Ties That Bind

Mexico is subject to stereotypes from its wealthy northern neighbor, as a source of horrific drug violence and desperate unemployed laborers. Yet the pace of improvement in the Mexican economy is faster than that of the US, and that’s good for American exporters. Larisa Epatko, writing for PBS NewsHour, focuses on Mexico’s new positives: It’s the second most prominent destination for US exports and the third largest US trade partner. Spending by large numbers of urban, sophisticated Mexican consumers supports US automotive, food and electronics industries. Mexico is also the third leading supplier of oil to the US. Since the 1960s Mexico has transformed politically and economically, shifting from agriculture and commodities to manufacturing and services, while embracing democracy and education. In the heat of presidential election campaigns, Mexican and US candidates shouldn’t forget that the two nations are partners in security and trade. – YaleGlobal