, unexplained payouts for ex-politicians is coming to a close.
The mobile registration deadline
The regulatory commission is reminding all mobile phone users that they must register their phone numbers with their service providers by June 30, 2026. This mandate is part of an ongoing effort to combat crime, though it has faced criticism regarding privacy and implementation.
Editor's note
Don't ignore the messages from your carrier. If you don't register, you risk having your line suspended, and nobody wants to deal with that bureaucracy at the service center.
Public health concerns regarding measles
Mexico has managed to secure a seven-month extension to maintain its measles-free certification. However, health authorities have confirmed over 9,000 cases of the disease between January 1 and April 9, with 57% of these cases occurring in Jalisco, which is a host city for the 2026 World Cup.
Editor's note
Nine thousand cases is a lot more than 'small cluster' territory. If you have kids in school or are planning to head to Jalisco soon, double-check that those vaccination records are up to date.
Reference Media: Expansión, ADNPolítico, La Jornada, Reforma, El Universal