Mexico needs a more ambitious agenda and a joint operation of vertical integration, stated economist Alejandro Werner. He harshly criticized the 'Plan Mexico', calling it 'all and nothing'. In his speech at the ITAM Economic Seminar, Werner questioned Mexico's ability to withstand tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. 'What's the point of the treaty if Trump can impose tariffs, make unilateral decisions, and Mexico has no resources?', he asked. The expert also expressed concern about the country's weak institutional context, low economic growth, and inflationary pressures that could remain above 4% for the next five years. He believes Mexico is late in responding to global changes, and it is becoming increasingly urgent to have a clearer stance on the coming world. Werner emphasized that priorities should be internal reforms to boost competition, better regulation, education, infrastructure, and energy. Meanwhile, former NAFTA negotiator Luis de la Calle agreed that the main risk comes from tariffs but expressed optimism about the continuation of the agreement.
