Coverage:
1–15 November 2025
• Manufacturing sentiment improved on expectations: the official Manufacturing Orders Indicator (IPM) rebounded above 50 in October, signalling an expansionary tilt in orders and production expectations—though hiring indicators remain softer.
• Policy easing is now explicit: Banxico cut the policy rate to 7.25%, leaning into growth risks while remaining sensitive to FX and inflation credibility.
• Inflation is calm on the headline, firmer underneath: October headline inflation slowed to 3.57% y/y, but core ran at 4.28% y/y, keeping the disinflation story incomplete.
• Hard activity remains soft, but export manufacturing still prints volume: September industrial activity fell, yet manufacturing edged up m/m; meanwhile October automotive production and exports remained sizeable.
1) Manufacturing (forward-looking): IPM jumps back into expansion territory (October)
Banxico and INEGI reported that the IPM rose to 52.5 (seasonally adjusted) in October, up 3.78 points m/m, after three consecutive months below 50.
All five components increased, but the employment component remained below 50 (49.9)—a classic “orders/production first, headcount later” pattern that typically favours firms with flexible capacity and disciplined inventory planning, whilst highlighting that labour absorption is not yet confirming a broad-based manufacturing recovery.
2) Monetary policy: Banxico cuts 25 bps to 7.25% (effective 7 November)
On 6 November, Banxico lowered the overnight interbank target by 25 bps to 7.25%, effective 7 November, with a 4–1 vote.
The statement emphasised weaker activity and external uncertainty (including trade tensions), implying a supportive impulse for refinancing and working-capital costs, but also a policy stance that will remain highly sensitive to FX pass-through and any renewed cost pressures in core inflation.
3) Inflation: Headline eases, but core and services remain sticky (October CPI)
INEGI reported October Consumer Price Index (CPI) at +0.36% m/m and 3.57% y/y, whilst core inflation ran at 4.28% y/y (services 4.44% y/y).
The monthly print was meaningfully shaped by administered components (e.g., electricity dynamics linked to the seasonal tariff programme), reinforcing a near-term narrative of contained headline inflation, but a still-elevated underlying trend that matters for wages, contracts, and pricing power in domestically oriented sectors.
4) Real economy (hard data): September industrial activity contracts; manufacturing barely positive m/m
INEGI’s September Monthly Indicator of Industrial Activity fell -0.4% m/m and -3.3% y/y (seasonally adjusted), with manufacturing +0.2% m/m but -2.3% y/y.
The mix matters—construction was notably weak—because it suggests the industrial slowdown is not purely cyclical noise, and that management teams should plan for uneven demand conditions across industrial end-markets rather than a clean, synchronised rebound.
5) Export manufacturing: Automotive production and exports remain high in October
INEGI’s administrative auto bulletin showed 367,870 light vehicles produced and 314,227 exported in October 2025, with Jan–Oct production at 3,389,424 and exports at 2,881,399.
This volume profile supports Mexico’s export manufacturing narrative (particularly in autos and connected supply chains), but the key strategic question for operators is margin retention—through supplier negotiations, localisation, and hedging—rather than volume growth alone.
6) Labour market: IMSS records peak employment levels; wage base remains firm
The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) reported 22,789,173 registered jobs as of 31 October 2025 (86.8% permanent), with a +217,491 monthly increase and +170,231 jobs over 12 months (+0.8%).
The average contribution wage reached MXN 622/day, up 7.1% y/y, which is supportive for consumption but can sustain services inflation and compress margins for labour-intensive manufacturers unless productivity and pricing discipline keep pace.
7) External household flows: Remittances soften in September, implying less “automatic” support for demand
Banxico reported September remittances at US$5.214bn (-2.7% y/y), and US$45.681bn accumulated in Jan–Sep 2025 (-5.5% y/y).
In practical terms, a cooling remittance impulse can translate into more selective discretionary consumption and greater sensitivity to credit conditions—relevant for firms selling into domestic channels that have recently relied on remittances as a stabilising demand buffer.
MexStrategy View (brief)
This fortnight confirms a “two-speed” macro set-up: Banxico is clearly easing into softer growth, and headline inflation provides cover, yet core (especially services) and wage dynamics argue for caution rather than complacency.
Manufacturing is the bright spot in direction, not yet in breadth—forward-looking orders (IPM) turned expansionary, but hard industrial activity is still contracting year-on-year and employment signals remain mixed, suggesting the next phase will reward execution over beta.
The most actionable implication for investors and operators is to treat Mexico’s manufacturing story as a margin-and-capacity optimisation cycle: deepen supplier localisation where feasible, protect input costs and FX exposures, and prioritise segments with export-linked volume resilience (autos and adjacent supply chains) whilst monitoring domestic demand sensitivity as remittances cool.
This newsletter is provided by MexStrategy LLC for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, legal or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security, instrument, or asset. The content reflects MexStrategy’s views as of the publication date and is based on publicly available information that MexStrategy believes to be reliable; however, we do not represent or warrant its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Any forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and actual outcomes may differ materially. Readers should conduct their own independent analysis and consult qualified professional advisers before making any business, investment, or policy decisions. MexStrategy and its affiliates may have business relationships or positions related to the topics discussed.