Mexico incorporates domestic steel into public works requirements

The Mexican federal government has officially incorporated domestic steel into the calculation of national content requirements for public works projects. This measure, published by the Secretaría Anticorrupción y Buen Gobierno (SABG) in the Official Gazette of the Federation, aims to strengthen the national steel industry and promote local production chains.

Under the new rules, the value of Mexican-made steel used in infrastructure construction will now count toward the mandatory national content percentages in government contracts. Previously, these calculations focused on different materials, machinery, and permanent installation equipment. The specific percentage of steel required will be determined on a project-by-project basis, taking into account production availability in Mexico, required quality, delivery timelines, and specific technical characteristics of the work.

This reform follows an agreement to foster the Mexican steel industry announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on April 29. The initiative seeks to reduce imports and ensure that government spending directly supports domestic manufacturers. Companies awarded contracts must provide documentation to prove compliance with these established percentages, which will be verified by contracting authorities upon receipt of materials.