Weekly Mexico recap: Diplomatic negotiations with Brazil, Chinese tariffs, and televised assaults

In the heart of North America, Mexico continues to make headlines as it navigates through a series of significant events and changes.

A recent survey revealed that nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents believe the country is better off since Claudia Sheinbaum took office as Mexico City's mayor. Sheinbaum's popularity is soaring, with an approval rating of 71.4%, making her the most popular Mexican president at this stage in decades. Her success is attributed to achievements in social welfare programs, student scholarships, and senior citizen support.

However, the country's primary concerns remain rooted in security, with 46% of respondents identifying it as the nation's top priority. This issue has been a contentious point, with opposition Senator Téllez claiming that Mexicans want US help against the cartels. Senator Lilly Téllez also accused Sheinbaum of threatening to prosecute her for telling Fox News that Mexicans want US help fighting cartels.

The forthcoming security pact between Mexico and the United States might not be signed next week, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the nation's safety. Sinaloa Cartel leader "El Mayo" Zambada pleaded guilty in a US federal court, while "El Mayo" confessed that his organization systematically corrupted Mexican institutions by paying bribes to police, military commanders, and politicians.

The economy is another area of concern, with Mexico's GDP expanding by 0.6% quarter-over-quarter in Q2. Export performance remained strong, with 4% annual growth in July. However, Mexico's steel exports to the US declined 16.6% due to 50% tariffs.

On a positive note, Mexico-Brazil trade talks produced modest agreements on agriculture and biofuels. Amazon announced a $2.45 million water efficiency project in targeted areas, and Foxconn announced a $168 million expansion of its Jalisco plant for AI server production.

Mexico's national mail service suspended package delivery to the US following tax exemption eliminations, and plans emerged to raise tariffs on Chinese imports as part of the 2026 budget proposal.

In the political sphere, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Mexico and Ecuador between Sept. 2 and 4. PRI chief Alejandro Moreno physically attacked Morena's Senate leader Gerardo Fernández Noroña, stirring up political tension.

Mexico City's main supply system reached 70.7% capacity, its highest level in five years, offering a glimmer of hope for the city's water supply situation. The search results do not provide any information about who held the role of the PRI government leader within the Mexican Senate between August 25 and 29, 2025.

These developments underscore the complexities and challenges that Mexico faces, but also highlight the progress being made under Sheinbaum's leadership. As the country continues to evolve, it remains a vibrant and dynamic player on the world stage.

Weekly Mexico recap: Diplomatic negotiations with Brazil, Chinese tariffs, and televised assaults