The Government began the cancellation process of the IMMEX program for two companies to which irregular operations with imported steel were detected, the Ministry of Economy (SE) reported on Monday.
The action, coordinated with the National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero), is part of the purification of the beneficiary register.
The IMMEX scheme allows manufacturing and maquiladora companies to temporarily import inputs without paying taxes, provided that these materials are transformed and exported, however, some companies have taken advantage to introduce merchandise to the national market evading foreign trade controls.
In a statement, the agency said that one of the companies indicated is Elegant Fashion SA de CV, registered as a maquiladora with activities that cover from diapers to food products.
According to official data, between January and June, only 119 tons of goods under the temporal regime imported, but only in July 68,919 tons of steel entered, which is an increase of 57,960%.
In addition to the unusual volume, it caught the attention that it would do seamless pipe imports used in well drilling, a product outside the turns with which the company is identified. The authorities consider that this type of behavior constitutes an “improper use” of the IMMEX program.
The second case is that of El Grande Industrial SA de CV, which in 2024 began to temporarily import tubes and hollow iron or steel profiles. By 2025, the company requested an increase of 1,590% in these volumes.
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According to the agency, this company even advertised in digital media the benefits of IMMEX, offering third schemes to evade VAT through simulated operations.
Both firms would have sought to avoid the control that the Ministry of Economy imposed on the final imports of steel, in coordination with the industry, to avoid the massive entry of products from Asian countries at low cost that cause damage to the national market.
In this case, imports came mainly from China, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Vietnam.
Mexico is one of the main steel producers in Latin America and has faced in recent years an increase in practices of undervaluation, triangulation and irregular use of tax programs.
In response, the government has strengthened the supervision of IMMEX and other customs tools, particularly in sensitive sectors such as steel.
Economy said that these actions are part of a “legality and even floor” commitment to the productive sectors.
He also stressed that he works with cameras and business associations to avoid commercial distortions and protect industries that do comply with regulations.
“We will continue advancing with the sectors organized to realize the Mexico Plan,” said the agency, confirming that cancellation procedures continue its course.
With EFE information
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