The return of donald trump to the presidency of the United States represents an enormous challenge for neighboring countries due to its protectionist policies. Especially for Mexico, as they could suffer the effects of the massive deportations of their compatriots and the increase in tariffs on their products. And in the midst of these tensions and trade threats, Claudia Sheinbaum’s government has a plan in mind to counteract them.
Mexico has in mind to challenge Donald Trump’s policies and transform its economy to be one of the world’s potential. This through ‘Plan Mexico’, an ambitious project that not only seeks to protect the national coffers, but also to position the nation it leads Claudia Sheinbaum within the ten best. What is it about?
President Claudia Sheinbaum made the Mexico Plan official (Photo: EFE)
Plan Mexico takes into account various strategic objectives to increase the country’s economy, such as raising investment to 25% of GDP. Create more than 1.5 million jobs in key sectors and seek to be among the top 10 world economies.
With an estimated investment of $277 billion dollars in 2,000 identified projects, the Mexican government aims to promote sectors such as the automotive, aerospace, electronics and pharmaceutical industries. However, details about the companies involved remain confidential.
Another pillar is to bet on the national industry and strengthen local production. Among the goals of this area are to increase the participation of Mexican components in global chains by 15%, develop vaccines within the country and finance 30% of Mexican SMEs.
Likewise, Claudia Sheinbaum’s government intends for half of the state’s consumer products and procurement to be domestically manufactured, which represents an important shift toward self-sufficiency.
A KEY FACTOR: THE T-MEC
Despite tensions with the United States, the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) remains fundamental. In 2024, this agreement generated bilateral trade of $776 billion, consolidating Mexico as a key partner of its northern neighbor. Sheinbaum maintains that the USMCA not only benefits the three nations, but also reinforces regional economic integration in the face of competition from Asia.
A CONTINENTAL LOOK
Mexico also seeks to reduce Asian influence in its region’s trade. Starting in 2021, it proposes replacing 10% of China’s imports with products manufactured in North America, which could significantly increase the GDP of Mexico, the United States and Canada. “We want America to be the region with the greatest development potential in the world”Sheinbaum said.
Protesters burn Donald Trump piñata during a protest in front of the US embassy in Mexico City in rejection of the immigration policy of the new US president. (Photo: Silvana FLORES / AFP)
