WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
16 June 2011 
 (11-2938) 
Committee on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures Original:   Spanish 
 
 
 
SUBSIDIES 
 
New and Full Notification Pursuant to Artic le XVI:1 of the GATT 1994 and Article 25 
of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures 
 
MEXICO 
   The following communication, dated 10 June 2011,  is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Mexico. 
 
_______________ 
 
  The attached notification is the new notifica tion of the United Mexican States on programmes 
currently granted or maintained in Mexico.  This not ification also covers earlier fiscal years for which 
no notifications were submitted.   In accordance with Article 25.7 of th e Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures (SCM), this notification does not prej udge, under the GATT 1994 and the SCM Agreement:  
(i) the legal status of the notified programmes;  (ii)  their effects:  (iii) the nature of the programmes 
themselves.   Data may reflect approximations, estimates or pr eliminary information.  In the event of any 
discrepancy between this notification and the lega l instruments on which the programmes are based, 
the latter shall prevail.  For the purpose of informat ion and in the interests of transparency, Mexico 
has also included in this notification certain progr ammes which may be presumed not to be notifiable 
within the meaning of the SCM Agreement.   G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
  Page 
 
I.  FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SECTOR .................................................................... 3  
A.  VOLUNTARY DECOMMISSIONING OF SHRIMP BOATS  ................................................................. 3  
B.  SUBSTITUTION OF OUTBOARD MOTORS FOR SMALL VESSELS  ................................................... 4  
C.  MODERNIZATION OF THE FISHING FLEET  ................................................................................... 5  
D.  MARINE DIESEL COMPONENT  ..................................................................................................... 5  
E.  "COASTAL " GASOLINE COMPONENT  .......................................................................................... 6  
F.  FISHERIES EXCHANGES  ............................................................................................................... 7  
G.  MULTIPURPOSE BERTHS  ............................................................................................................. 8  
H.  COASTAL FISHERIES PLANNING  .................................................................................................. 9  
I.  NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR AQUACULTURE PLANNING  ........................................................ 10  
J.  PROGRAMME FOR STRATEGIC RESOURCE PLANNING  .............................................................. 11  
K.  SPECIAL INSPECTION AND SURVEILLANCE OPERATION  ........................................................... 12  
II.  HIGH-TECHNOLOGY SECTOR ........................................................................................ 13  
A.  PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH-TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES 
(PRODIAT) ..................................................................................................................... ......... 13 
III. FORESTRY SECTOR ........................................................................................................... 14  
A.  PROÁRBOL  .............................................................................................................................. .. 14 
  G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  I. FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SECTOR 
A. VOLUNTARY DECOMMISSIONING OF SHRIMP BOATS  
1. Title 
 
Voluntary decommissioning of shrimp boats. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
From 2005 to 2010.  In 2008 the project did not operate because of a budget shortfall. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
 
To reduce fishing effort through the vol untary decommissioning of large vessels 
(withdrawing the corresponding permits or commerc ial fishing licences in force), so as to make 
fishing a secure and viable activity in economic a nd technical terms and ensure its sustainability. 
4. Background and authority 
 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee gr ants this subsidy 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 grante d as a fixed amount and 
on condition that the recipient is in possession of a valid permit or concession 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 2005 to 2010, grants amounted to 552.9 million pesos. 
8. Duration 
 
The programme started in 2005.  In 2008 it di d 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 redu ce fishing effort and sustain fisheries resources. G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  B. S
UBSTITUTION OF OUTBOARD MOTORS FOR SMALL VESSELS  
1. Title 
 
 Substitution of outboard motors for small vessels.  
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
 From 2008 to 2010.  3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
  To help to provide the sector with equipmen t and up-to-date technology by replacing obsolete 
and used motors on vessels fishing under a vali d concession and/or permit, with new motors 
possessing technology that allows energy efficiency by optimizing fuel consumption and minimizing 
pollution levels. 
 
4. Background and authority 
  General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009.  
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Direct support.  6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
  The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this subsidy 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 varies;  it is worked out 
as a percentage of the value of the motor and the additional contribution from the producer.  
7. Amount 
 
 From 2008 to 2010, grants amounted to 453.2 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.  The purpose of the measure is to prom ote the use of more energy-efficient motors in 
order to reduce pollution levels.   G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  C. MODERNIZATION OF THE FISHING FLEET  
1. Title 
 
 Modernization of the fishing fleet.  
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
 2010.  3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
  To renew, over three years, the commercial fl eet fishing shrimp, sardines, squid, scaled fish, 
octopus and shark.  4. Background and authority 
  General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009.  5. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Direct support. 
 6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
  The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this subsidy to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectively, carry out commercial fish ing activities with large 
vessels under a valid fishing concession or permit.  Th e grants consist of a fixed amount based on an 
evaluation that takes into account:  years of offici al operations, number of beneficiaries, level of 
assets, cost-benefit ratio, impact on job creation and level of contribution from beneficiary. 
 7. Amount 
  In 2010, grants amounted to 111.7 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. 
 D. M
ARINE DIESEL COMPONENT  
1. Title 
 
 Marine Diesel Component. 
 G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  2. Period covered by the notification 
 
 From 2002 to 2010.  3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
  To help producers in fisheries and aquacultu re to maintain competitiveness by providing 
temporary support to offset the costs of energy inpu ts, the aim being to create fair market conditions 
in view of the unequal situation prevailing in the world market linked to the grant of subsidies by 
other countries. 
 
4. Background and authority 
  General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009. 
 
5. Form of the subsidy 
  Compensatory support.  6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
  The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this subsidy to natural and/or legal 
persons who, either individually or collectively, carry out commercial fish ing activities with large 
vessels and/or aquaculture activities under a valid fi shing 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:  vessel s with diesel internal 
combustion engines registered in Mexico, and operating aquaculture units.  7. Amount 
  From 2002 to 2010, grants amounted to 5.943 billion 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.  E. "C
OASTAL " GASOLINE COMPONENT  
1. Title 
 
 Coastal gasoline component.  2. Period covered by the notification 
  From 2003 to 2010.   G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
 
 To help fisheries producers to maintain co mpetitiveness by providing temporary support to 
offset their expenditure and energy input costs, the aim being to create fair market conditions in view 
of the unequal situation prevailing in the world ma rket linked to the grant of subsidies by other 
countries. 
 4. Background and authority 
  General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009. 
 5. Form of the subsidy 
  Compensatory support. 
 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
  The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this subsidy 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 fixe d amount of up to 2 pesos is granted per litre. 
 7. Amount 
  From 2003 to 2010, grants amounted to 643.6 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.  F. F
ISHERIES EXCHANGES  
1. Title 
 
 Fisheries exchanges.  2. Period covered by the notification 
 
 From 2008 to 2010. 
 3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
  To modernize national fisheries infrastruct ure by building, rehab ilitating and equipping 
collection centres for the supply, loading a nd unloading, primary processing and preserving of 
fisheries products.  G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  4. Background and authority 
 
 General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009.  
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Direct support.  6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
  The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this subsidy 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 of the grant varies according to 
the characteristics and scope of the project and applicants must be social sector organizations located 
in fishing communities ranked by CONAPO as having a medium to high marginalization rate. 
 7. Total amount 
  From 2008 to 2010, grants amounted to 74.3 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 facilities are for collective use a nd are intended to support the collection and 
distribution of fisheries products.  They accord ingly affect product storage and distribution. 
 G. M
ULTIPURPOSE BERTHS  
1. Title 
 
 Multipurpose berths.  2. Period covered by the notification 
  From 2008 to 2010.  3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
  To modernize the national fisheries infrastru cture by building, rehabilitating and equipping 
berthing and collection facilities, for the supply, loading and unloading, primary processing and 
preservation of fisheries products.  4. Background and authority 
 
 General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009.   G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
 Page 9 
 
 
  5. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Direct support.  6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
  The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee grants this subsidy 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 of the grant varies according to 
the characteristics and scope of the project, and applicants must be social sector organizations located 
in fishing communities ranked by CONAPO as having a medium to high marginalization rate. 
 7. Amount 
  From 2008 to 2010, grants amounted to 26.1 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.  The facilities are for collective use and are intended for the mooring of coastal vessels.  
Their effect is accordingly the generation of infrastructure for fishing communities.  
H. C
OASTAL FISHERIES PLANNING  
1. Title 
 
Coastal Fisheries Planning. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
From 2008 to 2010. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
 
To have a policy instrument for the identification, registration and monitoring of users of 
coastal fishing, through measures allowing their inclusion in information systems. 
4. Background and authority 
 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
Direct support. G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committee gr ants this subsidy 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 2008 to 2010, grants amounted to 29.3 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.  I. N
ATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR AQUACULTURE PLANNING  
1. Title 
 
National Programme for Aquaculture Planning. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
From 2008 to 2010. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
 
To prepare state aquaculture plans for the pur pose of locating, regulating and administering 
aquaculture activities, and to promote sustainable use of aquaculture resources to ensure optimum 
production, environmental and sanita ry quality, and the availabilit y and sustainability of natural 
populations of species that are of current and potential interest for aquaculture. 
4. Background and authority 
 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committ ee grants a fixed amount to natural and/or 
legal persons who, either indivi dually or collectively, carry out or seek to carry out aquaculture 
activities.  G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
 Page 11 
 
 
  7. Amount 
 
 From 2008 to 2010, grants amounted to 19 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.  J. P
ROGRAMME FOR STRATEGIC RESOURCE PLANNING  
1. Title 
 
Programme for Strategic Resource Planning. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
2010. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
 
To provide a fisheries policy instrument for th e regulation and administration of fisheries, as 
an incentive to sustainable use, based on technical  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 Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committ ee 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 2010, grants amounted to 20.5 million pesos.  G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  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 u se of fisheries.  Forty per cent of the volume of 
fisheries production is covered by planning progra mmes.  The measures are administrative and are 
intended to promote the sustainability of res ources, not as a direct benefit to recipients. 
K. S
PECIAL INSPECTION AND SURVEILLANCE OPERATION  
1. Title 
 
Special Inspection and Surveillance Operation. 
2. Period covered by the notification 
 
From 2008 to 2010. 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
 
To implement and carry out, in the states of the Federation, preventive measures and 
operations for inspection and surveillance, mainly in sandbar estuaries, estuary systems, bays and 
inland waters with the participation of the benefici ary or beneficiaries, in order to assist with the 
performance of duties, with a view to promoting inte grated and sustainable use of fisheries resources. 
4. Background and authority 
 
General Law on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, 24 July 2007.  Agreement notifying 
the Rules on the Operation of SAGARPA Programmes, 31 December 2009. 
5. Form of the subsidy 
 
Direct support. 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
 
The National Aquaculture and Fisheries Committ ee grants a fixed amount to natural and/or 
legal persons who, individually or collectively, engage in commercial fishing or/and aquaculture 
under a fisheries concession or permit. 
7. Amount 
 
 From 2008 to 2010, grants amounted to 125.3 million pesos. 
 8. Duration 
  The programme started in 2008.   G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  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 practi ces 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 for the recipient. 
 
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 2011. 
 3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
  To stimulate the growth of sales, producti on, employment, value added, productivity and 
competitiveness in high-technology industries by gr anting temporary support for the implementation 
of projects to respond to market failures. 
 4. Background and authority 
  Agreement notifying the Rules for the Operati on of the Programme for the Development of 
High-Technology Industries (PRODIAT), for the fiscal year 2011, published on 29 December 2010 in 
the Official Journal.  5. Form of the subsidy 
  Non-repayable temporary cash support. 
 
6. To whom and how assistance is provided 
  The Directorate-General of Heavy Industry and High Technology of the Ministry of the Economy grants this subsidy to natural persons engaged in business activities and legal entities 
established under Mexican law engaged in the manuf acture of machinery and equipment;  computer, 
communication, measurement and other equipm ent, electronic components and accessories;  
electricity-generating equipment and electrical devic es and accessories;  transport equipment and parts 
of automotive vehicles;  to business entities comprising such manufacturers, to their suppliers and to 
academic and research and development institutio ns, non-profit-making public, private or mixed 
bodies provided that they develop projects for such manufacturers, through agreements or other legal 
instruments.  Support is granted for the devel opment and execution of projects conforming to the 
following provisions:  the amount of support per pr oject shall not exceed 50 per cent of the total 
project cost;  for strategic projects, the Governi ng Board may authorize support of up to 70 per cent of 
the total project cost;  specific expenditure ite ms 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 4.2 million pesos.  G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  7. Amount 
 
 25.6 million pesos.  8. Duration 
  From 1 January to 31 December 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. P
ROÁRBOL  
1. Title 
 
 ProÁrbol.  2. Period covered by the notification 
 
 From 2010 to 2011. 
 3. Policy objective and/or purpose 
  To promote the establishment of commercial forestry plantations to yield timber and 
non-timber forestry raw materials. 
 4. Background and authority 
  Operating Rules of the ProÁrbol Programme 2010, published in the Official Journal of 
31 December 2009. 
 
5. Form of the subsidy 
  Direct financial support granted to natural a nd legal persons whose a pplications for support 
have been approved by the Committee.  The res ources 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 le gal persons.  Natural and legal pers ons other than such owners and 
holders may apply for support provided that they meet the legal requirements set forth in the 
Operating Rules.  7. Amount 
 
 In 2010, grants amounted to 542.5 million p esos, and in 2011, to 623.6 million pesos. 
  G/SCM/N/220/MEX 
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  8. Amount 
 
 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.  
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