Mexico - Limitations on Selling US Products and Services Mexico - Sales Limitations
Under NAFTA, the Mexican market is substantially open to most all U.S. products and services, and this will continue under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, when fully implemented. Please contact the Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) of the U.S. Embassy to learn more about any restrictions on U.S. food and commodity exports. For future developments and information on eventual agreements in connection with the USMCA, visit the Office of United States Trade Representative website at www.ustr.gov.
U.S. investors receive national and most-favored-nation treatment in setting up operations or acquiring firms in Mexico. Exceptions exist for investments restricted under NAFTA. The United States, Canada, and Mexico have the right to settle any dispute or claim under NAFTA through international arbitration. NAFTA also eliminated some barriers to investment in Mexico, such as trade balancing and domestic content requirements. Local Mexican governments must also accord national treatment to investors from NAFTA countries.
Some sectors are limited to ownership or control exclusively by the Mexican Government or Mexican national citizens. There are 11 sectors reserved for the Mexican Government, in whole or in part:
- A. Petroleum and other hydrocarbons
- B. Basic petrochemicals
- C. Planning and control of the national electric system, as well as the public services of transmission and distribution of electricity
- D. Generation of nuclear energy
- E. Radioactive materials
- F. Telegraphic services
- G. Radiotelegraphy
- H. Postal service
- I. Bank note issuing
- J. Coinage and printing of money
- K. Control, supervision and surveillance of ports, airports and heliports
- A. Domestic transportation of passengers, tourism and freight, except for messenger or package delivery services
- B. Development banks
- C. Certain professional and technical services