How did Mexico's exports change between 1994 and 2013 under NAFTA?
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico experienced a dramatic increase in its exports. Between 1994 and 2013, the value of Mexican exports rose from approximately $60 billion to nearly $400 billion.1
This surge in exports was largely driven by the expansion of Mexico's industrial base, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which benefited from increased foreign investment following the implementation of the agreement. This growth was accompanied by a simultaneous rise in imports, providing Mexican consumers with access to a wider variety of lower-priced and higher-quality goods. While this period of trade expansion was significant, it is important to note that the overall economic growth in Mexico during the post-NAFTA years remained modest compared to some other Latin American nations.231