The simple statement of this question already involves an inevitable conflict between Mexico and the United States and Canada, its main trading partners. From the media, the version has been spread that the López Obrador government could make the decision to abandon this important trade agreement. But it would be economic suicide of daunting proportions.
The T-MEC was negotiated by the team of then President Peña Nieto, but it had the participation and full acceptance of the incoming government. In other words, everything agreed was accepted by the 4T government. That is why it is surprising that what has already been signed is now being questioned. Political reasons are being placed above the national interest.
De admits that this agreement has led to a higher rate of economic activity between the three countries. Thanks to this, Mexico receives more foreign investment, its exports increased, and it was possible to build a highly efficient and competitive industrial infrastructure. The advantages are obvious to everyone.
But in addition, the Mexican population does not share the idea of its government in the sense of breaking with this trade agreement. A recent poll conducted between August 16 and 18 by the Reforma newspaper indicates that 80% of Mexicans support the T-MEC, and 73% want Mexico to remain in the treaty.
62% trust that existing differences will be resolved, and 73% of those surveyed would agree to make the necessary legal changes to remain in the treaty. It is also important to mention that 67% consider that leaving the T-MEC could harm their activity and their family. 56% think that many investors would choose to leave our country.
So, what is the Mexican government trying to do by calling into question the successful trade relationship it has with the United States and Canada? Why threaten a break even at the cost of the damage that may be caused to the productive plant, to investments, to jobs and to the population in general? The reasons are not economic. Nor is it a matter of national sovereignty.
López Obrador wants to be the hero of Latin America. He seeks to pressure the United States to change its policy towards the countries of the continent, mainly with respect to Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Brazil. He is trying to negotiate on behalf of the governments of other countries, and not as a representative of the Mexican population.
The damage to the productive sectors and the entities of the country matters little. Saying goodbye to T-MEC would ruin the economy of many states. For example, total exports from Sinaloa are for an amount close to 3 billion dollars, and more than 90% are to the United States and Canada. Breaking the treaty would ruin the Sinaloa economy, and would also generate a true national disaster. The T-MEC must continue and expand.
#Goodbye #TMEC