Borderlands Mexico: Authorities move to cancel permits for 350 Mexican steel importers

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Mexican authorities have suspended import activities and begun canceling permits for 350 companies involved in steel imports.

The move arrives after the government identified alleged irregularities in importer operations as part of a nationwide crackdown on smuggling and misuse of government trade programs.

Mexico’s Ministry of Economy said the companies were among 750 firms flagged for suspicious activities related to the manufacture and sale of steel products following inspections coordinated with multiple federal agencies. 

The investigation is part of a government enforcement effort known as “Operation Clean-Up,” which involves the Ministry of Economy, Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT), the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM), and the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency.

The probe was launched after industry group CANACERO, Mexico’s National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry, identified companies suspected of irregular trading practices. 

Authorities said procedures have begun to cancel the companies’ participation in Mexico’s Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry Program (IMMEX) — a key government program that allows manufacturers to temporarily import raw materials and components duty-free for export-oriented production.

Steel is a critical input for industries driving North America’s nearshoring boom — including automotive, appliances, construction materials and heavy equipment manufacturing across the country

Mexico’s crackdown on allegedly irregular steel imports could tighten oversight of raw material flows used by export manufacturers operating under the IMMEX program, potentially creating short-term disruptions for factories that rely on imported steel.

While 350 companies have already had their import activities suspended, another 400 firms remain under investigation and are being required to provide additional documentation before regulators decide whether to open formal administrative cases. 

Among the companies cited by authorities was Bremsa Regiomontana, whose activities were suspended after investigators alleged it worked with another company, Elegant Fashion, to triangulate steel imports totaling 76,761 tons during 2025.

Officials did not specify the exact nature of the alleged irregularities, but said the enforcement actions are aimed at protecting supply chains and preventing smuggling or abuse of economic development programs.

Courtesy: www.freightwaves.com