Industry-Specific Regulatory Frameworks Activity
Learning Objectives
Now that we understand the overarching trade framework between Mexico and the United States, we’ll examine how regulations work for specific industries. This activity will help you develop research skills for finding regulatory information and build vocabulary essential for working with cross-border businesses.
Background: Using Trade Data to Guide Our Research
We’ve selected the industries for this activity based in part on Observatory of Economic Complexity data on Mexico and U.S. trade. This data shows us the most significant trade categories between our countries, making our research directly relevant to real business relationships.
By focusing on industries with substantial bilateral trade volume, we’re studying regulations that actually impact thousands of businesses and millions of workers across both countries.
Your Research Task
Working in small groups, you’ll research regulatory frameworks for specific industries. Your goal is to identify what regulations apply to businesses in these sectors and understand the key provisions that companies must navigate.
Research Process
Step 1: Choose Your Industry Select one industry from the table below that interests your group.
Step 2: Research Regulations Use reliable sources to identify regulations that apply to your chosen industry. Look for:
- Government agency websites (.gov, .gob.mx)
- Industry association resources
- Trade organization publications
- Official regulatory documents
Step 3: Identify Key Provisions Focus on practical requirements that businesses need to understand, such as:
- Licensing requirements
- Safety standards
- Environmental compliance
- Import/export restrictions
- Professional certifications needed
Step 4: Contribute to Class Table Add your findings to our shared document using the collaborative table format below.
Industry Research Table
We’ll follow this table structure in our shared class document.
| Industry | Contributors | Regulations | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobiles | [Your names] | [Which specific laws, agencies, or regulatory frameworks apply?] | [What are the most important requirements companies must meet?] |
| Petroleum & Energy | [Your names] | ||
| Agricultural Products | [Your names] | ||
| Technology & Digital Trade | [Your names] | ||
| Tourism & Hospitality | [Your names] | ||
| Manufacturing | [Your names] | ||
| Pharmaceuticals | [Your names] | ||
| Financial Services | [Your names] |
Example Entry
| Industry | Contributors | Regulations | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobiles | García, Chen, Brandt | USMCA Rules of Origin; Mexican NOM standards; U.S. NHTSA safety requirements; EPA emissions standards | 75% North American content required for tariff benefits; 40-45% content must be made by workers earning $16+/hour; vehicles must meet safety standards in both countries; emissions testing required for import/export |
Research Guidance
Where to Find Regulatory Information
Mexican Government Sources:
- Gobierno de México - Main government portal
- Secretaría de Economía - Economic affairs and trade
- COFEPRIS - Health regulation (pharmaceuticals, food)
- SEMARNAT - Environmental regulation
U.S. Government Sources:
- USA.gov - Business regulation portal
- Department of Commerce - Trade and business development
- FDA - Food, drug, and medical device regulation
- EPA - Environmental protection
Industry-Specific Agencies:
- Automobiles: NHTSA (U.S.), Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation
- Energy: Department of Energy (U.S.), SENER (Mexico)
- Agriculture: USDA (U.S.), SAGARPA (Mexico)
- Technology: FCC (U.S.), IFT (Mexico)
Research Tips
- Start broad, then narrow: Begin with general industry overviews, then look for specific regulatory requirements
- Look for recent updates: Regulations change frequently, so prioritize current information
- Check multiple sources: Verify information across government and industry sources
- Focus on practical impact: What do businesses actually need to do to comply?
Class Discussion
After completing the research table, we’ll discuss:
- Cross-industry patterns: Which types of regulations appear across multiple industries?
- Complexity levels: Which industries face the most complex regulatory environments?
- Translation challenges: What terminology or concepts would be challenging to translate accurately?
- Business implications: How do these regulations impact companies’ operational decisions?
📥 Download this Content
Find this file on our repo and download it.
🤖 GAI Study Prompts
Copy the downloaded content and try it with these prompts:
- “Help me research regulatory requirements for [specific industry] in Mexico and the United States”
- “What are the main government agencies that regulate [industry] in both countries?”
- “Explain the key compliance challenges for companies in [industry] operating across the Mexico-U.S. border”
- “What specialized vocabulary should I know for regulatory documents in [industry]?”
Next Activity: U.S. Startup Entering Mexico Case Study