G/SCM/N/253/MEX  
3 July 2013  
(13-3490)  Page: 1/12  
Committee on Subsidies and  
Countervailing Measures  Original: Spanish  
 
  SUBSIDIES 
NEW AND FULL NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XVI:1 OF THE GATT 1994  
AND ARTICLE 25 OF THE AGREEMENT ON SUBSIDIES  
AND COUNTERVAILING MEASURES 
MEXICO 
The following communication, dated 30 June 2013, is being circulated at the request 
of the delegation of Mexico.  
_______________ 
  
The attached notification from the United Mexican States contains information on programmes 
granted or maintained in Mexico during 2011 and 2012. 
In accordance with Article 25.7 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures (SCM), this notification does not prejudge, under the GATT 1994 and 
the SCM Agreement: (i) the legal status of th e notified programmes; (ii) their effects: 
(iii) the nature of the programmes themselves. 
Data may reflect approximations, estimates or preliminary information. In the event of any 
discrepancy between this notification and the legal instruments on which the programmes 
are based, the latter shall prevail. For the purpose of information and in the interests 
of transparency, Mexico has also included in this notification certain programmes which may 
be presumed not to be notifiable within the meaning of the SCM Agreement. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  Page 
I. FISHERIES AND AQUACU LTURE SECTOR ................................................................. 2  
A. Voluntary decommissioning of shrimp boats ................................................................. 2  
B. Substitution of outboard mo tors for smal l vessels ......................................................... 3  
C. Modernization of the fishing fleet and rationalization of fishing effort ................................ 4  
D. Marine diesel ........................................................................................................... 5  
E. "Coastal" ga soline .................................................................................................... 6  
F. Coastal fisherie s planning .......................................................................................... 7  
G. National programme for aq uaculture pl anning .............................................................. 7  
H. Programme for strategic resource pl anning .................................................................. 8  
I. Fisheries and aquaculture insp ection and surv eillance .................................................... 9  
II. HIGH-TECHNOLOG Y SECTOR  ................................................................................. 10  
A. Programme for the development of high-technology industries (PRODIAT) ....................... 10 
III. FORESTRY SECTOR ................................................................................................ 11  
A. PROÁRBOL ............................................................................................................. 11 
 
I. FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SECTOR 
A. Voluntary decommissioning of shrimp boats 
1. Title 
Reduction of Fishing Effort. 2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. 3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To reduce fishing effort through the voluntary decommissioning of large vessels (withdrawing 
the corresponding permits or commercial fishing licences in force), so as to make fishing a secure 
and viable activity in economic and technical terms and ensure its sustainability. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aq uaculture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this support to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectively, carry out commercial fishing activities on 
the high seas with large vessels under a valid fishing concession or permit. It is granted as a fixed 
amount and on condition that the recipient is in possession of a valid permit or concession G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  for high seas fishing and can show that the vessel has operated for two of the last three fishing 
seasons and has had an output of at least 9 tonnes in the period in question. 
7. Amount 
From 2011 to 2012, grants amounted to 58.5 million pesos. 
2011: 42.9 million pesos. 
2012: 15.6 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
The programme started in 2005. In 2008 it did not operate because of a budget shortfall. 
9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. The objective of the measure is to reduce fishing effort and sustain fisheries resources. 
B. Substitution of outboard motors for small vessels 
1. Title 
Substitution of Environmentally Friendly Marine Motors. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To help to provide the coastal sector with technological equipment by replacing obsolete and used 
motors on vessels fishing under a valid concession and/or permit, with new motors possessing technology that allows energy efficiency by opti mizing fuel consumption and minimizing pollution 
levels. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aq uaculture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this support to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectively, carry out coastal commercial fishing activities with small vessels under a valid fishing concession or permit. The amount granted is up to 40% of the value of the motor. 
7. Amount 
From 2011 to 2012, grants amounted to 252.6 million pesos. 
2011: 161.9 million pesos. 
2012: 90.7 million pesos. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  8. Duration 
The programme started in 2008. 
9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. The purpose of the measure is to promote the use of more energy-efficient motors 
in order to reduce pollution levels. 
C. Modernization of the fishing fleet and rationalization of fishing effort 
1. Title 
Modernization of the Fishing Fleet and Rationalization of Fishing Effort. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
The purpose if the measure is to promote the use of improved fishing technologies and equipment 
for the sustainable exploitation of resources and the rationalization of fishing effort, particularly in 
the commercial fleet engaged in the long-line fishing of shrimp, squid, scaled fish, sardines, 
octopus, shark and tuna. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aq uaculture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this support to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectively, carry out commercial fishing activities with large 
vessels under a valid fishing concession or permit. The grants consist of a fixed amount based 
on an evaluation that takes into account: years of official operations, number of beneficiaries, level of assets, cost-benefit ratio, impact on job creation and level of contribution from beneficiary. 
7. Amount 
From 2011 to 2012, grants amounted to 325.0 million pesos. 
2011: 77.5 million pesos. 
2012: 247.5 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
The programme started in 2010. 
9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. The aim of the measure is to prom ote the use of better fishing technologies 
and equipment in the interests of sustainable use of resources and reducing fishing effort. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  D. Marine diesel 
1. Title 
Marine Diesel. 2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. 3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To help producers in aquaculture and fisheries to maintain competitiveness by providing temporary 
support to offset the costs of energy inputs, the ai m being to create fair market conditions in view 
of the unequal situation prevailing in the world market linked to the grant of support by other 
countries. The above is contingent on conservation and fisheries management measures. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aq uaculture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Compensatory support. 6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this support to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectively, carry out aquaculture and/or commercial fishing 
activities with large vessels under a valid aquaculture or fishing concession or permit. The amount granted varies; the litres to receive support are determined according to the horsepower of the vessel's main engine. There is a fixed amount per litre of up to 2 pesos. Eligibility: operating 
aquaculture units and vessels with diesel internal combustion engines registered in Mexico. 
The above is contingent on conservation and fisheries management measures. 
7. Amount 
From 2011 to 2012, grants amounted to 1,313.3 billion pesos. 
2011: 752.8 million pesos. 
2012: 560.5 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
The programme began in 2002. 
9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  E. "Coastal" gasoline 
1. Title 
Coastal Gasoline. 2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. 3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To help fisheries producers to maintain competitiveness by providing temporary support to offset 
their expenditure and energy input costs, the aim be ing to create fair market conditions in view 
of the unequal situation prevailing in the world market linked to the grant of support by other 
countries. The above is contingent on conservation and fisheries management measures. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aqua culture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying the 
Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Compensatory support. 6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this support to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectively, carry out coastal fishing activities under a valid 
fishing concession or permit. The amount granted varies; it is determined according to the horsepower of the vessel's main engine. A fixed amount of up to 2 pesos is granted per litre. It should be mentioned that this support is supplemented by the Programme for Substitution 
of Environmentally Friendly Marine Motors, through the application of an automatic decrease in 
the volume of fuel assigned, once the engine has been substituted. 
7. Amount 
From 2011 to 2012, grants amounted to 333.5 million pesos. 
2011: 166.4 million pesos. 
2012: 167.1 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
The programme began in 2003. 
9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  F. Coastal fisheries planning 
1. Title 
Coastal Fisheries Planning. 2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. 3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To support the regulation and administration of coastal fishing activity, as an incentive 
to sustainable use of fisheries resources. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aq uaculture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants a fixed amount to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectively, carry out coastal commercial fishing activities with small vessels under a valid fishing concession or permit. 
7. Amount 
From 2011 to 2012, grants amounted to 35.8 million pesos. 
2011: 19.2 million pesos. 
2012: 16.6 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
The programme started in 2008. 
9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. These are administrative measures and are intended to promote the sustainability of resources, not as a direct benefit for the recipient. 
G. National programme for aquaculture planning 
1. Title 
National Programme for Aquaculture Planning. 2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To prepare state aquaculture plans for the purp ose of locating, regulating and administering 
aquaculture activities, and to promote sustainable use of aquaculture resources, environmental and sanitary quality, and the availability and sust ainability of natural populations of species that 
are of current and potential interest for aquaculture. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aq uaculture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 to 30 December 2011. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Direct support. 6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants a fixed amount to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectivel y, carry out or seek to carry out aquaculture 
activities. 
7. Amount 
From 2011 to 2012, grants amounted to 28.6 million pesos. 
2011: 13.6 million pesos. 
2012: 15.0 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
The programme started in 2008. 9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. These are administrative measures and are intended to promote the sustainability of resources, not as a direct benefit. 
H. Programme for strategic resource planning 
1. Title 
Programme for Strategic Resource Planning. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To provide a fisheries policy instrument for the regulation and administration of fisheries, 
as an incentive to sustainable use, based on scientific information, levels of extraction, 
uses and potential, and capacity of fisheries; including planning strategies, guidelines and measures for decision-making at local, state and regional level. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aq uaculture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  5. Form of the subsidy 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants a fixed amount to the recipient 
production sector for the implementation of measures deriving from the policies for each 
of the resources or fisheries programmes. Government authorities are also covered as regards specific guidelines for administration and supervision systems. 
7. Amount 
In 2011 to 2012, grants amounted to 28.5 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
The programme started in 2010. 
9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. The measure is aimed at the sustainable use of fisheries. Forty per cent of the volume 
of fisheries production is covered by planning programmes. The measures are administrative 
and are intended to promote the sustainability of resources, not as a direct benefit. 
I. Fisheries and aquaculture in spection and surveillance  
1. Title 
Fisheries and Aquaculture Inspection and Surveillance. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
From 2011 to 2012. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To implement and carry out, in the states of th e Federation, preventive measures and operations 
for inspection and surveillance, mainly in sandba r estuaries, estuary systems, bays and inland 
waters with the participation of the beneficiary or beneficiaries, in order to assist with 
the performance of duties, with a view to promot ing integrated and sustainable use of fisheries 
resources. 
4. Background and authority 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aq uaculture, 24 July 2007. Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2010 and 30 December 2011. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Direct support. 6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants a fixed amount to natural and/or legal 
persons who, individually or collectively, engage in commercial fishing and/or aquaculture under 
a fisheries concession or permit. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  7. Amount 
From 2010 to 2011, grants amounted to 143.5 million pesos. 
2011: 73.7 million pesos. 
2012: 69.8 million pesos. 
An amount of 41.4 million pesos was also granted for surveillance, under the Fishing Vessel 
Satellite Monitoring System, of commercial fleet operations and compliance with established management and conservation measures, such as those relating to limited-take zones (protected 
natural areas and refuge areas) or no-take zones (in accordance with Mexican Official Standards). 
8. Duration 
The programme started in 2008. 9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. Their effect is to eliminate illegal practices in fisheries and in goods trade in the interest of promoting the sustainable use of resources. Th e measures are administrative and are intended 
to promote the sustainable use of resources, not as a direct benefit. 
II. HIGH-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR 
A. Programme for the development of high-technology industries (PRODIAT) 
1. Title 
Programme for the Development of High-Technology Industries (PRODIAT). 
2. Period covered by the notification 
From 1 January to 31 December 2012. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To stimulate the growth of sales, production, employment, value added, productivity 
and competitiveness in high-technology industries by granting temporary support 
for the implementation of projects to respond to market failures. 
4. Background and authority 
Agreement notifying the Rules for the Operat ion of the Programme for the Development 
of High-Technology Industries (PRODIAT), for the fiscal year 2012, published 
on 23 December 2011 in the Official Journal. 
First call for applications for support under the Programme for the Development 
of High-Technology Industries (PRODIAT), for the fiscal year 2012, published on 16 February 2012 
in the Official Journal. 
Second call for applications for support under the Programme for the Development 
of High-Technology Industries (PRODIAT), for the fiscal year 2012, published on 11 July 2012 
in the Official Journal. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
Non-repayable temporary cash support. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The Directorate-General of Heavy Industry and High Technology, attached to the Undersecretariat 
of Industry and Trade of the Mi nistry of the Economy grants this subsidy to natural persons 
engaged in business activities and legal entities established under Mexican law engaged in 
the manufacture of machinery and equipment; computer, communication, measurement and other 
equipment, electronic components and accessories; electricity-generating equipment and electrical devices and accessories; transport equipment and parts of automotive vehicles; to business 
entities comprising such manufacturers, to their fi rst-tier suppliers and to academic and research 
and development institutions, non-profit-making pub lic, private or mixed bodies provided that they 
develop projects for such manufacturers, through agreements or other legal instruments. 
Federal funding support is granted for the development and execution of projects conforming to 
the following provisions: the amount of support per project shall not exceed 50% of the total 
project cost; for strategic projects, the PRODIAT Governing Board may authorize support of up to 70% of the total project cost; specific expe nditure items and maximum amounts per item shall 
be those indicated in Annex I. Support may not be granted to the same project for more than 
three years, other than to projects which, by their nature and in the opinion of the 
PRODIAT Governing Board, require more time. Total support granted to a beneficiary may not 
exceed 4.5 million pesos. 
7. Amount 
In 2012, grants amounted to 24.1 million pesos. 8. Duration 
The programme started in 2011. 9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. 
III. FORESTRY SECTOR 
A. PROÁRBOL 
1. Title 
ProÁrbol. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
From 1 January to 31 December 2012. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
To promote the establishment of commercial forest ry plantations to yield timber and non-timber 
forestry raw materials, through the granting of support for the establishment and initial 
maintenance of plantations, and for contracting technical assistance for that purpose 
4. Background and authority 
Operating Rules of the ProÁrbol Programme  2012, published in the Official Journal 
of 12 December 2011. G/SCM/N/253/MEX 
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  5. Form of the subsidy 
Direct financial support granted to natural and legal persons whose applications for support have 
been approved by the National Technical Committee. The resources granted are non-repayable but the plantation must be established in order for the support to be paid. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
The programme is intended mainly for owners and holders of forest land and/or forest vocation 
land, whether natural or legal persons. Natural and legal persons other than such owners and 
holders may apply for support provided that they meet the legal requirements set forth in the 
Operating Rules or in the guidelines, as appropriate. 
7. Amount 
In 2012, grants amounted to 256.6 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
The programme started in 2010. 
9. Trade effects 
It is not possible to estimate what, if any, trade effects may result from the use of these 
provisions. 
__________