Background on the Situation
Quintana Roo, a Mexican state known for its thriving tourism industry and beautiful coastline, experienced a construction boom due to the Tren Maya project. However, this boom has now given way to a crisis in the construction sector, with numerous company closures and job losses.
Key Players and Their Roles
Ulises Morales, the president of the Cámara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcción (Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry) in Quintana Roo, has highlighted the severity of the situation. According to Morales, at least 60 construction companies have closed, accounting for 12% of the 500 members in this organization.
Decline in Industry Value
Morales reported that Quintana Roo has experienced four consecutive months of decline in the construction industry’s value, resulting in a 17% decrease compared to its peak in 2024.
Job Losses and Future Uncertainty
Morales expressed concern over the loss of jobs, stating that excluding contributions from priority projects like Tren Maya last year, the volume of employment has decreased by 15% compared to the previous year.
He anticipates that the situation could worsen if the tariffs announced by the United States against Mexico are confirmed. The uncertainty surrounding these tariffs has already caused a doubling of prices for crucial construction materials such as aluminum and copper.
Potential Solutions and Opportunities
Despite the challenges, Morales sees a glimmer of hope in the state government’s plan to construct 1,100 domes for public schools. He believes this project could provide a much-needed boost to the local supply chain and construction industry.
Morales emphasized the importance of prioritizing tenders for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quintana Roo, as they constitute more than 90% of the CMIC’s members and significantly contribute to other local economic sectors, particularly employment.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is causing the crisis in Quintana Roo’s construction industry? The crisis stems from the decline in construction projects following the Tren Maya boom, exacerbated by rising material costs due to potential US tariffs.
- How many construction companies have closed in Quintana Roo? At least 60 construction companies have shut down, representing 12% of the 500 members in the Cámara Mexicana de la Industria de la Construcción.
- What percentage has the construction industry’s value decreased? The construction industry’s value has dropped by 17% compared to its peak in 2024.
- How many jobs have been lost in the construction sector? Excluding priority projects like Tren Maya, the volume of employment in the construction sector has decreased by 15% compared to the previous year.
- What opportunities exist for the construction industry in Quintana Roo? The state government’s plan to build 1,100 domes for public schools presents a potential opportunity to revitalize the local construction industry, especially if tenders prioritize small and medium-sized enterprises.
