Overview

• The Aug. 28 decree bars importing finished shoes through the IMMEX program and imposes at least a 25% duty on many pairs from Asia, affecting 270 TIGIE tariff lines.
• CANAICAL and CICEG backed the measure as a way to curb technical smuggling, level competition, and support jobs in Mexico’s footwear hubs.
• Mexican brands such as Panam and Flexi see an opening to regain market share, with Panam reporting 1.6 million pairs produced year-to-date and forecasting double-digit growth for 2025.
• Trade specialists caution that blanket restrictions could hit firms that used IMMEX legitimately and urge modernization, training, and integrated supply solutions to sustain competitiveness.
• Banamex expects higher import costs to lift prices for consumers, with a sharper effect on low-income segments, and warns of potential friction with Asian suppliers.