'Cheap Mexico': US accuses the country of not stopping piracy
The US has accused Mexico of failing to take significant action against the open sale of counterfeit goods and pirated content in prominent markets during 2025, according to the USTR report.
The United States has criticized Mexico for not taking adequate measures to combat piracy and counterfeiting, as highlighted in the "2025 Review of Notorious Markets" published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The report specifically points out that in 2025, there were no substantial raids conducted to address the rampant sale of counterfeit merchandise and pirated content in key markets across Mexico. It suggests that the illicit trade is occurring openly, without serious intervention from Mexican authorities, raising concerns about the country's commitment to intellectual property rights enforcement.
Significant locations mentioned in the report include popular markets in Guadalajara and Mexico City. In particular, the Guadalajara market known as El Santuario has been flagged as a notable site for the sale and distribution of illegal medicines, including counterfeit, stolen, or expired products. The report emphasizes that these unlawful activities are taking place in well-known areas and are visible to the authorities, yet no significant actions have been reported to address the situation.
This situation not only reflects on Mexico's enforcement policies but also has broader implications for the country's trade relationships, particularly with the United States. As the U.S. continues to scrutinize Mexicoβs efforts in combating piracy, the lack of effective response may lead to strained diplomatic relations and could potentially impact trade agreements. The findings in this report underscore the ongoing challenges that Mexico faces in managing intellectual property rights and maintaining a fair trading environment.