Overview and Relevance of the News
Mexico has advanced from position 56 to 55 in the World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, compiled by the Institute for Management Development (IMD), based in Switzerland. This article delves into the implications of this ranking, discussing Mexico’s standing and the areas requiring improvement.
Global Competitiveness Ranking Highlights
In the overall ranking, Switzerland, Singapore, and Hong Kong emerged as the world’s most competitive economies. Canada, Germany, and Luxembourg demonstrated the highest climb in positions among the top 20.
“Strong currencies are a long-term success indicator,” stated Arturo Bris, Director of the World Competitiveness Center (WCC), which produced the ranking. “Meanwhile, the reorganization of global trade networks reveals how accessible countries have been acting in their best interest, and the consensus is positive for economies, contrasting sharply with polarization effects.”
Mexico’s Performance Breakdown
Breaking down its four main pillars, Mexico ranked 39th in economic performance; 62nd in government efficiency; 54th in business efficiency; and 61st in infrastructure.
- Economic Performance: Domestic economy (30), international trade (52), foreign investment (32), employment (9), and prices (55).
- Government Efficiency: Public finances (52), fiscal policy (23), institutional framework (62), business legislation (62), and social framework (61).
- Business Efficiency: Efficiency and productivity (38), labor market (50), finances (62), management practices (53), and attitudes and values (57).
- Infrastructure: Health and environment (59), basic infrastructure (66), technological infrastructure (62), education (64), and scientific infrastructure (53).
Challenges and Recommendations for Mexico
The report highlighted that Mexico should capitalize on the U.S. economic policy to foster internal market growth through innovation, emphasizing “Mexican markets for Mexican products.”
Furthermore, implementing logistical infrastructure is necessary to leverage Mexico’s outsourcing advantages; promoting structural reforms for better education and clean energy; driving higher GDP growth (2-3%); and enhancing relations with significant global economies.
A year ago, in absolute terms, Mexico was positioned at 56, remaining unchanged in 2023. However, this year’s ranking included three new economies: two below Mexico (Ghana and Nigeria) and one above (Puerto Rico).
- Previous rankings: 2019 (50), 2020 (53), 2021 (55), and 2022 (55).
- This edition classifies 69 economies worldwide. The final score for each economy is calculated using executives’ perceptions alongside statistical data, aiming to separately measure quantitative and qualitative issues.
- Statistical data originates from international, national, and regional organizations, private institutions, and IMD-associated institutes. These statistics, known as “hard data,” constitute two-thirds of the overall ranking.
- In the 2025 ranking, Oman (position 28) and Kenya (56) were included, while Israel (22 in 2024) was excluded. This change ensured Mexico’s ranking remained unaffected, as a country entered and exited positions above Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the World Competitiveness Ranking? The World Competitiveness Ranking is an annual assessment of the competitiveness of countries, compiled by the Institute for Management Development (IMD).
- Why is Mexico’s ranking important? Mexico’s position reflects its competitiveness on the global stage, highlighting areas for improvement and growth opportunities.
- What are the main challenges facing Mexico? Mexico needs to leverage U.S. economic policies, improve infrastructure, and implement structural reforms for better education and clean energy.
- How does the ranking calculate scores? The ranking combines executives’ perceptions with statistical data, measuring both quantitative and qualitative aspects separately.
