How is ANIQ contributing to Plan México?

We are collaborating with the Mexican government to ensure that the chemical industry is included as one of the five key vectors for national growth under Plan México, one of the Sheinbaum administration’s flagship initiatives. Plan México establishes roadmaps for public-private collaboration concerning Pemex, details of which we are actively discussing with the authorities.

What does the chemical sector need to achieve the Plan’s goals, and how is sustainability integrated?

Firstly, it is essential to increase the production of natural gas in the country, to consequently increase the supply of petrochemical raw materials, and to carry out the modernization of existing refineries to increase the supply of petrochemical inputs coming from these facilities. Being public-private alliances, a mechanism must be defined and developed to achieve these objectives. A clear legal framework for investments is also essential, with the Hydrocarbons Sector Law and the Energy Planning and Transition Law and their respective regulations being fundamental to provide the necessary legal security to promote investments in the sector, and to be able to achieve the development objectives established for the petrochemical sector in Plan México.

In terms of sustainability, the industry contributes through product and process innovation, as well as energy efficiency, among other ways, within its own facilities or through the development of innovative products to be used in the value chain.

What strategies is ANIQ proposing to boost Mexico’s chemical sector?

Despite recent challenges, chemicals remain among the three most important sectors in Mexico, with an impressive investment potential estimated at US$45 billion over the next 15 years. Increasing gas and oil production to secure sufficient feedstock supply is imperative to stimulate industry growth. Legal certainty is also crucial to enable these investments. Moreover, enhanced cooperation between Mexico, US and Canada, particularly in the energy market, will be vital to realizing the desired industrial development across North America.

Can you provide an update on ANIQ’s collaboration with North American partners and its position regarding USMCA?

ANIQ maintains close collaboration with the American and Canadian chemical associations. We agree that preserving the USMCA in its current form is in the best interest of all three countries. The Mexican chemical and petrochemical markets are critical for American exports, and no party wishes to jeopardize this dynamic. While the current rules are generally favorable, periodic updates are necessary. In this regard, the Coordinator of Foreign Trade Business Organizations (COECE), a private entity advising the government, has appointed ANIQ to lead three workshops, recognizing our leadership within the sector and our previous experience in this regard from both NAFTA and USMCA negotiations.

For three decades, we have developed trade relationships, infrastructure, and supply chains designed to strengthen links with the US and Canada. These relationships cannot be easily replaced, so our priority is to maintain this framework while remaining open to exploring new partnerships. Our geographical proximity to markets such as Texas, combined with multimodal transportation options, as well as our competitive pricing, offers unique advantages. A unified energy market would further amplify these benefits, and pursuing this integration remains one of our objectives.

What infrastructure does Mexico need to outperform its competitors?

Mexico requires infrastructure that serves both the domestic and US markets – an imperative that applies across all economic sectors. The US currently faces significant port capacity constraints, which limit its economic growth. In contrast, Mexico’s ports have greater potential for expansion, positioning the country as a possible logistics hub for US products.

Additionally, the Interoceanic Corridor across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec offers an alternative to the Panama Canal by linking producers and consumers on both coasts, benefiting both Mexican and US industries. We have supported the expansion of Pacific ports such as Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo, as well as Atlantic ports including Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, and Veracruz. It is now necessary to improve land crossings to facilitate increased trade flows.

What are ANIQ’s plans for the remainder of 2025?

Our immediate priority is to finalize energy regulations to establish a clear operational framework for the industry. We are also focused on clarifying the terms of cooperation with Pemex and advancing USMCA negotiations. Additionally, Mexico must define its stance and targets regarding climate change, and we are working closely with the government to address this.