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How Has NAFTA Affected the Mexican Economy? Review and Evidence

In: Monetary Policy and Macroeconomic Stabilization in Latin America

Author

Listed:
  • M. Ayhan Kose

    (International Monetary Fund)

  • Guy M. Meredith

    (International Monetary Fund)

  • Christopher M. Towe

    (International Monetary Fund)

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the impact of NAFTA on growth and business cycles in Mexico. The effect of the agreement in spurring a dramatic increase in trade and financial flows between Mexico and its NAFTA partners, and its impact on Mexican economic growth and business cycle dy-namics, are documented with reference both to stylized facts and recent empiri-cal research. The paper concludes by drawing lessons from Mexico’s NAFTA experience for policymakers in developing countries. The foremost of these is that in an increasingly globalized trading system, bilateral and regional free trade arrangements should be used to accelerate, rather than postpone, needed struc-tural reform.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Ayhan Kose & Guy M. Meredith & Christopher M. Towe, 2005. "How Has NAFTA Affected the Mexican Economy? Review and Evidence," Springer Books, in: Rolf J. Langhammer & Lúcio Vinhas Souza (ed.), Monetary Policy and Macroeconomic Stabilization in Latin America, pages 35-81, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-540-28201-3_3
    DOI: 10.1007/3-540-28201-7_3
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