Mexico’s Economic and Geopolitical Challenges: Strengthening Infrastructure, Increasing Investment, and Consolidating T-MEC

Web Editor

June 5, 2025

a typewriter with a lot of papers on it and a caption that says opinion on it in spanish, Edward Oth

Global Economic Uncertainty and Geopolitical Tensions

The current uncertainty is rooted in the global economy and geopolitical scenarios. Economic growth projections are lower due to increased market volatility, driven by deglobalization caused by tariffs, rising inflation, and technological competition between the United States and China.

Moreover, migration resulting from armed conflicts negatively impacts societies, fueling populism and distrust in governments. In this context, leaders like Trump and Putin make regrettable mistakes with narcissistic displays, while China’s President Xi Jinping advises on the impending disaster with his patient, oriental approach.

Mexico’s Economic Dependence

Mexico’s economy is heavily reliant on external trade, remittances, foreign direct investment, and tourism, which account for 50% of its GDP. However, these factors are vulnerable due to their dependence on resolving global and geopolitical issues.

Strategies for Economic Resilience

To address these challenges, Mexico should focus on strengthening its infrastructure and increasing both domestic and foreign investment.

Infrastructure Development

The Plan México and the Economic Development Poles for Well-being aim to improve physical infrastructure, providing a solid foundation for economic growth.

Increased Investment

Mexico’s investment in capital goods has been historically low. Comparing Mexico to countries known for their dynamic economies, such as China (42%), India (40%), South Korea (36%), and Chile (30%), highlights the need for increased investment as a percentage of GDP.

Consolidating T-MEC

Strengthening the Transpacific Partnership for Growth and Prosperity (T-MEC) is crucial to bolstering North American trade. Additionally, addressing security concerns of interest to the United States can prevent potential military interventions that would violate Mexico’s sovereignty.

Improving the Rule of Law

To elevate the nation’s quality, Mexico must prioritize the rule of law. According to the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index, Mexico ranks 118 out of 142 countries.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What are the global economic challenges facing Mexico? Mexico faces lower growth projections due to market volatility caused by deglobalization, tariffs, inflation, and technological competition between the US and China.
  • Why is infrastructure development important for Mexico? Improved physical infrastructure provides a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
  • How does Mexico’s investment level compare to other dynamic economies? Mexico invests less in capital goods compared to countries like China (42%), India (40%), South Korea (36%), and Chile (30%).
  • What role does T-MEC play in Mexico’s economic strategy? Consolidating T-MEC strengthens North American trade and addresses US security concerns to prevent potential military interventions.
  • Why is the rule of law significant for Mexico’s progress? With a ranking of 118 out of 142 countries in the World Justice Project’s 2024 Rule of Law Index, improving the rule of law is essential for Mexico’s development.