Mexico: International Relations

International trade is very important to Mexico. Interestingly enough, one of Mexico’s most frequent trade partners is the United States. According to the International Trade Study (researched by ING economists), the top nine goods imported to Mexico are all of United States origin. These goods include the following: Office, telecom, and electrical equipment ($43560 million); Fuels ($23333 million); Chemicals ($21930 million); Industrial machinery ($19716 million); Road vehicles and transport equipment ($18726 million); Basic food and food products ($16731 million); Other products ($12757 million); Other manufacturers ($12482 million); Ores and metals ($10993 million). Additionally, the tenth largest flow of imports consists of office, telecom, and electrical equipment from China ($9134 million). 

While international imports are key to the economy of Mexico, Mexican export goods are also significant. Similar to imported goods, the most frequent recipient of exports from Mexico is the United States. According to the International Trade Study (researched by ING economists), the top ten goods exported from Mexico are destined for the United States. These goods include the following: Office, telecom, and electrical equipment ($77233 million); Road vehicles and transport equipment ($48904 million); Fuels ($45702 million); Industrial machinery ($25178 million); Other products ($21689 million); Basic food and food products ($14025 million); Ores and metals ($10021 million); Other manufactures ($9952 million); Textiles ($6100 million); Chemicals ($5175 million). 

In terms of the exchange rate in Mexico, here are the recent details from the CIA World Factbook: 

Mexican pesos (MXN) per US dollar 
12.76 (2013 est.)
13.17 (2012 est.)
12.636 (2010 est.)
13.514 (2009)
11.016 (2008)

Many individuals from Mexico are migrants. It’s been estimated that 11% of Mexico’s native individuals are living abroad. 97% of these emigrants currently reside in the US, which means there are more than 12 million migrants from Mexico living in America. These migrants may have crossed the border legally or illegally.

In regard to immigration, it has been estimated that approximately 75% of indigenous Mexican emigrants originate in the United States. However, emigration from Mexico is much more frequent than immigration to Mexico.

When considering the international relations of Mexico, the United States plays a large role. Following the historical Mexican War of Independence, the Mexican government realized the importance of promoting positive relationships with America, mostly for trade purposes. Mexico also maintains positive relationships with a variety of other bi-lateral countries and more. Within the Mexican border, however, the government continues to fight a substantial war on the market of illegal drugs. Over 34,612 individuals have been reportedly killed in Mexico throughout the past four years. These individuals include suspected drug-gang members, members of security forces, and persons considered innocent bystanders.